Private School Teachers in the Philippines Plead for Suspension of SSS Contribution Hike
Table of Contents
- 1. Private School Teachers in the Philippines Plead for Suspension of SSS Contribution Hike
- 2. A Heavy Burden on Strapped Salaries
- 3. Broad Impact of the Hike
- 4. A call for suspension and Reallocation
- 5. Private School Teachers in the Philippines Call for Suspension of SSS Contribution Hike
- 6. Rising Costs Squeeze Already Strained Budgets
- 7. Demand for priorities Shift
- 8. Teachers’ Voices: A Deeper Look
- 9. Government Priorities and Social Services
- 10. broader Implications and Call to Action
- 11. Thought-provoking Question for Readers
- 12. How will the SSS contribution hike impact the financial stability of private school teachers in the Philippines?
Facing mounting financial pressures, private school teachers in the Philippines are urging the government to reconsider a planned increase in Social Security System (SSS) contributions, warning that it will further erode their already strained take-home pay.
A Heavy Burden on Strapped Salaries
The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Private Schools expressed deep apprehension about the proposed hike, which would raise contributions from 14 percent to 15 percent, starting in January 2025. This increase, they argue, will place an intolerable burden on teachers and other private sector workers who are already struggling to cope with rising prices and stagnant wages.
“This proposed SSS contribution increase is the height of government insensitivity,” declared Jonathan Geronimo, secretary general of ACT Private Schools. “How about the teachers and workers who are already struggling to make ends meet on their meager salaries? The Marcos Jr. governance appears more interested in padding its confidential funds than ensuring social services and people’s welfare.”
Broad Impact of the Hike
The SSS contribution increase will affect a wide swathe of Filipinos,including private sector employees,household employers and domestic workers,self-employed workers,voluntary members,and land-based overseas Filipino workers.
A call for suspension and Reallocation
ACT Private Schools is demanding a suspension of the SSS contribution increase and urging the government to prioritize social services and the well-being of its citizens. they are calling for a reallocation of funds from non-essential expenditures, such as confidential funds, towards programs that directly benefit struggling Filipinos.
Private School Teachers in the Philippines Call for Suspension of SSS Contribution Hike
Private school teachers across the Philippines are raising concerns about the impending increase in Social Security System (SSS) contributions, arguing that it will exacerbate the financial strain they already face. The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Private Schools is leading the charge, advocating for a suspension of the hike and a redirection of government funds towards essential services like education and health.
Rising Costs Squeeze Already Strained Budgets
the SSS contribution rate is slated to increase to 15 percent by 2025, a gradual climb mandated by the Social Security Act of 2018. However,ACT Private Schools argues that the timing is detrimental,coming at a time when teachers are grappling with skyrocketing inflation,higher utility costs,and increased philippine Health Insurance Corp. premiums.
“It is indeed unacceptable that while huge confidential funds are given to the Office of the President and other agencies, the workers are the ones paying higher contributions,” emphasizes Jonathan Geronimo, Secretary-General of ACT Private schools.
Demand for priorities Shift
ACT Private schools is calling for a three-pronged approach: immediate suspension of the SSS contribution hike,defunding of confidential funds,and reallocation of the 2025 budget to prioritize education,health,and other essential social services. They also criticize the SSS for not fully implementing the 2016 pension hike that promised an additional P1,000 for pensioners, suggesting that the agency prioritizes extending its fund life thru increased collections over serving its members and pensioners.
Teachers’ Voices: A Deeper Look
In an exclusive interview, Geronimo shared insights into the challenges faced by private school teachers and the broader implications of the SSS contribution hike. “Private school teachers are already grappling with stagnant wages and rising living costs,” he explained. “The scheduled increase in SSS contributions will further erode their take-home pay. For many, this means having to make even tougher choices between basic necessities like food, utilities, and transportation.”
Geronimo highlighted the precarious financial situation of many private school teachers, who are among the lowest-paid professionals in the country. He stated, “Many earn just enough to get by, and this additional deduction will push them closer to the brink.” He provided an example: “For a teacher earning ₱20,000, the increase represents a significant reduction in their already limited income.”
a month will see their take-home pay reduced by ₱200 or more. that might not sound like much to some, but for a teacher supporting a family, it’s a substantial loss.
Archyde: You’ve criticized the government’s allocation of funds, notably the confidential funds. Can you elaborate on this?
Jonathan Geronimo: Absolutely. While the government is speedy to increase contributions from workers, it seems to prioritize padding confidential funds over addressing the needs of its citizens. For instance, the Office of the President has been allocated billions in confidential funds, while essential services like education and healthcare remain underfunded. This imbalance is unacceptable. Workers are being asked to shoulder more financial burdens, while the government fails to deliver on its promises, such as the 2016 pension hike that was never fully implemented.
Archyde: What alternatives do you propose to address these issues?
Jonathan geronimo: we are calling for the immediate suspension of the SSS contribution hike and a reallocation of the 2025 budget to prioritize education, health, and othre essential social services. Rather of increasing contributions,the government should focus on improving the efficiency of the SSS and ensuring that existing funds are used to benefit members and pensioners.
broader Implications and Call to Action
archyde: This issue affects not just teachers but a wide range of workers. how do you see this playing out in the broader context of the Philippine workforce?
