REPRESENTATIVE Rolando Ledesma Macasaet of the SSS-GSIS Pensyonado Partylist called for the immediate release of an Easter Emergency Bonus to cushion the impact of rising prices on pensioners of the Social Security System (SSS) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).
Macasaet emphasized that pensioners remain among the most vulnerable sectors during this crisis.
“Sa panahon na patuloy ang pagtaas ng presyo ng gasolina, pagkain at medisina, kinakailangan natin ang mga mabilisang tulong para sa ating mga pensioner,” he said.
The lawmaker proposed that the emergency bonus be sourced from existing benefits, specifically the 13th-month pension of SSS and the Christmas cash gift of GSIS, allowing for immediate relief without the need for additional funding.
He clarified that the proposal will not affect the financial stability of the pension funds.
“As the former president of both GSIS and SSS, I know there will be no effect on the fund life of the institutions if we release it now,” Macasaet assured.
Macasaet stressed that the measure is a timely and practical intervention to provide immediate assistance to retirees who depend primarily on their pensions.
“There is no need to delay the process any further. The measure does not require any action from Malacañang or Congress. The respective boards of the SSS and GSIS already have the authority to approve and release this benefit immediately,” Macasaet added.
