The Philippine Alliance of Human Rights Advocates (PAHRA) expresses its strong opposition to the recent announcement of a contribution rate hike by the Social Security System (SSS) for 2025. While the SSS justifies the increase to ensure its sustainability, PAHRA decries this move, especially given the rising cost of living and the stagnant wages faced by many Filipino workers.

“This increase in SSS contributions is just another burden on the working class, who are already grappling with the rising cost of essential goods and services,” said Egay Cabalitan, PAHRA Secretary-General. “How can we expect workers to cope when wages remain stagnant, while the prices of basic necessities continue to soar? The government has failed to take meaningful action on wage increases, and now workers are being asked to bear the weight of yet another financial burden.”

PAHRA stresses that while it is important to ensure the sustainability of the SSS, this should not come at the expense of the workers who contribute to the system. With the current economic challenges—especially the escalating prices of goods and the continued lack of wage adjustments—this move by the SSS further exacerbates the financial hardships of Filipino families.

“The government’s failure to address low wages and rising prices leaves workers with no choice. While SSS sustainability is important, it shouldn’t come at the cost of the people’s well-being,” Cabalitan said. “This hike shows the government’s misaligned priorities—rather than tackling economic struggles, they’re asking more from the people.”

PAHRA calls for a comprehensive and long-term approach to address the financial struggles of the working class, one that focuses on increasing wages to keep up with the cost of living and ensuring that social security contributions are balanced with the financial capabilities of ordinary Filipinos. The group urges the government to take immediate action to prioritize the welfare of Filipino workers and reconsider the decision to raise the SSS contribution rate.

“We cannot continue to ask workers to bear the brunt of every economic hardship while the government looks the other way. It is time to implement real solutions that put the welfare of the Filipino people first, starting with fair wages and affordable living conditions,” Cabalitan concluded.

PAHRA calls on both the SSS and the government to reconsider the proposed contribution hike and focus on policies that address the root causes of the financial struggles faced by workers.###

January 14, 2025
Press Release
Contact Person:
Denzel Nery – 09951520053