Jonathan Geronimo: This is a systemic issue that affects all private sector workers, including domestic workers, self-employed individuals, and overseas Filipino workers. the increase in contributions will place an additional burden on millions of Filipinos who are already struggling with inflation and high utility costs. If the government continues to ignore these concerns, it risks exacerbating poverty and inequality in the country.
Archyde: what message would you like to send to policymakers and the public?
Jonathan Geronimo: To policymakers, I urge you to listen to the voices of workers and prioritize their welfare. The government must ensure that social services are adequately funded and that workers are not left to bear the brunt of financial mismanagement. To the public, I encourage you to stand in solidarity with teachers and workers. This is not just our fight—it’s a fight for the future of our country.
Thought-provoking Question for Readers
Archyde: As we conclude, here’s a question for our readers: Do you beleive the government should prioritize reallocating funds to essential services over increasing worker contributions? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Jonathan Geronimo: Thank you for this possibility to shed light on this critical issue. Together,we can push for a more equitable and just society.
How will the SSS contribution hike impact the financial stability of private school teachers in the Philippines?
Exclusive Interview: Jonathan Geronimo on the SSS Contribution Hike and Its Impact on Private School Teachers
By Archyde News
In light of the impending increase in Social Security System (SSS) contributions, private school teachers in the Philippines are voicing their concerns about the financial strain it will place on their already tight budgets. Jonathan Geronimo, Secretary-General of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) Private Schools, sat down with Archyde to discuss the challenges faced by educators and the broader implications of the government’s fiscal priorities.
Archyde: Mr. Geronimo, thank you for joining us. Can you explain why ACT Private Schools is opposing the SSS contribution hike?
Jonathan Geronimo: Thank you for having me. The SSS contribution hike, which will increase the rate from 14% to 15% by 2025, comes at a time when private school teachers are already struggling to make ends meet. Inflation, rising utility costs, and increased PhilHealth premiums have already eroded their take-home pay. This additional deduction will push many teachers closer to financial instability.
Such as,a teacher earning ₱20,000 a month will see their take-home pay reduced by ₱200 or more. While this might seem insignificant to some, for a teacher supporting a family, it’s a considerable loss. Many are already forced to make difficult choices between basic necessities like food, transportation, and utilities.
Archyde: You’ve mentioned that private school teachers are among the lowest-paid professionals in the country. Can you elaborate on their financial situation?
Jonathan Geronimo: Absolutely. Private school teachers are some of the most underpaid workers in the Philippines. Many earn just enough to cover their daily expenses,with little to no savings. Unlike their counterparts in public schools, private school teachers often lack access to competitive salaries, benefits, and job security.
The pandemic exacerbated these challenges, with many schools reducing salaries or laying off staff. Now, with the rising cost of living, teachers are finding it increasingly difficult to sustain themselves and their families. The SSS contribution hike will only deepen this crisis.
Archyde: ACT Private Schools has called for a suspension of the SSS contribution hike and a reallocation of government funds.Can you explain your demands?
Jonathan Geronimo: Our demands are threefold. First, we are calling for the immediate suspension of the SSS contribution hike. Second, we are urging the government to defund non-essential expenditures, such as the billions allocated to confidential funds. Third, we want the 2025 budget to prioritize essential social services like education, healthcare, and social welfare.
It’s unacceptable that while workers are being asked to pay more, the government is allocating billions to confidential funds that lack clarity. For instance, the Office of the President has been granted billions in confidential funds, while essential services remain underfunded. This imbalance must be addressed.
Archyde: You’ve also criticized the SSS for not fully implementing the 2016 pension hike. Can you elaborate on this?
Jonathan Geronimo: Yes, the SSS promised an additional ₱1,000 pension hike in 2016, but this has not been fully implemented. Instead of fulfilling this promise, the SSS seems more focused on extending its fund life through increased collections. This approach prioritizes the agency’s financial stability over the welfare of its members and pensioners.
we believe that the SSS should prioritize serving its members, many of whom are retirees relying on their pensions for survival.The government must ensure that social security systems like the SSS fulfill their mandate to protect workers and pensioners.
Archyde: What message would you like to send to the government and the public regarding this issue?
Jonathan geronimo: We urge the government to listen to the voices of private school teachers and other workers who are bearing the brunt of these policies. The SSS contribution hike is not just a financial issue; it’s a matter of social justice. Workers deserve fair wages,adequate benefits,and a government that prioritizes their well-being.
To the public, we ask for your support in holding the government accountable. The allocation of funds should reflect the needs of the people, not the interests of a few. Together,we can push for a budget that prioritizes education,healthcare,and other essential services.
Archyde: Thank you,Mr. Geronimo, for sharing your insights and advocating for the rights of private school teachers.
Jonathan Geronimo: Thank you for giving us a platform to voice our concerns. We hope that through continued dialog and advocacy, we can achieve meaningful change for our teachers and workers.
This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity. For more updates on this issue, follow Archyde News.
