SSS assets rise to ₱1.35 trillion under de Claro

The Social Security System (SSS) reported record-high assets of ₱1.35 trillion as of June 2026, up 7.6% from the end of 2025, as the state pension fund cited stronger reserves, higher contribution collections and improved earnings prospects under President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Joseph Montes de Claro.

In a press release, SSS said total assets increased by ₱94.9 billion from ₱1.25 trillion as of December 2025, strengthening its financial base as it continues to meet benefit obligations to members, pensioners and their families.

The agency’s Investment Reserve Fund (IRF) also grew to ₱1.31 trillion in the first half of 2026, up 6.6% from ₱1.23 trillion at the end of last year.

The fund serves as a source of investment resources to support future pension and benefit payments.

SSS said it expects to record more than ₱100 billion in net income for the full year and projects total assets to reach ₱1.5 trillion by December 2026.

Benefit payments increased during the period, with SSS disbursing ₱173.45 billion from January to June, 19% higher than the ₱145.73 billion released in the same period in 2025.

Contribution collections reached ₱200.32 billion in the first six months of 2026, up 6.9% from ₱187.44 billion a year earlier, according to the agency.

The figures point to growth in both collections and benefit outlays.

However, the reported increases alone do not establish the extent of the fund’s long-term actuarial sustainability, which also depends on future contributions, investment returns, benefit obligations and demographic trends.

SSS attributed its financial performance to investment management practices under de Claro, including risk management, asset allocation and regular portfolio reviews.

The agency said its investment decisions were guided by Republic Act No. 11199, or the Social Security Act of 2018, and internal governance policies.

The law requires the IRF to be managed and invested with skill, care, prudence and diligence to support the pension fund’s long-term viability.

SSS said its stronger financial position would help sustain the delivery of benefits to members and pensioners while protecting its capacity to meet future obligations.

The reported results cover the first half of 2026.