Sen. Imee Marcos Urges Suspension of SSS, GSIS, and PhilHealth Deductions Amid Energy Emergency

 MANILA, Philippines - Senator Imee Marcos is calling on the nation’s primary social protection agencies to implement a temporary "collection holiday" to provide immediate financial relief to Filipino workers struggling under the weight of a national energy crisis.

The proposal seeks a one-month suspension of mandatory monthly contributions to the Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Pag-IBIG Fund, and PhilHealth.

Sen. Marcos proposes suspension of salary deductions

Relief Amid a National Emergency

The call for a suspension comes in the wake of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s declaration of a National State of Energy Emergency (Executive Order No. 110) on March 24. Global supply disruptions have sent local pump prices soaring, with diesel recently surging by nearly ₱20 per liter in a single week.

Senator Marcos emphasized that while the government has prioritized subsidies for the transport and agriculture sectors, the broader workforce—including office employees and small business owners—needs a direct boost to their take-home pay to keep up with the "galloping rise" in the cost of living.

Push for Full Wage Release

"Let us suspend salary deductions for now and release their wages in full," Senator Marcos stated. "The crisis in gasoline and crude oil adds to the daily burden of every Filipino. It is only right that we give them at least a month or more of relief in paying their obligations."

In addition to the suspension of premiums, the Senator is pushing for a loan moratorium. This would allow members with existing salary, housing, or multi-purpose loans to defer their payments without incurring additional interest or penalties, similar to the relief measures successfully implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Economic Context and Implementation

The country is currently operating under the Unified Package for Livelihoods, Industry, Food, and Transport (UPLIFT) framework, which authorizes the government to take extraordinary measures to protect vulnerable sectors.

Economic analysts note that a 30-day suspension of government deductions could increase the average worker’s liquid cash by 10% to 15%, providing a critical buffer as inflation remains elevated due to high electricity and transportation costs.

Source: Senate Press Release