Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, February 1) — The House of Representatives passed on Monday two measures giving President Rodrigo Duterte authority to defer contribution increases by the Social Security System and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.
Lawmakers voted 227-6 for House Bill No. 8461, and 228-6 for House Bill No. 8512, meant to suspend PhilHealth and SSS increases, respectively.
Both contribution hikes came under fire with the public calling it untimely given the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Neither office has released a statement on the matter.
In December, PhilHealth explained the increase was meant to “ensure sufficient funding for the health care of its 110 million members as mandated by Republic Act No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care Law.”
The premium rate will be increased to 3.50% from the current 3.00%.
“The premium adjustment is provided for in Section 10 of the UHC Law and its implementing rules and regulations, the guidelines of which are contained in Circular 2020-005 published by PhilHealth on March 5, 2020,” said PhilHealth.
Last month, President Duterte ordered to delay the increase in PhilHealth contributions.
“May I suggest to the PhilHealth chairman, si Dante Gierran...huwag muna ngayon. No increase in contributions. I will look for the money to fill it up,” he said in an address on Jan. 4.
[Translation: May I suggest to the PhilHealth chairman, to Dante Gierran…not now. No increase in contributions. I will look for the money to fill it up.]
Duterte said it was the government’s job to make people’s lives easier “at this time.”
Meanwhile, the SSS was set to implement a 1% hike in members’ monthly contribution effective January 2021.
Finance Secretary and Social Security Commission Chairman Carlos Dominguez III said the monthly contribution will increase to 13% from the current 12%, but will not exceed the prescribed maximum monthly salary credit or MSC, adding the hike would ensure the long-term viability of the social pension fund and increase the benefits enjoyed by its members.
On Jan. 26, the Senate Committee on Government Corporations and Public Enterprises passed a bill allowing the deferment of a higher monthly SSS contribution.
