Hike in SSS premiums not yet final

Faced with an uproar from different sectors, Malacañang said yesterday the plan to increase SSS premiums is still being studied.

"That has not been decided with finality," said Presidential Spokesman Renato Corona, adding that the SSS Board headed by Administrator Vitaliano Nañagas is still studying the matter.

The other day, President Arroyo told Palace reporters about the plan to hike SSS premiums gradually. This, she added though, will be accompanied by an increase in SSS benefits.

Finance Secretary Alberto Romulo himself said "there is no other way" for the SSS to replenish its coffers, except to make its members and employers pay higher premiums.

But Corona said, "Something like this is not decided on just a spur of the moment. This has to go through a very studious study."

The plan, however, received criticisms from different sectors, including senatorial bets of the administration’s People Power Coalition.

Opposition candidate Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile said the SSS cannot hike premiums without any authority from Congress.

The militant Kilusang Mayo Uno and party-list group Akbayan also both opposed the plan. — Marichu Villanueva, Efren Danao, Mayen Jaymalin and Nikko Dizon