DOJ backs House bills expanding SSS benefits

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Justice (DOJ) supports the approval of legislative measures that will expand the benefits of members of the Social Security System (SSS).

In a seven-page legal opinion released on Friday, the DOJ said it is amenable to House Bills 4668, 4659 and 4696 that would amend Republic Act 8282 or the Social Security Law of 1997.

HB 4668 seeks to provide benefits to unemployed SSS members who have paid at least six months contribution prior to involuntary unemployment. The benefit involves monthly cash support for six months from date of separation from employment.

“This department recognizes the importance of this bill and we express our support, provided that the funds of the SSS shall be able to guarantee the fulfillment of its obligations to all its members,” the opinion signed by Justice Secretary Leila de Lima stated.

The DOJ said the proposed benefit is being provided to members of the Government Service Insurance System who are involuntarily separated from the service.

The temporary financial support is similar to the separation pay under the Labor Code, the opinion added.

HB 4659, meanwhile, seeks to continue the pension benefits of retired members or senior citizens who have been reemployed or are self-employed. It would amend section 12-B of RA 8282.

“It is the declared policy of the state to promote a just and dynamic social order that will ensure the prosperity and independence of the nation and free the people from poverty through policies that provide adequate social services, promote full employment, a rising standard of living and an improved quality of life,” according to the DOJ opinion.

Under HB 4696, maternity benefits for female SSS members “shall be reckoned from the time of her membership.”

“It is explicit that the compulsory coverage of employees shall take effect on the first day of employment... The first four deliveries or miscarriages of a member should be counted from the time of her membership in the SSS,” the ruling stated.

Only SSS members who have paid at least three monthly contributions within the 12-month period immediately preceding the semester of her childbirth or miscarriage may claim maternity benefits under the present law.