Social Security System office at the one-stop center in Ali Mall, Cubao. ABS-CBN News/FileMANILA — Malacañang on Tuesday said it would let the Social Security System’s (SSS) contribution rate hike “continue” to “let it produce results,” noting that the policy was based on actuarial studies.

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The adjustment is the final tranche of a series of contribution rate hikes under Republic Act No. 11199 or Social Security Act of 2018, that pushed the mandatory contribution from 12 percent in 2019 to 15 percent this year. 

“Ang ganiyang mga increases they are studied based on actuarial information… Mayroon silang pag-aaral tungkol diyan,” Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin said in a press conference in Malacañang.

“If we always meddle in the management of their affairs where they specialize, it will not work. Pabayaan na natin muna... Why don’t we just let that process continue and let it produce results,” he said.

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Bersamin noted that among those who first pushed for a suspension in the contribution rate hike was former SSS President Rolando Macasaet, who is seeking a party-list post in the 2025 midterm elections.  

“You must understand kung kanino yung call. Kandidato eh,” the Executive Secretary said.

“I don’t know if that is part of his way of campaigning, pero we will consider seriously if that call is brought to us officially,” he added.

SSS President Robert Joseph De Claro earlier said that he has yet to directly speak with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. about the issue, but underscored that while the hike is not expected to affect the fund’s life, it is needed to address the immediate needs of its members.

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