Solons want SSS bonuses investigated, books opened

Party-list solons on Thursday called for an investigation on the multi-million peso bonuses of Social Security System officials amid the planned increase in members' monthly contribution rate by 0.6 percent.

 

In House Resolution 369, Bayan Muna Reps. Neri Colmenares and Carlos Zarate, called on the House committee on good government and public accountability to investigate the P10-million bonus of SSS board members.

 

"Considering that the SSS Board may again get another round of bonus in 2013 and the Governance Commission may allow another round of possibly undeserved or unconscionable bonuses to other GOCCs (government-owned or -controlled corporations) this year, there is a need to urgently review the system of allocating these bonuses, and the grounds or basis of awarding these benefits to avoid abuse," the resolution said.

 

The call for an investigation came following a report that named at least eight SSS executives as having received bonuses averaging a little over P1 million in 2012.

Earlier, it was reported that the SSS will increase the contributions by 0.6 percent starting January 2014, raising the monthly rate from 10.4 percent to 11 percent of a member's salary.

Malacañang had defended the premium hike, saying such will eventually benefit SSS members.  

Also on Thursday, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda defended the fat bonuses received by some SSS officials last year, saying the bonuses were justified and were not sourced from the contributions of SSS members.

Open SSS books

 

Meanwhile, a separate resolution was also filed at the House, compelling the SSS to open their books for inquiry.

 

Gabriela party-list Reps. Luzviminda Ilagan and Emmi De Jesus filed House Resolution 161 calling for an investigation into the financial management situation of the SSS.

 

The solons said the investigation should focus on why the SSS is demanding higher contributions, despite its officials’ receiving big bonuses.

 

"Amid reports of fat bonuses and proposals to increase workers’ contributions it is but high time that we scrutinize how the SSS has been managing its finances. Why does the SSS need to impose this increase in workers’ contributions?" Ilagan said.

 

"Through the years, the SSS has become more of a burden to workers and retirees rather than an institution that can be relied on for their benefits. And what is Malacanang doing? Instead of probing this, they are backing the hike in contributions," the solons added. — Patricia Denise Chiu/RSJ, GMA News