FEBRUARY 27, 2026 — The Social Security System (SSS) just dropped a rare piece of good news for millions of Filipino pensioners: a 10 percent increase in retirement and disability pensions this year, another 10 percent in 2027, and no contribution hike for members. An “increase” usually means dagdag gastos, so this announcement feels like a breath of fresh air.

At a press briefing, Finance Secretary Frederick Go, who also chairs the Social Security Commission, announced, “We will increase pension by 10 percent this year and we will increase pension by 10 percent next year.” 

For death and survivor pensioners, the adjustment is smaller but steady — 5 percent every year until 2027.

SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph De Claro was equally direct, saying, “Wala hong contribution increase until 2027.” 

(There will be no contribution increase until 2027.) 

That assurance is backed by the agency’s record-breaking P1 trillion reserve fund and a net income jump of 58.4 percent in 2025. 

With revenues hitting P460.7 billion, Go even declared, “The SSS is now the most profitable GOCC.”

But the bigger story here isn’t just about pensions. The SSS is gearing up to launch a microloan program — amounts from P1,000 to P20,000 at only 8 percent annual interest. Compare that to the 12 to 15 percent monthly interest charged by predatory lenders, and you see why this move could be a game-changer for ordinary Filipinos. 

Go explained, “The micro loan is really our answer to the predatory lending that a lot of our fellow Filipinos suffer from.”

We’re not talking about just numbers but also about dignity. For too long, many workers have seen SSS as a deduction on their payslip rather than a lifeline. Now, with pensions rising and loans made accessible through banks and mobile apps, the agency is positioning itself as a partner in everyday survival. 

As Go put it, “Nag-uutang na nga siya kasi hirap siya tapos papahirapan pa natin siya, so we’re trying to make it easy for everybody.” 

(He’s already borrowing because he’s struggling, so why make it harder for him?)

The SSS is even eyeing investments abroad, signaling confidence in its financial health. For members, this means the agency isn’t just surviving — it’s expanding.

While government institutions often struggle with credibility, the SSS is showing that profitability can translate into tangible benefits for the people. Pensioners get more, members don’t pay extra, and borrowers escape the claws of loan sharks.

Will we finally start seeing the SSS not as a burden, but as a true safety net?

(Image: Philippine News Agency)