Senate probe sought on SSS, Philhealth contribution hikes

MANILA, Philippines - Senator Antonio Trillanes IV has filed resolutions that aim to investigate the increase in the monthly contributions of members of the Social Security System (SSS) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

"In the midst of the energy situation in the country, and the country's reeling from a chain of natural and man-made disasters, here comes another burden which would definitely have an effect in the take home pay of the members who did not receive corresponding salary increase," Trillanes said.

The SSS is set to implement this month a 0.6 percent increase in member contributions, divided equally between employees and their employers, as it seeks to cut its unfunded liability of P1.1 trillion and lengthen its actuarial life until 2043.

Self-employed and voluntary members, however, would shoulder the entire 0.6 percent hike in monthly contributions, approved by President Aquino last year.

Meanwhile, PhilHealth is also set to increase the premium contribution of its members.

From the salary base of P8,000, the monthly premium of those in the employed will be increased from P100 to P200, equally shared between the employer and the employee.

Those with salary of P35,000 and up will pay P875 in monthly premium also to be equally shared by the employer and employee.

Under Senate Resolution No. 434, Trillanes seeks to review the financial statement of SSS and to determine if the proposed increase in member contributions is reasonable.

On the other hand, Senate Resolution No. 435 seeks to review the status of the National Health Insurance Fund to determine if the increase is reasonable.

"We need to scrutinize the bases of these increases so that we can propose measures in order to shield the public from the burden these hikes would cost to them," Trillanes said.