Groups want override of veto on SSS pension hike

MANILA, Philippines – Several groups gathered yesterday to call for the override of the presidential veto of the P2,000 hike in the monthly pension of Social Security System (SSS) members.

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) secretary-general Renato Reyes said senior citizens, workers and other supporters participated in the event at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City.

Reyes said the call for the override was aimed at gathering signatures at the Senate and House of Representatives before Congress ends its session on Feb. 3.

“The veto override should not be so hard since Congress will merely affirm its earlier decision of approving the SSS pension hike. It is not as complicated as the Bangsamoro Basic Law,” Reyes said, noting the problem of quorum at the House.

“There should be no excuse for not attending the session and affirming support for the pension hike,” he said, adding the SSS pension hike issue has shed light on a rotten system that prioritizes large business and investments over social protection.

“It is a system that rewards government bureaucrats’ inefficiency while invoking the same to deny retirees increased benefits.”

Bayan is urging the public to support the fight of the senior citizens and the SSS members for improved benefits and a system that prioritizes social protection over private profits.

On Wednesday, the last session day of Congress, Bayan and other groups will march to Batasang Pambansa to support the House Resolution on the veto override. – With Jess Diaz