Militants slam Congress for blocking SSS veto override

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) on Thursday chimed in with Social Security System (SSS) retirees who expressed outrage at Congress’ unceremonious adjournment of session, which effectively blocked an attempt to override President Benigno Aquino III’s veto of a bill increasing their monthly pension.

READ: Activists outraged as House stops session to prevent veto override on SSS pension hike

“We condemn the cowardly adjournment of the session at the House of Representatives last night, practically shutting the doors to the override of the president’s veto of the P2,000 SSS pension hike,” Bayan Secretary General Renato Reyes said in a text message.

“The House leadership disrespected the senior citizens in the gallery who waited for a chance for the override resolution to be tackled. No such deliberations took place despite the quorum of 213 lawmakers,” he said.

READ: House shuts out SSS veto override

Reyes said the President’s allies in Congress avoided “deliberations and nominal voting on the issue of the SSS pension hike.”

“It would have exposed how each congressman voted on the veto override. Instead of facing the proponents of the veto override, the House leadership immediately adjourned the session. It was a cowardly move,” he said.

The militant leader said pensioners and private sector workers will hold the Aquino administration accountable during the upcoming elections in May. Aquino is supporting the candidacy of former interior secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II.

READ: LP bets fear voters’ backlash over SSS pension veto

House leaders on Wednesday reportedly moved to adjourn the session until May without calling the roll or discussing other matters.

Bayan Muna Partylist Representative Neri Colmenares attempted to raise the issue and ask the lower chamber to act on a resolution seeking to override Aquino’s veto. The adjournment made Colmenares tear up while SSS pensioners and protesters started chanting “Override!”

Aquino earlier vetoed the proposed bill, arguing that the SSS does not have enough funds to cover the increase. He said the institution would end up bankrupt it the government enacted the bill into law. RAM

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