House members led by House Speaker Martin Romualdez hailed the Social Security System (SSS) on Sunday, Aug. 3 for greenlighting a structured three-year increase in pensions for its 3.8 million pensioners sans a premium hike.

Romualdez, Leyte's 1st district congressman, said the pension increase initiative is a major step toward a more inclusive and responsive social insurance system under the Marcos administration.

“The multi-year adjustments for SSS pensions are long overdue, but nonetheless a welcome and necessary development for members who have dutifully paid their contributions over the years,” said Romualdez.

“This decision reflects President Marcos’ vision for a social insurance system that genuinely works for the people, especially our elderly who deserve dignity and support after years of contributing to our nation’s economy,” added the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD) president.

Romualdez said the adjustment responds to long-standing clamor from pensioners, many of whom are retirees from the private sector, professionals, and informal workers who have struggled to make ends meet on meager monthly pensions.

“It can be said that the old pension rates were a disservice to our elderly Filipinos. The directive of the President to raise these pensions is only the beginning of broader reforms that aim to make the SSS more compassionate, inclusive, and attuned to the realities faced by our retirees,” he said.

Meanwhile, Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre commended the SSS and President Marcos for approving the historic multi-year pension increase that will benefit nearly four million pensioners without raising contributions from active members.

"This move speaks to the heart of good governance: listening to and acting on the needs of every Filipino, especially those who have worked hard all their lives. It reflects President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of a government that truly responds to its people," he said.

Implemented under the Social Security Act of 2018, the reform proves that sound, compassionate policy can deliver lasting impact, noted Acidre.

"I thank SSS President and CEO Robert De Claro, the Social Security Commission, and Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto for making this possible," he added.

Under Social Security Commission (SSC) Resolution No. 340, series of 2025, retirement and disability pensioners will receive a 10% annual increase in their monthly pension, effective September 2025, and continuing through 2027. Meanwhile, survivor pensioners will see a 5% annual hike over the same period.

By 2027, the cumulative increases mean the minimum retirement pension will rise from P2,200 to P2,928.20, while the average disability pension will increase from P4,963.70 to P6,606.68. Likewise, the maximum retirement pension will grow from P22,137.25 to P29,464.68.

For survivor pensioners, the minimum pension will increase from P2,000 to P2,315.25, while the maximum pension will go up from P20,200 to P23,834.03.

These increases are authorized under Republic Act (RA) No. 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018, which empowers the SSC to adjust pension benefits based on prevailing economic conditions.