THE Social Security System (SSS) on Tuesday called on lawmakers to subsidize the proposed hike on its members’ contribution.
SSS president and chief executive officer Robert Joseph De Claro made the appeal during a press briefing in Malacañang amid calls from groups including lawmakers to suspend the planned contribution increase.
De Claro defended the scheduled increase in its contribution rate, saying many would be affected if the adjustment is deferred.
“Kasi ho mas marami ang maaapektuhan kung i-suspend ho nating itong increase na ‘to,” president and chief executive officer Robert Joseph De Claro said during a press briefing in Malacañang.
De Claro explained additional collections are used to fund various services offered by the SSS, particularly in granting calamity loans.
“Last year, we gave out around P9.8 billion in loans for calamity-stricken areas Carina and I think Kristine madami ho kaming natulungan about 500,000 members. So, ‘pag ide-delay ho natin itong increase na ‘to, hindi lang ho magsa-suffer ang mga miyembro, wala silang opportunity, but also ‘yung capacity ho ng SSS na tumulong in times of need,” he said.
Several groups, including some lawmakers, have asked SSS to suspend its planned contribution hike, criticizing the timing of the increase.
Instead of suspending the hike, De Claro urged lawmakers to subsidize the increase for the benefit of SSS members.
“But I think the challenge there is mayroon ho kaming contribution subsidy program. Baka ho ang ating mga kapatid na mga mambabatas na nag-o-oppose, na nagre-request na i-delay ito hindi ba po puwedeng i-subsidize nila para sa kanilang mga miyembro itong dagdag na P190 na dagdag in contribution?” he said.
De Claro emphasized the increase is mandated under Republic Act No. 11199, or the Social Security Act of 2018, which stipulates that SSS shall increase its contribution rate every two years.
The first increase took effect in 2019, raising the rate to 12 percent. In 2021, it rose to 13 percent, and in 2023, it increased to 14 percent. The final increase is set to take effect this year in accordance with RA 11199.
“Actually kami sa SSS kami ay sumusunod lang sa batas,” De Claro said.
