MANILA - Social Security System (SSS) members should expect the additional P1,000 pension within the next two weeks, Social Security Commission Chairman Dean Amado Valdez said Wednesday.

"Baka itong week na ito or early next week maibigay na natin itong additional P1,000," Valdez told dzMM.

("We might release the additional P1,000 benefit this week or early next week.")

The first tranche of the pension increase was supposed to be released last month, but faced delays due to legal discussions on whether an executive order or memorandum of approval is needed for the release, the SSS chairman said.

"All these things have been prepared in anticipation of the order from the Office of the President," he said.

Valdez had said the second tranche will be paid out by 2022 or earlier.

President Rodrigo Duterte approved the P2,000 pension increase in January, which will be funded with an increase in contributions.