SSS to open loan facility for pensioners

DAVAO CITY – The Social Security System (SSS) will roll out a loan window for pensioners who are victims of loan sharks, whose scheme involves the taking of ATM cards as pawns or payment guarantee.

This was announced by SSS President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Emmanuel Dooc in an interview on the sidelines of the SSS Sulit Forum at Grand Men Seng on Tuesday.

Dooc said SSS will set aside PHP10 billion under the loan program for pensioners starting September, from which, pensioners can borrow up to PHP32,000, depending on the amount of their pension and with only 10 percent annual interest.

He said the interest rate is lower compared to the rates offered by loansharks, commonly at 3 percent per month or 36 to 42 percent annually.

“Makakatulong ito sa ating mga pensiondao lalo na taas ng mga bilihin ngayon. Pagulong-gulungin natin ang pera (This will help our pensioners especially with the current high prices of goods. We will revolve the money),” Dooc told reporters.

Dooc said that initially, only pensioners who have not reached the age of 80 may qualify for the loan program.

According to Dooc, borrowing money with high-interest rates were among the issues raised by employers during Tuesday’s Sulit forum, which aims to raise awareness on social security and the benefits of the SSS coverage.

Dooc said qualified pensioners will be enrolled in insurance to guarantee their payment in case of death. (Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)