Colmenares to pursue SSS veto override

BAGUIO CITY—Whether or not he wins a Senate seat, Bayan Muna party-list Rep. Neri Colmenares said he will refile the veto override on the bill that would increase Social Security System (SSS) pensions by P2,000.

Colmenares said his refiling of the override resolution in the House of Representatives on May 23 should not be seen as a campaign stunt because it will be the next president who will enforce the new SSS law after Congress overturns President Aquino’s veto of the pension hike measure.

The veto by Mr. Aquino sparked outrage from retired professionals and employees, the ones who would benefit from a P2,000 hike in their monthly pension.

The President said the increase would require a monthly allocation of P56 billion, which would adversely affect the SSS’ financial stability and require that working members increase their monthly contributions.

Colmenares said 81 representatives had expressed support for the override. Kimberlie Quitasol, Inquirer Northern Luzon