The labor group Partido Manggagawa (PM)
today expressed alarm at new allegations of bribery hurled at top SSS
officials. In the light of these, the group reiterated its demand for a stop to
the planned hike next year in SSS contributions.
“We view with increasing concern the worsening
allegations of bribery and profiteering by top SSS officialls as the financial
safety of the workers social security fund is at stake. We ask that labor
groups be invited to the congressional inquiry to be called on the matter so
that we can air our views and proposals,” declared Rene Magtubo.
PM had earlier demanded that the
proposed rise in SSS contributions be shelved pending the investigation of the scandal
and internal reforms by the institution. The administration of President
Rodrigo Duterte is pushing for annual hikes starting next year up to 2020 that
will raise contributions from 11% to 17%.
The House Committee on Banks and
Financial Intermediaries is scheduled to conduct an inquiry. PM is also asking
the Senate to initiate its own investigation.
Magtubo explained that “Instead of the
32 million private sector workers forking out more for social security
deductions, we suggest cutting perks and privileges of SSS officials and increasing
the fund coverage by running after employers who do not remit contributions.
All these must form part of internal reforms that should include firewalls
against corruption and illegal transactions.”
“We come across numerous abusive
employers who do not remit contributions withheld from the wages of their
employees. Non-remittance of social security contributions is a frequent
complaint of workers. Not enough enforcement and remediation is being done by
the SSS on this grave issue,” he insisted.
November 8, 2017
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