SC asked to stop hike in SSS premiums

MANILA, Philippines - The Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) asked the Supreme Court (SC) yesterday to stop the 0.6-percentage point increase in contributions of Social Security System (SSS) members.

Speaking to reporters, KMU secretary-general Roger Soluta said workers are determined to stop implementation of the hike in SSS contributions.

“It is an unjust burden imposed by the Aquino government to further squeeze our workers dry to fill the pockets of big capitalists and corrupt bureaucrats,” he said.

KMU said the increase will not be necessary to improve the benefits offered by SSS to members or to extend the life of the fund.

“The SSS definitely does not need to increase premium contributions just to continue their services,” KMU said.

“We are hoping that the high court would heed our workers’ and the people’s demand to hold the SSS premium hike. It would be even better if they would issue a permanent injunction against the hike.”  

Starting this month, monthly SSS contributions will increase to 11 percent from 10.4 percent.