House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Sunday lauded the Social Security System for approving a structured three-year increase in pensions for its 3.8 million pensioners without raising contributions from members.
He described the pension hike initiative as a major step toward a more inclusive and responsive social insurance system under the administration of President Marcos.
“The multi-year adjustments for SSS pensions are long overdue, but nonetheless a welcome and necessary development for members who have dutifully paid their contributions over the years,” he said.
“This decision reflects President Marcos’ vision for a social insurance system that genuinely works for the people, especially our elderly who deserve dignity and support after years of contributing to our nation’s economy,” he added.
The adjustment responds to long-standing clamor from pensioners, many of whom are retirees from the private sector, professionals, and informal workers who have struggled to make ends meet on meager monthly pensions, he said.
“It can be said that the old pension rates were a disservice to our elderly Filipinos. The directive of the President to raise these pensions is only the beginning of broader reforms that aim to make the SSS more compassionate, inclusive, and attuned to the realities faced by our retirees,” he cited.
Under Social Security Commission Resolution No. 340 of 2025, retirement and disability pensioners will receive a 10% annual increase in their monthly pension, effective September 2025, and continuing through 2027.
Meanwhile, survivor pensioners will see a 5% annual hike over the same period.
By 2027, the cumulative increases mean the minimum retirement pension will rise from P2,200 to P2,928.20, while the average disability pension will increase from P4,963.70 to P6,606.68.
The maximum retirement pension will grow from P22,137.25 to P29,464.68.
For survivor pensioners, the minimum pension will increase from P2,000 to P2,315.25, while the maximum pension will go up from P20,200 to P23,834.03.
These increases are authorized under Republic Act No. 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018, which empowers the SSC to adjust pension benefits based on prevailing economic conditions.
SSS president and chief executive officer Robert Joseph de Claro explained the increases were the result of a comprehensive actuarial review guided by Finance Secretary Ralph Recto, ensuring that the adjustments are both “rational and sustainable” without endangering the system’s long-term viability.
The fund’s life is expected to decrease modestly — from 2053 to 2049 — but De Claro assured the public that the SSS will work to restore its longevity through expanded coverage and improved collection efficiency.
Romualdez urged the SSS to sustain these reforms by enhancing collection efforts and maximizing returns on investments.
“As the Philippine economy strengthens under President Marcos’ administration, we call on the SSS to take full advantage of this momentum and pursue reforms that will further enhance its financial standing — allowing it to provide even better services and benefits to its members,” he said.
“Our vision of a Bagong Pilipinas is rooted in ensuring that every Filipino sees and feels the return of their contributions to the nation—through responsive, efficient, and dignified public service. This pension hike is a concrete step in that direction,” the Speaker added.
