Manila bishop says Noy heartless, lacks concern for people

MANILA, Philippines – By vetoing the bill seeking to raise the pension for retiree-members of the Social Security System (SSS), President Aquino has shown he is “heartless” and his lack of concern for ordinary people, Manila Auxiliary Bishop Broderick Pabillo said yesterday.

“Why doesn’t he want to give in to the ordinary people? This administration does not have any heart for the condition of the people. Is this the kind of service that we want to continue?” Pabillo said.

Pabillo said it was “disappointing” to learn that a President who boasts of championing reforms has rejected initiatives to have the pension of retirees increased.

In his tweets yesterday, Pabillo explained that by vetoing the bill on increasing SSS pension, Aquino “has clearly shown that his program of inclusive growth is mere rhetoric.”

The Manila prelate also recalled that time when Aquino vetoed the bill on the Magna Carta for the Poor. “Do we vote those who will continue this anti-poor policy?”

When asked if Congress would be able to overturn the decision of the Chief Executive, the prelate said it would be difficult for Congress to gather the required quorum and get the numbers to nullify the veto.

President Aquino said he had to veto the proposed pension hike to maintain the stability of the SSS.

Senior citizens have also voiced indignation at the President’s veto and his choice for successor – Manuel Roxas II – would bear the brunt of his controversial move.

“There’s no way Mar can win. The President himself is killing him,” said SSS pensioner Antonio Garcia, referring to Roxas by his surname.

“It seems Aquino and Roxas are not really friends because this move will negatively affect Roxas’ candidacy,” he noted.

“Why would Aquino veto the SSS bill when retirees deserve to get a pension after working so hard for so many years? We have worked long and hard for this pension,” Garcia pointed out.

Retired bank manager Avelina Medenilla said Aquino’s decision to veto the bill was unfair to the retirees, who have not received any increase in their pension since the administration of his mother, President Corazon Aquino.