Senator Imee Marcos on Friday called on key social welfare agencies to temporarily suspend contributions and loan payments, citing the growing financial strain on Filipinos due to rising fuel and commodity prices.
Marcos said the ongoing energy crisis is placing significant pressure on workers, farmers, fishers, and small businesses, and that a moratorium on mandatory payments could offer immediate relief.
She specifically urged the Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Pag-IBIG Fund, and Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to consider halting collections following the declaration of a national energy emergency.
“Ang krisis sa gasolina at krudo ay pabigat lalo sa pang-araw-araw na buhay ng bawat Pilipino, lalo na sa ating mga manggagawa. Kaya’t marapat lamang na bigyan natin sila ng kahit isang buwan o higit pang palugit sa pagbabayad ng kanilang mga obligasyon,” Marcos said.
The senator also stressed that wages should remain fully intact during the proposed relief period to help households cope with surging prices.
“Ibigay muna ito nang buo upang kahit paano ay makasabay sila sa walang tigil na pagtaas ng presyo ng bilihin,” she added.
Marcos noted that similar relief measures were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic and past disasters, providing affected sectors with critical breathing space.
“Patuloy ang krisis na ito na wala pang kalinawan kung hanggang kailan matatapos. Nararapat lang na gawin natin ang lahat ng makakaya para matulungan ang taumbayan,” she emphasized.
The proposal comes as the government continues to roll out interventions aimed at cushioning households and industries from the impact of volatile fuel and food prices.