SSS beneficiaries 'happy' with the pension hike

Nanay Felly Bague was just one of the pensioners who waited a long time for the release of additional P1,000 benefit. 

In a report by GMA News' Raffy Tima on "24 Oras" on Friday, Nanay Felly was very pleased with the increase, saying, "Kawiwithdraw ko lang.. ay thank you, Lord! Increase is better for an old lady like me, you know?"

Another pensioner Nanay Milagros Barcel was surprised that she was able to get more than P1,000.

"Di ba tatlong bigay? Pero nakuha ko siya, isang bigay lang. Pumasok P3,700," Nanay Milagros said. But SSS officials clarified that the pension released on Friday was only for the month of January. Nanay Milagros, however, has no complaints today.

Meanwhile, some pensioners were complaining that they have not received the hike yet. 

Social Security System (SSS) Chairman Amado Valdez said, "Nadelay lang siguro, masyado namang maaga nag-check, if there are instances siguro the following day, nandoon na 'yun."

The pension fund for private sector employees has yet to finalize higher monthly contributions for active members as part of the measures to fund the pension increase and prolong the actuarial life of the SSS.

The SSS aims to implement the increase in contributions by May, but the schedule remains tentative as the agency still has to further assess the situation.

"Agreed in principle pero to implement that, it has to be an executive order or a resolution from the Office of the President. Pero kami nagresolve na kami," Valdez said. 

Meanwhile, the Makabayan bloc has opposed the hike in monthly contributions.

"We maintain our opposition to any plan na isabay itong increases ng premium contribution. Let it be a separate struggle," Rep. Ariel Casilao said.

Valdez clarified that the additional benefit is not from the increase in the monthly contribution of SSS members.

However, aside from the increase in monthly contribution the agency has also launched a more aggressive campaign in collecting contributions from its members.

"Malaki pa rin, malaki and it has piled up through the years e. Kaya galit na galit ako na there was negligence dun sa previous collections," Valdez disclosed.

President Rodrigo Duterte last February 22 approved the release of additional P1,000 monthly pension for retirees, survivors, and permanent and partial disability pensioners of the SSS.

An estimated P6.9 billion will be allotted for the first quarter release while, 2.2 million pensioners are expected to receive an additional P1,000 monthly benefit. — Anna Felicia Bajo/BAP, GMA News