Militants to push override of SSS pension hike veto

MANILA, Philippines – Workers’ groups led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) and Kilusang Mayo Uno are gearing for more protest actions as they push to override President Aquino’s veto of the P2,000 increase in pension of the Social Security System (SSS).

Workers’ groups will stage protest actions today at different SSS branches nationwide, Bayan secretary-general Renato Reyes said yesterday.

There will also be a big gathering of senior citizens, families, workers and other supporters of the pension increase on Saturday at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City.

The movement to override the President’s veto hopes to gather enough signatures at the House of Representatives and at the Senate before Congress takes a break after Feb. 3.

Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares earlier said he already drafted a resolution for the proposed override of the presidential veto and many congressmen expressed support for it.

“Our senior citizens are supposed to be resting and enjoying the fruits of their labor, but because of the callousness of the Aquino regime, senior citizens are marching and demanding increased benefits and better services,” Reyes said.

“The SSS issue has shed light on a rotten system that prioritizes big business and investments over social protection. It is a system that rewards government officials’ inefficiency while invoking the same to deny retirees increased benefits. We call on the public to support the fight of our senior citizens and all SSS members,” he added. – With Mayen Jaymalin