Admin coalition ready to seek middle ground on SSS pension hike

MANILA, Philippines - The Koalisyon ng Daang Matuwid said it understands the president’s decision to veto the bill hiking the SSS pension but is open to a “middle ground” to address the concerns of retirees.

“It was a difficult decision but we understand why it had to be done,” Coalition spokesman and Akbayan Rep. Ibarra Gutierrez said.

“If you grant a P2,000 increase, the funds of the SSS would be depleted within 13 years. How about the 31 million people who are working now? They won’t get anything when they retire,” he added.

The administration coalition, however, is not closing its doors to pension hikes.

“We are open to finding a middle ground. If we cannot afford to increase the pension by P2,000 maybe we can raise it by P1,000. What is important is we find a solution to this,” he added.

Gutierrez is convinced that the president vetoed the bill for the sake of all SSS members who pay premiums.

He admitted though that the candidates being endorsed by President Benigno Aquino III might get the blame for the veto.

“As early as now, some are linking the issue to Sec. Mar even if he had nothing to do with the decision. He is determined to find a solution to this,” Gutierrez said, referring to Manuel “Mar” Roxas II, the presidential candidate of the administration coalition.

“Madaling magpapogi kasi malapit na eleksyon, pero sigurihin natin na ang mga desisyon na ito ay hindi magdudulot ng kapahamakan ng mas nakakarami (It is easy to boost one’s image as the election nears but we have to ensure that decisions would not cause harm to the majority),” he added.