SSS firm on OFW mandatory coverage
Credit to Author: The Manila Times| Date: Wed, 28 Aug 2019 06:57:37 +0000
THE implementation of mandatory coverage of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) under the Social Security System (SSS) will continue despite opposition from some seafarers who questioned it before the Supreme Court, the state-run pension fund said.
In a statement on Wednesday, the SSS stressed that the policy mandated by Republic Act 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018 has to be implemented “until such time that it is declared unconstitutional.”
SSS said that its stood by the decision of the lawmakers to provide meaningful social protection to all Filipinos here and abroad.
It also noted that the Joint Committee mandated by the law to implement the mandatory coverage of OFWs composed of SSS, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Labor and Employment, has been discussing the matter.
SSS said it would “consider all concerns regarding the mandatory coverage of OFWs but stressed that it is duty-bound to implement the law to pursue the welfare of OFWs.”
The statement was issued after nine OFWs represented by lawmakers and labor group Migrante filed a petition with the Supreme Court seeking to nullify the mandatory coverage of overseas workers. MAYVELIN U. CARABALLO