Militants urge SSS to protect the members’ fund
Members of the Social Security System (SSS) here are up against the proposal of SSS President Romulo Neri to give P12.5 billion from the SSS fund for the ‘economic stimulus package’ of the national government.
Gabriela Women’s Party (GWP) and the Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU)-Panay led the signature campaign in front of SSS office at Rizal Street, Iloilo City last Friday, Feb. 13. This is a part of the nationally-coordinated protest action in calling all SSS members to be vigilant in protecting their funds in the SSS.
“With the upcoming 2010 presidential election, we don’t want that the hard-earned contributions of SSS members will only serve the interests of those who want to cling on to power. The ‘economic stimulus package’ of the government bears no definite and concrete solutions to the problem of joblessness and worsening poverty of our people,” said Weni Doblizo of KMU.
The GWP offers alternative to Neri’s plan about the P12.5 B excess fund from the SSS. “Instead of channelling such amount to the ‘economic stimulus package’, why can’t they utilize this to beef up funds for retirement benefits of those retrenched workers, maternity leave, sickness benefits, pensions, and other services for the members? Neri’s proposal is indeed questionable,” lamented Lucy Francisco of GWP.
“The Arroyo government is known to be the most corrupt in Asia. With a series of scandals and corruption issues hounding her presidency, we cannot afford to see our contributions being used for the self-interests of those in power. We must protect our funds,” stressed Doblizo.
The groups further said that it is not only SSS fund that is in danger. “We call on the GSIS, OWWA, and the PhilHealth not to give their funds to the projects being proposed by the Arroyo government. These are private funds and as member-contributors, we have the right to express our opposition over the use of such funds,” Dobliso further added.