Temporary suspension of gov’t salary deductions pushed

Senator Imee Marcos has urged government financial institutions to temporarily stop salary deductions and grant a loan payment moratorium as Filipinos grapple with rising fuel and commodity prices.

In a statement, Marcos appealed to the Social Security System (SSS), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Pag-IBIG Fund, and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) to provide immediate relief to workers and other affected groups.

She said the continued rise in gasoline and crude oil prices has added pressure to households already struggling with everyday expenses.

“The crisis in gasoline and crude oil adds to the daily burden of every Filipino, especially our workers. It is only right that we give them at least a month or more of relief in paying their obligations,” Marcos said.

According to the senator, oil prices have been climbing steadily since the Middle East conflict erupted on Feb. 28, worsening the cost of transportation and pushing up the prices of basic goods.

Marcos proposed that agencies temporarily suspend salary deductions so employees can take home their full pay while prices remain elevated.

“Let us suspend salary deductions for now and release their wages in full, so they may somehow keep pace with the galloping rise in the cost of living,” she said.

She added that workers, farmers, fisherfolk, and small entrepreneurs are among those bearing the brunt of the oil-driven price increases.

Marcos also pointed out that similar relief measures had been used during the Covid-19 pandemic and previous natural disasters, helping families manage financial strain during difficult periods.

Describing the situation as a continuing crisis, she called for swift government action to soften its impact on ordinary Filipinos.