Palace urged to postpone SSS rate hike

Former Social Security System (SSS) President and CEO Rolando Ledesma Macasaet has called on Malacañang to postpone the 15% increase in SSS contribution rates, which took effect in January 2025.

“We urge Malacañang to request the SSS Board to temporarily suspend the implementation of any premium increases. The SSS reported an income of over P80 billion in 2023 and a record-breaking P100 billion in 2024,” said Macasaet, now a representative of the SSS-GSIS Pensyonado Partylist, in a statement.

Macasaet argued that suspending or gradually implementing the Social Security Act of 2018 would ease the financial burden on SSS members without significantly affecting the fund’s longevity.

Under the Social Security Act of 2018, the SSS is required to increase its contribution rate every two years, culminating in a 15% rate in 2025. Starting January 2025, employers will shoulder a 10% share of the contribution, while employees will contribute 5%.

House Assistant Minority Leader and Gabriela Women’s Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas criticized the increase, calling it a “cruel New Year’s gift.”

GMA News Online has reached out to Malacañang for comment. — DVM, GMA Integrated News