Mindanaoan SSS pensioners threaten to junk LP bets

KIDAPAWAN CITY – Pensioners of the Social Security System (SSS) in Central Mindanao yesterday appealed to Congress to override President Aquino’s veto of what should have a 2,000 SSS pension increase, even as they urged House Speaker Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte Jr. to make good on his latest announcement about a “win-win” solution on the issue.

SSS pensioners here and in cities of Cotabato, General Santos, Koronadal and Tacurong and in provinces of North and South Cotabato, Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat and even Maguindanao said they were preparing a manifesto that would express their strong sentiment against the presidential veto.

They plan to cite the dire consequences of Aquino’s move that would include “junking all the administration candidates for national positions in the upcoming elections in May.”

“The 1,200 pension we are receiving presently is negligible compared to the increasing prices of basic commodities. Many of us are dying of old age and other ailments and hoping to taste a quite good life with the amount stipulated in the aborted bill,” Greg “Tatang” Manalo, an SSS pensioner in North Cotabato told the Manila Bulletin.

Manalo, 68, said he had painstakingly driven a passenger tricycle after retiring from a private firm to earn added income and augment his monthly SSS pension for his family.

“I sold my tricycle unit early last year after hearing from radio stations about an imminent enactment of law mandating a 2,000 SSS pension hike. When the President vetoed the bill, my simple dream for myself and my family was shattered,” Manalo said.

Other SSS retirees from Sultan Kudarat, North Cotabato and Maguindanao, provinces which have manifested support for the administration, threatened to junk all the Liberal Party (LP) national slate, including presidential candidate Mar Roxas.

The pensioners also said they were now pinning whatever hopes they have left on a promise by Belmonte to find a “win-win” solution on the botched SSS pension increase.

“We have to study all options, including those from the Left,” Speaker Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte Jr. said, referring to the Makabayan bloc’s proposal.

“Anyway, a smaller increase can be approved by the SSS board with the President’s approval without a need of a new law,” he said.