Manila: SSS-GSIS Pensyonado Party-list Representative Rolando Ledesma Macasaet on Monday called for the immediate release of an 'Easter Emergency Bonus' to help alleviate the impact of rising prices on pensioners of the Social Security System (SSS) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). Macasaet highlighted that pensioners remain among the most vulnerable sectors during this economic crisis.

According to Philippines News Agency, Macasaet emphasized the urgency of providing prompt assistance to pensioners facing increasing costs of living. He proposed that the emergency bonus be sourced from existing benefits, specifically the 13th-month pension of the SSS and the Christmas cash gift of the GSIS, allowing for immediate relief without requiring additional funding. Macasaet assured that this proposal would not affect the financial stability of the pension funds, citing his experience as the former president of both GSIS and SSS.

Macasaet stressed the measure as a timely and practical intervention to provide immediate assistance to retirees who primarily depend on their pensions. He asserted that there is no need for delay, as the respective Boards of SSS and GSIS already possess the authority to approve and release this benefit without requiring any action from Malaca±ang or Congress.