Manila: The state-run Social Security System (SSS) is on track to grow its reserve fund to PHP2 trillion in three to four years, SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph de Claro announced recently. De Claro emphasized the trajectory of the fund's growth, noting the significant expansion following the pandemic. "The road to PHP2 trillion is getting nearer. I think we are on track within the next three to four years to reach PHP2 trillion," he stated during a briefing.

According to Philippines News Agency, the SSS reserve fund reached PHP1.065 trillion in 2025, with total assets rising 22.1 percent to PHP1.261 trillion. The net income hit a record PHP142.970 billion. Finance Secretary Frederick Go highlighted the benefits of the SSS's strong performance, which enables the organization to offer more programs to assist its members. Last year, SSS announced a Pension Reform Program that will implement a structured, three-year pension increase for all pensioners, resulting in a 33 percent increase for retirement or disability pensioners and a 16 percent increase for death or survivor pensioners.

In addition to these initiatives, SSS plans to launch a microloan program aimed at combating predatory lending. "The microloan is really our answer to predatory lending," Go explained. The board-approved program will offer short-term loans at an 8 percent annual interest rate and will be rolled out in the second quarter through partner banks. Go noted that the strong performance of the SSS enables the creation of such programs.

Despite the enhanced benefits, SSS assured that there will be no contribution hike. De Claro clarified, "The last contribution increase was January last year. That was the last tranche in the increase that was part of RA (Republic Act) 1119 or the revised SSS law." He confirmed that there are no plans for further contribution increases, as it is not stipulated in the SSS charter.