Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Vice President Jejomar Binay expressed his disappointment over the decision of President Benigno Aquino III to veto the P2,000 Social Security System (SSS) pension hike.
Binay said it saddens him that the administration chose to deprive SSS pensioners such a small amount.
“Nakakalungkot lang dahil sa konting halaga lang naman iyon. Bakit naman pinagkakait pa?”
He added the Aquino administration shouldn’t have let the bill pass in Congress if it was going to be vetoed eventually.
“Iveveto pala pinalagpas pa sa Congress.”
The vice president admitted though, he has yet to study the law.
He, however, assured the public that if Congress fails to override the President’s veto, he will ensure the pension increase to happen under his administration.
“Kailangan babasahin ko lang muna. Pero sa aking bahagi, kung hindi nila ma-o-override yung veto, sa aking panahon pipilitin kong matuloy yung tulong sa mga SSS members… Papasa ko yan.”
The vice president made his rounds in Caloocan on Wednesday (January 20).
Wearing white t-shirt, blue shorts, and rubber shoes, Binay went to several houses to greet Caloocan residents.
As he walked from Barangay 1 to 3, Binay gave away autograph shirts with his face on it, a black rosary, and candies with his name on it.
The reception was very warm — the residents hugged him, kissed him, and took selfies with him.
He also gave away rice porridge to senior citizens, and ate it with them.
After going around, Binay addressed the public and talked to residents about what he claimed as his humble beginnings, and his accomplishments as Mayor of Makati, which is now one of the most progressive cities in the country.
