KMU to Noy: Approve SSS pension hike

MANILA, Philippines - As a Christmas gift to workers, President Aquino should sign the bill granting a P2,000 pension hike for Social Security System (SSS) retirees, the militant Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) said.

KMU chairman Elmer Labog said SSS pensioners have long been waiting for an increase in pension and Aquino’s signing of the bill can make Christmas merrier for the retirees.

“The measure is long overdue and is badly needed by SSS pensioners who want to buy more food and comply more with their medication,” Labog explained. “This should have been approved a long time ago but has even reached Christmas time. Aquino should lessen being the Christmas Grinch and immediately sign this bill into law.”

If signed into law, Labog said, the measure filed by Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares and approved by Congress would somehow remedy the embarrassingly low SSS pensions, which have not been altered since 1997.

He warned that Aquino could earn the contempt of SSS pensioners, workers and the general public if he simply allows 30 days to pass so that the bill will be considered approved.

“We will all consider it an outrage if he vetoes the bill outright for whatever reason,” Labog said.

Labog said there is no reason for Aquino to veto the bill because SSS and the government have the funds to finance the hike.

He added that SSS would have more than enough funds if it improves its collection efficiency by going after employers who refuse to remit workers’ contributions.

The KMU urged all SSS pensioners, workers and the public to use social media to air their support for the immediate enactment of the measure into law.