Photo credit: SSS

Former Social Security System (SSS) President Rolando Ledesma Macasaet’s recent call to suspend the scheduled increase in SSS contributions raises critical questions about his motivations and the potential consequences of such a move.

While it may sound appealing to ease the financial burden on SSS members, the lack of solid justification for his proposal and its timing as he campaigns for a congressional seat under the SSS-GSIS Pensyonado party-list cast doubt on his sincerity.

During his tenure as head of both the GSIS and SSS under the Duterte and Marcos administrations, did he ever push for a suspension of increases in members’ contributions?

Why is he making such a proposal now, when he is no longer in office and is instead running for a seat in Congress?

If he truly believed that contribution increases were unjust or unnecessary, why didn’t he act on it when he had the authority and opportunity to do so?

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin has emphasized that the scheduled hikes were based on rigorous actuarial studies, designed to ensure the financial sustainability of the SSS while expanding benefits for members.

We support Bersamin's statements, as they are rooted in sound policy and a deep understanding of the financial needs of the SSS.

Additionally, we share his concerns about the political motivations behind Macasaet’s call, especially considering the timing of the proposal while Macasaet is actively campaigning.

As a former SSS chief, Macasaet should be well aware of the importance of these studies. Yet, he has provided no evidence or alternative proposals to support his claim that halting the hike is viable.

Macasaet’s call conveniently aligns with his bid for a congressional seat under the SSS-GSIS Pensyonado party-list.

This timing raises suspicions that his proposal is less about the welfare of SSS members and more about gaining political mileage. As Bersamin aptly pointed out, this could very well be a campaign strategy.

It’s crucial that we prevent such political opportunism from influencing important decisions that affect the welfare of millions of Filipinos.

This concern is further exacerbated by the misleading name of his party-list. Many of us—including this writer—have long opposed groups like SSS-GSIS Pensyonado, 4Ps, and TUPAD party-lists for their use of acronyms tied to popular government programs.

These names create the illusion that these groups are directly connected to government initiatives, as though they are the ones funding or managing programs to assist the public.

Unfortunately, our concerns have fallen on deaf ears at the Comelec, whose chairman, George Garcia, often claims that the Comelec has no powers to counter such practices, such as allowing premature campaigning in the absence of a law to stop it.

We disagree with this interpretation and call on election lawyers to educate Garcia about the vast powers of the Comelec, especially during election periods, and the provisions of the Omnibus Election Code that address unfair campaigning.

Garcia and his commissiiners must step up and address the use of misleading party-list names and unfair campaign practices to safeguard the integrity of our elections.

If these party-list groups, this early, are already showing a lack of transparency through the use of misleading acronyms and are clearly trying to take advantage of voters, we can only imagine the extent of questionable practices they might engage in once they secure positions in government after the elections in May.

We will give you an update on these questionable party-list groups as the election period draws near, but that is a separate story.

Going back to Macasaet's call, while it is valid to review and assess the impact of contribution hikes, such reviews must be grounded in evidence and driven by genuine concern for members—not by political opportunism.

Macasaet’s sudden advocacy raises more questions than answers. Did he truly care about the welfare of SSS members during his time in office, or is this merely a populist ploy to secure votes?

The public deserves leaders who prioritize sustainable solutions over short-term political gains.

The SSS must be allowed to implement its policies based on actuarial studies without undue interference.

Let us remain vigilant against proposals that exploit public institutions for political theatrics, and demand transparency and accountability from those who seek to represent us.

As we continue to scrutinize Macasaet’s call, it’s crucial to recognize the broader implications of such political maneuvering.

This is not just about a contribution increase or a temporary pause—it’s about the integrity of our public institutions and the welfare of our people being used as pawns in a political game.

The timing and lack of substantial evidence behind Macasaet’s proposal suggest that his motivations are far more self-serving than genuinely focused on the needs of SSS members.

If we allow such tactics to go unchecked, we risk undermining the trust in institutions meant to serve the public good.

Let this be a reminder that true leadership requires more than opportunistic promises; it demands transparency, accountability, and a commitment to policies that truly benefit the people.

Ed Javier

Ed Javier is a veteran communicator with over 34 years of professional experience both in the private and public sectors. He is also an entrepreneur, political analyst, newspaper columnist, broadcast and online journalist.