Gatchalian seeks Senate investigation into SSS contribution hike

Sen. Win Gatchalian during one of the Senate deliberations. FILE PHOTO / Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau

MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian wants an inquiry into the scheduled increase in the monthly contributions  of Social Security System (SSS) members from 14 to 15 percent.

In a Kapihan sa Senado forum on Wednesday, Gatchalian confirmed to reporters that he intends to file a resolution that would propel an investigation into the SSS issue.

While he did not detail the exact date that the measure would be filed, he already disclosed that he intends to file it by “next week.”

To provide context, SSS will collect more from its members — from the current 14 percent contribution rate to 15 percent this year.

The gradual increase was provided for under Republic Act No. 11199, signed by then-President Rodrigo Duterte in 2018.

According to Gatchalian, SSS intends to increase its monthly contributions to collect P51 billion that will be used in its various projects.

“So for me, this is a management problem because, in any organization, it is important to collect your debt. If you have to sue, sue. If you have to take it to court, take it to court so that you can be paid. Because if you can’t get paid, you can’t pass it on to increase contributions,” said Gatchalian in a mix of Filipino and English.

“If your problem is your management, you can’t pass it on to increase contributions. When you don’t collect your debt, that is a management problem. Maybe management is slow, maybe management is not taking action, but it is a management problem,” he added.

Later into the forum, the senator was pressed if he wanted the Senate to investigate the matter, to which he answered in the affirmative.

He said he would file a resolution, seeking that the Senate panel on banks, financial institutions and currencies look into the matter.

Gatchalian specifically noted that he wants to focus on the management side should a Senate investigation begin.

“I will focus on the management side. Let’s see if their management is efficient, if they are performing well. Let’s see if their investments are good and if what they are giving back to their members [is] also good. Theoretically, the investments should pay for the benefits so there’s no need for an increase,” said Gatchalian in Filipino.

“But obviously, it’s lacking; that’s why they are increasing their premiums,” he added.