Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has signed the resolution drafted by Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero expressing the Senate’s preference to override the Social Security System (SSS) pension hike bill veto, which denied retirees a P2,000 raise.
The resolution signed by Marcos was not in itself an override.
The vice presidential candidate on Thursday (January 21) expressed his disappointment over President Benigno Aquino III’s decision to veto the SSS pension hike.
He blamed the president for choosing leaders who, he said, failed to come up with sufficient funds to provide more pension benefits.
Related: Colmenares asks fellow lawmakers to push SSS pension hike veto override
He added they should be replaced with those who can better manage the fund.
“They (SSS managers) are not doing their job very well. Kung ganyan nga, P2,000 hindi nila kayang isuporta eh di maghanap tayo (ng iba). I’m sure merong mas magagaling dyan,” he said.
Marcos also disagreed with Senate President Franklin Drilon’s statement that the move to override the veto has political undertones, adding it was proposed to help the people and not to isolate the president.
“I disagree. It’s an attempt to help the people. Nagsimula yan sa bawas sa income tax, tapos eto na yung SSS — both of which were vetoed and turned down by the Palace,” he said.
Escudero claimed that, as of Wednesday (January 20), 11 senators signed the resolution.
Related: Senators slam SSS veto
CNN Philippines was not able to independently confirm the number.
