By Dean Aubrey Caratiquet
Closely following his earlier engagement at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) Manila Strategy Forum, President Marcos led the ceremonial launch of the Pension Reform Program (PRP) at the Social Security System (SSS) Main Office, Quezon City on Wednesday.
The PRP is a structured three-year pension increase for all SSS pensioners, which Marcos touts as the first in several decades and coincides with the institution’s 68th year anniversary of providing social security to the citizenry.
President Marcos said in his speech, “This event places our beloved pensioners at the heart of our endeavors. By celebrating as one, the SSS and GSIS uphold social protection as a responsibility of the government to its people. Sa kauna-unahang pagkakataon sa kasaysayan ng SSS, itinaas natin ang pensyon sa ilalim ng SSS Pension Reform Program.”
He added further, “Sa kabuuan, mahigit 3,800,000 pensioner ang makikinabang dito sa programang ito. At sa loob ng tatlong taon, halos P93 billion ang mailalabas para sa ating mga pensioner para makabili ng gamot, pagkain, at iba pang mga pangangailangan nila.”
The increases will be implemented in three (3) annual tranches every September, at no additional contributions from retirees:
September 2025 (for pensioners as of 31 August 2025):
• 10% increase – Retirement and Disability Pensioners
• 5% increase – Death or Survivor Pensioners
September 2026 (for pensioners as of 31 August 2026):
• Additional 10% increase – Retirement and Disability Pensioners
• Additional 5% increase – Death or Survivor Pensioners
September 2027 (for pensioners as of 31 August 2027):
• Additional 10% increase – Retirement and Disability Pensioners
• Additional 5% increase – Death or Survivor Pensioners
PBBM orders SSS, GSIS to improve their services
The Chief Executive meanwhile directed the SSS and Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) to ensure that Filipinos have readily available access to trust funds “whenever the need arises, wherever the need arises.”
He reminded both institutions of their social responsibility to look after the well-being of their members, whose contributions are a product of their determination and sacrifices towards the betterment of the nation.
The President declared, “Tungkulin natin na tiyakin na sa oras ng kanilang pangangailangan ay nandiyan tayo, handang umalalay at magbigay ng ginhawa sa kanila.”
He added further, “So invest wisely, modernize your systems, and make your processes efficient. Ensure that your services are easier to reach, be it through digital platforms or help desks and kiosks, even in the most remote areas.”
President Marcos concluded his remarks by encouraging the citizenry to prepare for their future by maximizing their retirement and insurance benefits from the country’s social protection institutions, thus helping ensure the sustainability of the government’s initiatives geared towards securing the well-being of Filipinos.
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