By Clarist Mae Zablan
(January 7, 2025) — The Social Security System (SSS) on Tuesday defended its implementation of a 1% contribution hike this year after the move drew opposition from some groups, with a lawmaker calling for an inquiry into the state insurer’s benefits.
During a press briefing at the Malacañan Palace, SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph De Claro shut down calls to defer the contribution hike from 14% to 15%, saying that this will cause more problems to their members.
“Mas marami ang maaapektuhan kung isu-suspend natin itong increase na ito,” De Claro said. “‘Pag ide-delay natin itong increase na ‘to, hindi lang magsa-suffer ang mga miyembro. Wala silang opportunity; but also ‘yung capacity ng SSS na tumulong in times of need.”
He also noted that the contribution rate hike was done pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 11199 or the “Social Security Act of 2018.”
“Ito ang last increase for SSS, and I would like to say that I don’t foresee any more further increases in the future,” he said.
The state insurer’s contribution rate hike came alongside increases in the minimum monthly salary credit (MSC) from P4,000 to P5,000, as well as in the maximum MSC from P30,000 to P35,000, SSS said in a statement.
The contribution increase drew opposition from some lawmakers and progressive groups, who expressed concerns that this would burden its member workers and employers.
Earlier, AGRI Rep. Wilbert Lee filed a resolution calling for Pres. Bongbong Marcos to suspend the premium hike, citing public concerns.
He also called for his colleagues to open an inquiry into the “responsiveness of SSS benefits to the needs of its contributors” and conduct an initial audit on the insurer’s financial performance.
“While the premium increase aims to ensure the sustainability and financial viability of the SSS, it is crucial to evaluate the timeliness of the premium hikes and determine whether it remains responsive to the changing economic conditions of the country and the needs of its contributors,” the resolution read.
(JREC)
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