Palace to study suspension of pension contribution amid Middle East turmoil

Malacañang announced it is open to review proposals on suspending pension contributions for members of government-run funds temporarily, while highlighting ongoing efforts to support pensioners and contributors.

Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro on Wednesday, April 15, said the proposal remains under consideration as agencies have already rolled out assistance measures in response to tensions in the Middle East.

Castro explained, “Iyan ang aaralin pero sa ngayon ay mayroon nang ginagawa ang SSS (Social Security System), ang GSIS (Government Service Insurance System) at Pag-IBIG (Home Development Mutual Fund) para sa ating mga kababayan dahil nga sa nangyayaring gulo sa Middle East.”

During a Palace briefing, Castro detailed the initiatives currently being implemented by these agencies.

For the SSS, around P60 billion has been allocated for financial assistance and benefits covering members, pensioners, and employers, including loan programs and the early rollout of the 2026 pension increase.

These are on top of ongoing measures such as loan penalty condonation and relief for contribution delinquencies, Castro added.

The GSIS, meanwhile, is implementing its Balik Ginhawa Program, which provides a three-month loan payment moratorium.

“Ire-refund muna para magamit ng ating mga kababayan at babayaran nila ito nang walang interest. At sa ngayon ay mayroon nang 297,162 out of 353,667 applications na nag-qualify na para dito sa Balik Ginhawa Program,” Castro explained.

For Pag-IBIG members, Castro said the agency has introduced a special assistance package for repatriated overseas Filipino workers, allowing them to withdraw up to 100 percent of their regular and Modified Pag-IBIG 2 savings before maturity.

She added that members may also avail of a three-month moratorium on housing loan payments without incurring interest or penalties.