Labor group bucks SSS premium hike

CEBU, Philippines — The Labor group Sentro ng mga Nagkakaisa at Progresibong Manggagawa (Sentro) has expressed strong opposition to the planned increase in Social Security System (SSS) premiums to 15 percent, which will take effect this month.

While Sentro supports measures to strengthen the long-term sustainability of the SSS, the group argues that the burden should not fall entirely on Filipino workers who are already struggling with economic hardships.

“This increase is not just ill-timed—it is unjust. Inflation continues to surge, driving up the prices of basic commodities and utilities. Wages have remained stagnant as our calls for a national minimum wage increase have been ignored. Meanwhile, the 2025 budget slashed critical public services, leaving workers with no reprieve from the rising cost of living,” the group stated.

Sentro emphasized that the premium hike will take away hard-earned income from families at a time when every peso counts.

Instead of imposing additional financial burdens, the group urged the government to address corruption, improve collection efficiency, and ensure that the SSS fulfills its mandate without further straining the people it serves.

“We demand the immediate suspension of this premium increase. Sentro calls on all workers, unions, and allies to unite and resist policies that punish the very lifeblood of this nation—its labor force,” the group declared.

The group also stressed that their opposition goes beyond the SSS premium hike, framing it as part of a larger fight for a just and equitable system to protect the dignity, rights, and survival of Filipino workers.

The premium increase will affect private sector employees, household employers, domestic workers, self-employed individuals, voluntary members, and land-based overseas Filipino workers.

The increase is mandated under Republic Act (RA) 11199, or the Social Security Act of 2018, which requires a gradual increase in the contribution rate until it reaches 15 percent by 2025. The hikes started at 12 percent in 2019.

This premium hike aims to ensure the financial viability of the state pension fund for private sector workers. — (FREEMAN)