Cebu joins protest vs SSS pension hike veto

CEBU, Philippines - A nationwide protest urging senators and congressmen to override President Aquino’s veto on House Bill No. 5842 that seeks a P2,000 hike in the pension of retired Social Security System members was held yesterday.

Senior citizens mostly retirees, youth groups, labor groups, cause-oriented groups, and students joined the protest in Cebu held at the SSS regional office along Jones Avenue, Cebu City.

“Nag-awhag mi sa tanang congressman dinhi sa Sugbo nga mopirma sila sa Resolution aron ma-override nila ang pag-veto sa Presidente sa maong balaod,” said Jaime Paglinawan, chairman of Bayan Muna - Central Visayas.

To override the veto of the President, it needs 2/3 or at least 217 votes of House members and 16 Senate votes.

The resolution to override the veto will be sponsored by Bayan Representative Neri Colmenares, who is the principal author of the vetoed bill.

In a press conference here last week, Colmenares said SSS will not go bankrupt even if it will grant an additional P2,000 monthly pension to the retirees.

To date, the lowest SSS pension is at P1,200 per month.

“Gamay ra g’yud na kaayo. Kuwang ra gani na para maintenance sa tambal sa atong mga pensioners,” Paglinawan said.

In Iloilo City, some SSS pensioners also gathered in front of the SSS office.

“The SSS Pension Bill that allows the additional P2,000 increase in pension of every pensioner is already a big help,” said Jesus Colloso of Lapuz Norte, La Paz, Iloilo City.

Colloso, who suffered from stroke and is accepting only P1,300 pension from SSS every month said the amount is not enough for his medicine and daily living.

Colloso said he has signed the signature campaign calling for the Senate and Congress to set a voting date before the closing of both Houses.  (FREEMAN)