SSS cited for pension hike benefiting 4 million pensioners

MANILA, Philippines — Officials and members of the House of Representatives, led by Speaker Martin Romualdez, yesterday commended the Marcos administration for the historic multi-year pension increase that will benefit about 3.8 million pensioners from the Social Security System.

“The multi-year adjustments for SSS pensions are long overdue, but nonetheless a welcome and necessary development for members who have dutifully paid their contributions over the years,” Romualdez said.

“This decision reflects President Marcos’ vision for a social insurance system that genuinely works for the people, especially our elderly who deserve dignity and support after years of contributing to our nation’s economy,” the Speaker added.

Meanwhile, survivor pensioners will see a five-percent annual hike over the same period.

By 2027, the cumulative increases mean the minimum retirement pension will rise from P2,200 to P2,928.20, while the average disability pension will increase from P4,963.70 to P6,606.68. Likewise, the maximum retirement pension will grow from P22,137.25 to P29,464.68.

For survivor pensioners, the minimum pension will increase from P2,000 to P2,315, while the maximum pension will go up from P20,200 to P23,834.03.

These increases are authorized under Republic Act 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018, which empowers the Social Security Commission (SSC) to adjust pension benefits based on prevailing economic conditions.

Reps. Jude Acidre (party-list Tingog), chairman of the House committee on higher and technical education, and Rodolfo Ordanes (Senior Citizens party-list) said the SSS pension hike will be implemented without raising contributions from active members.

“I am more hopeful now that someday in the future, the mandate of the SSS can include the operation and management of the senior citizen’s pension,” Ordanes, former chairman of the House committee on senior citizens, said.

“The new pension rates are fair and equitable because they are computed by factoring in the credited years of service and salary increases while still working, instead of a flat rate increase across the board,” Ordanes added.

For his part, Acidre said this move “speaks to the heart of good governance: listening to and acting on the needs of every Filipino, especially those who have worked hard all their lives. It reflects President Marcos’ vision of a government that truly responds to its people.”

“Implemented under the SSS Act of 2018, this reform proves that sound, compassionate policy can deliver lasting impact. I thank SSS president and CEO Robert de Claro, the Social Security Commission, and Finance Secretary Ralph Recto for making this possible,” he said.

The Speaker, meantime, described the pension hike initiative as a major step toward a more inclusive and responsive social insurance system under the administration of President Marcos.

Under SSC Resolution 340, series of 2025, retirement and disability pensioners will receive a 10 percent annual increase in their monthly pension, effective September 2025, and continuing through 2027.