President Benigno S. Aquino III receives a copy of the concession agreement from BulacanGovWinhelminoSy-Alvarado for the Bulacan Bulk Water Supply Project at the Atis Function Hall of the BarCie International Center in Catmon, Malolos City, Bulacan on Friday (January 15). The concession agreement will undertake the detailed design, construction, and maintenance of the conveyance facilities, treatment facilities and water source within a 30-year concession period. (MNS photo)
MANILA (Mabuhay) – President Benigno Aquino III reiterated on Friday his reasons for turning down a bill providing for the increase in pensions of Social Security System (SSS) members.
Aquino, during an event in Bulacan, said it was unfair to grant the increase at the expense of the other SSS members.
“Matutuwa yung 2 million, mapapahamak yung 30 million. Tama ba ang pagbabantay natin ng pondong ito?” he said during an ambush interview broadcasted over state-run Radyo ng Bayan.
(While 2 million (members) will be delighted, the other 30 million will be at risk. Are watching over this fund appropriately?)
The President discussed the factors considered, including the current income generated by SSS and the current economic and financial situation affecting the agency’s holdings.
President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the opening ceremony of the 3rd Global Social Business Summit and Gawad Kalinga’s 13th Anniversary at the Hyundai Center for Green Innovation of the GK Enchanted Farm in Barangay Encanto, Angat, Bulacan on Friday (January 15). The event has for its theme: “The Business of Kindness: Doing Good Makes Business Sense.”(MNS photo)
“Hindi kapritsyo ito. Pinag-aralan,” he insisted, adding that there is always a need to take into consideration the future of the nation.
(This is not a whim. It must be deliberated on.)
Aquino has been receiving flak for vetoing the bill, which was due to lapse into law in a few days.
The proposed measure, House Bill No. 5842, provides for a two thousand pesos (P2,000) across-the-board increase in the SSS monthly pension. (MNS)