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SSS Benefits Must Continue: During Tuesday’s hybrid plenary session, Sen. Risa Hontiveros says Social Security System (SSS) benefits must continue even if the deferment of the contribution increase pushes through. Hontiveros said the deferment should not affect the financial viability of SSS and members should continue to receive unemployment benefits, maternity benefits, and the P1000-increase in pension. “At the outset, I was going to say that I understand why we need this measure but I also wanted to make sure that the benefits for the workers in the formal economy will not be deferred if the new contribution rates are deferred by the President,” Hontiveros said, February 9, 2021. (Screen grab/ Senate PRIB)