MANILA, Philippines — Social Security System (SSS) pensioners will be able to withdraw the additional P1,000 benefit starting Friday.
"Malugod naming ibinabalita sa aming mga pensyonado na ang karagdagang P1,000 benepisyo para sa buwan ng Enero 2017 ay maaari nang i-withdraw sa kanilang bank accounts," SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emanuel Dooc said in a statement Thursday.
Dooc added that pensioners would also receive the additional benefit for the months of February and March on March 10 and 17, respectively.
President Rodrigo Duterte approved the proposed pension hike last January, and signed the order to implement it last February 22.
Dooc said more than 2.04 million retirees, survivors and permanently and partially disabled pensioners will receive the additional benefit. He added that new pensioners would also be able to receive the P1,000 on Friday.
At least P6.9 billion was allotted for the additional benefit for the first three years, he explained.
"Magpapatuloy ang SSS sa paghahanap at paggawa ng mga paraan upang mapahaba ang buhay ng pondo," Dooc said. — Kristian Javier