Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares on Saturday (January 16) called on the members of Congress to override the president’s veto on the Social Security System (SSS) pension hike bill.
Related: SSS pension hike bill author denounces veto, calls Pres. Aquino anti-poor
Colmenares said the bill was overwhelmingly supported when it passed the plenary session that is why he is hopeful that members of the House of Representatives will support their motion to override the veto of President Benigno Aquino III.
Congress is set to resume its session on Monday (January 18) and will adjourn on February 6.
Colmenares also denied claims that the proposed pension hike is just a quick fix solution that will shorten SSS fund life to 2029.
He believes that its inefficient collection of contributions, failure to recover receivables, and giving too much perks and bonuses to SSS officials led to the agency’s inability to fund pension increase.
Related: SSS veto shows Aquino’s lack of sympathy for poor Filipinos – bishop
Colmenares also suggested long-term solutions such as improving SSS collection efficiency, improving prosecution of delinquent employers, and cutting down exorbitant bonuses of its officials.
Meanwhile, ABAKADA party-list Rep. Jonathan Dela Cruz called on the SSS leadership to resign for allegedly failing to undertake institutional reforms.
Dela Cruz said SSS members should not suffer from the alleged mismanagement of the agency.
