Former Bayan Muna Congressman Neri Colmenares strongly condemned the Social Security System’s (SSS) latest contribution rate increase while maintaining what he called “subhuman” pension rates for its members.
“It’s absolutely unconscionable that SSS implements another premium increase while its pensioners receive a measly P1,200 monthly pension for those with 10 credited years of service, or P2,400 for those with 20 years,” Colmenares said.
The veteran labor rights advocate challenged SSS officials to live on such meager amounts. “I dare ask the SSS board members and officers: Kaya ba nilang mabuhay sa P2,400 monthly pension, o lalo na sa P1,200? Sa P1,200 pension, P40 lang ang pwedeng gastusin kada araw. Sa P2,400 naman, P80 lang kada araw. Sapat ba ‘yan sa panahon ngayon?”
“The SSS board clearly prioritizes the fund life of SSS and their high salaries and perks over the lives of its members who are the very source of the agency’s funds. Para sa SSS board, mas mahalaga pa ang fund life ng SSS at ang matataas nilang sahod at perks kaysa sa buhay ng mga miyembro nito na pinanggagalingan naman ng pondo ng ahensya,” he emphasized.
The contribution rate increased to 15% from 14% effective January 1, 2024, affecting private sector employees, household workers, self-employed individuals, voluntary members, and land-based OFWs.
“This is the height of insensitivity. While SSS officials enjoy substantial salaries and benefits, they force members to pay higher contributions only to receive pension amounts that are far below the poverty threshold,” Colmenares pointed out.
“We demand an immediate review of these pension rates and call for the P1000 pension increase. The SSS exists to serve its members, not to maintain a comfortable fund life at the expense of retirees living in poverty,” he concluded.#
