Bacolod City (CNN Philippines) — Senior citizens in Bacolod City are signing a petition asking President Benigno Aquino III to reconsider his veto on the bill seeking a P2,000 across-the-board-increase in the monthly Social Security System (SSS) pension.
Related: SSS pensioners dismayed by Aquino’s decision to turn down hike bill
According to Catalino Alisbo, a former councilor who used to head the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) in Bacolod, 67 barangay and chapter presidents of senior citizens organizations in the city are expected to sign the petition.
Related: Aquino defends veto of SSS pension hike bill
The copy of the signed petition will be sent to Aquino, Alisbo said. He added that there are about 36,000 senior citizens in Bacolod.
Related: SSS says pension increase will shorten its fund life
Meanwhile, several pensioners in Negros Occidental with the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Negros members staged a rally at the Fountain of Justice in Bacolod City and slammed Aquino for thumbing down the bill last week.
The pensioners claimed that the veto of SSS pension hike is an anti-poor move, and shows no concern to the senior citizens.
Related: SSS pension hike bill author denounces veto, calls Pres. Aquino anti-poor
