Palace still to decide on higher SSS monthly contributions

President Benigno Aquino III has yet to decide on the Social Security System plan to increase its monthly contribution yet, his spokesperson said Tuesday.   At a press briefing, Edwin Lacierda said the President has concerns over the plan and is still studying it.   “Napag-usapan ‘yon last year … may concerns ang Presidente so wala pa kaming meeting lately on the SSS contributions,” he said.   Last year, SSS president and CEO Emilio de Quiros Jr. made public the plan to raise the contributions by 0.6 percentage point to 11 percent from 10.4 percent of employees’ monthly salaries that private sector workers and employers will share on equal basis.   The SSS chief said the move will add seven years to the fund life of SSS and provide leeway for benefit enhancements.   Las April, Aquino said he will ask  the SSS to explain the plan as he was clueless about the discussions on higher contributions.   "Hindi pa nagre-report sa atin either ang Government Service Insurance System or ang SSS on the necessity. To be honest with you, I will be calling their attention regarding it,” the President said at that time. —  VS, GMA News