Manila: SSS-GSIS Pensyonado Party-list Representative Rolando Macasaet is advocating for the approval of a legislative proposal aimed at substantially enhancing the financial security of surviving spouses of government pensioners. House Bill No. 7009, filed on December 22, seeks to amend the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) Act of 1997 by increasing the survivorship pension for eligible spouses from the current 50 percent to a full 100 percent of the basic monthly pension.

According to Philippines News Agency, a survivorship pension is a monthly benefit provided to the legal spouse of a deceased member or pensioner, designed to compensate for the loss of income following the member's death. Currently, the Social Security System (SSS) offers this benefit at the full monthly pension rate, while GSIS provides only half to surviving spouses.

Macasaet emphasized the disparity, stating, "Under the Social Security System, survivorship pensions are already granted at 100 percent. There is no reason why GSIS pensioners' families should receive less protection than their counterparts in the private sector." He further described House Bill 7009 as a matter of fairness and dignity.

The bill highlights the financial challenges faced by surviving spouses after the loss of a GSIS member or pensioner, especially in the context of rising inflation and increasing costs of essential goods and services. Macasaet pointed out that the existing survivorship benefit, although beneficial, is inadequate to maintain a dignified and stable quality of life for the beneficiaries.

"Under HB 7009, survivorship benefits will more accurately reflect the principle of pension continuity. By providing the full basic monthly pension, the measure aims to ease the economic burden on grieving families and affirm the State's commitment to social protection," Macasaet added.