TO COMMEMORATE LABOR DAY, SSS Launches Nationwide Campaign to Ensure Social Security Protection for Filipino Workers

by: Edjun Mariposque ****

April 30, 2024

2–4 minutes

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The Social Security System (SSS) is leading a nationwide campaign to protect Filipino workers’ social security rights. Called “Alay ng SSS para sa mga Manggagawa – Serbisyong Mapagkakatiwalaan at Proteksyong Maaasahan,” the initiative ensures timely remittance of workers’ contributions by engaging businesses. Spearheaded by SSS Executive Vice President for Branch Operations Sector, Voltaire P. Agas, the campaign began on April 30th. Its goal is to uphold workers’ rights and guarantee reliable social security services.

**Sherry Lou P. Portas**
Acting Assistant Head
SSS Calamba Branch

**Edwin S. Igharas**
Vice President
Luzon South 1 Division

Simultaneously nationwide, Acting assistant head SSS Calamba Branch, Ms. Sherry Lou P. Portas, emphasized the urgency of this initiative. Meanwhile, Vice President Luzon South 1 Division, Mr. Edwin S. Igharas, warned employers of potential legal consequences if they fail to comply with their obligations to remit their employees’ contributions.

**Atty. Noel R. Papares**
Acting Head
Operations Legal Department – Luzon South

Moreover, Acting Head Operations Legal Department – Luzon South, Atty. Noel R. Papares, revealed that delinquent establishments are given a 15-day grace period to comply with SSS contribution remittance requirements. Failure to adhere to the notices may result in penalties and even a demand letter, ensuring accountability among employers.

Under the initiative, delinquent employers across the country will receive violation notices as part of the Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) operation, aimed at highlighting the legal repercussions of non-compliance with contribution remittance obligations. Agas emphasized SSS’s unwavering commitment to penalize employers who neglect to register their employees or fail to remit their contributions promptly.

The SSS reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring that all members of the labor force have access to vital social security benefits during emergencies. SSS President and Chief Executive Officer, Rolando Ledesma Macasaet, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of Filipino workers’ welfare and their ability to avail themselves of various social security protection benefits provided by the state pension fund.

Agas outlined the extensive range of benefits available to SSS members, including sickness, maternity, disability, unemployment, retirement, funeral, and death benefits. He elaborated on specific benefit criteria, such as the requirement of 120 monthly contributions for lifetime monthly pensions upon retirement, and the provision of monthly pensions or lump-sum amounts based on contribution history for disability and death benefits.

Furthermore, the SSS introduced innovative programs to expand retirement savings options for members. The Workers’ Investment and Savings Program (WISP) and the Voluntary Provident Fund Program (WISP Plus) aim to supplement regular social security benefits and empower members to enhance their retirement funds through voluntary contributions and tax-free investment earnings.

The nationwide campaign underscores SSS’s proactive approach to safeguarding the financial security and well-being of Filipino workers, particularly during challenging times. By enforcing contribution compliance and offering enhanced benefit programs, the SSS remains dedicated to providing reliable social security services to its members across the nation.

#Edjun Mariposque

DREAMSTAR TV

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