Protest actions set against PNoy’s veto on SSS pension hike

MANILA – More protest actions by different worker groups are set against President Aquino’s veto on the P2,000 increase in pension of the Social Security System (SSS).

According to Bayan secretary-general Renato Reyes, Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) and Kilusang Mayo Uno will lead the action protests today (Manila time) at different branches of SSS nationwide.

Senior citizens, families, workers and other supporters of the pension increase will also gather on Satuday at the Quezon Memorial Circle in Quezon City.

The workers’ group is hoping to gather enough signatures at the House of Representatives and at the Senate before the Congress takes its break on Feb. 3.

“Our senior citizens are supposed to be resting and enjoying the fruits of their labor, but because of the callousness of the Aquino regime, senior citizens are marching and demanding increased benefits and better services,” Reyes said in a report by Rhodina Villanueva of the Philippine Star.

Reyes added that the issue of the SSS only prioritizes the business and investments over social protection. The system they have only rewards the inefficiency of government officials while denying the retirees benefits.