Retiree to Aquino: Please raise our SSS pensions, Senior citizens

In behalf of all senior citizens, may I call the attention of President Aquino concerning our Social Security System pensions—the reward and compensation for the services we rendered to our people through our various professions and trades, the only savings we depend on for support in our gold-less “golden” age. As fruits of our hard labor, we value them. We entrusted them to the SSS for safekeeping.

Sad to say, the return on our investments is very minimal. The amount can no longer cope with the high cost of living nowadays. We are bothered physically, morally and mentally. It can hardly provide for one good square meal a day. Our greatest worries are maintenance medicine, medical checkups and provisions for emergencies such as surgical operations—and funeral and burial services when our final end comes.

Yes, the amount we receive is so small and cannot provide for our needs. I myself receive only P2,430.81 every month. Others receive less. For this reason, we turn to you, Mr. President, for assistance. We know your good heart will not turn us down.

Mr. President, you have the power and authority to convince the SSS to increase our pensions. The raise is long overdue. The Government Service Insurance System has already done this.

We are aware that the SSS can afford to increase pensions. It was revealed by Sen. Ralph Recto during the hearing conducted by the  Senate Committee on Government Corporations and Public Services that the SSS has P340 billion in reserves on hand and is earning more than P25 billion every two years.

We salute Rep. Teddy Casiño and Senator Recto. Casiño has proposed a minimum SSS pension of P5,000; Recto also favors an increase. But before their proposals become law, many of us would have already gone to our graves. Like some World War II veterans and comfort women who passed away, never enjoying the financial blessings due them. “What good is hay to a dead mule?” “Strike while the iron is hot.” These sayings are true and applicable to us.

Mr. President, with trust and confidence, we appeal to you to assist us in these our days of urgent need.

—BENJAMIN V. ESTABILLO
44 Freedom St., Veterans Village
Pasong Tamo, Quezon City