Our workers need all the help they can get

At a time when everyone in the country is suffering in one way or another from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pan-demic, the impending increases in the rates of Filipino workers’ contributions to the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) and the Social Security System (SSS) should be deferred until a more appropriate time for everybody.

This pandemic has caused a national recession because of the closure of so many private businesses and government economic programs. The impact on individuals and their families has made their lives so much more difficult, with many losing their jobs or forced into extended leaves.

Those who are members of PhilHealth and SSS will be facing an additional burden in this new year.

Under the Universal Health Care Law, members pay annual premiums to PhilHealth which, starting in 2021, will increase by 0.5 percent a year until they reach 5 percent in 2025. From the current 3 percent of basic salary, members must now contribute 3.5 percent.