Amending Republic Act No. 8282 (Social Security Act of 1997)

Senate Olice of the Sriretare TIVENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) AUG -6 P4:32 First Regular Session RECEIVED & SENATE S. No. 1070 Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada AN ACT EXPANDING THE BENEFITS OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM TO PROVIDE FOR UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS, AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8282, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "SOCIAL SECURITY ACT OF 1997" EXPLANATORY NOTE In the face of a rapidly changing economic landscape, ensuring the welfare of the Filipino workforce has become more critical than ever. Employment security is a fundamental aspect of social stability, and the challenges posed by unforeseen job losses, such as economic recessions or company closures, have highlighted the need for comprehensive safety nets to protect individuals during times of unemployment. This measure entitled, "An Act Expanding the Benefits of the Social Security System to Provide for Unemployment Benefits" seeks to amend the Social Security Act of 1997 (Republic Act No. 8282) by incorporating provisions for unemployment benefits. This bill will establish a mechanism within the Social Security System (SSS) that will provide financial assistance to workers who lose their jobs due to involuntary separation, such as layoffs, retrenchment, or company closures. These unemployment benefits will serve as a critical lifeline for individuals during the period of joblessness, allowing them to meet basic needs and maintain dignity as they transition to new employment opportunities.

The proposed measure also aims to provide a more inclusive social safety net for Filipino workers, especially those who do not have access to adequate unemployment protection. By expanding the current benefits, this bill will help alleviate the economic hardships that come with unemployment and reduce the financial burden on individuals and families who are already in vulnerable situations. Filed by Senator Grace Poe in the 19th Congress, this measure recognizes that unemployment, particularly involuntary unemployment, can severely impact not only an individual's livelihood but also their overall well-being. This bill is a response to that challenge, ensuring that those who contribute to the country's economic growth are not left behind when they lose their source of income. The expansion of the SSS benefits to include unemployment benefits aligns with the state's duty to protect citizens from economic hardship and help them regain their economic footing as they search for new employment opportunities. In view of the above, the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought, as it represents an important step in securing the financial well-being and dignity of Filipino workers. JINGGOY EJERCITO ESTRADA

Daine at the Secretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 1U6 -6 P4:32 First Regular Session SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No1070 Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada AN ACT EXPANDING THE BENEFITS OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM TO PROVIDE FOR UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS, AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8282, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "SOCIAL SECURITY ACT OF 1997" Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Republic Act No. 8282, otherwise known as the "Social Security Act

of 1997" is hereby amended by inserting a new section after Section 14-A after Section 14 which shall read as follows: "SEC. 14-A. UNEMPLOYMENT OR INVOLUNTARY SEPARATION BENEFITS. - UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS IN THE FORM OF MONTHLY CASH PAYMENTS EQUIVALENT TO ONE-THIRD (1/3) THE EXISTING MONTHLY MINIMUM WAGE SHALL BE PAID TO A PERMANENT EMPLOYEE WHO IS INVOLUNTARILY UNEMPLOYED: PROVIDED, THAT HE/SHE HAS BEEN PAYING INTEGRATED CONTRIBUTIONS FOR AT LEAST ONE (1) YEAR PRIOR TO THE INVOLUNTARY UNEMPLOYMENT.

"UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS SHALL BE PAID IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING SCHEDULE: "CONTRIBUTIONS MADE TO THE SSS BENEFIT DURATION "Six (6) months but less than two (2) years One (1) month "Two (2) or more years but less than four (4) years Two (2) months 7 "Four (4) or more years but less than six (6) years Three (3) months 8 "Six (6) or more years but less than eleven (11) yearsFour (4) months "Eleven (11) or more years but less than fifteen (15) years Five (5) months

Sec. 2. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Social Security System

(SSS) shall promulgate, not later than thirty (30) days upon the effectivity of this Act, the necessary rules and regulations for its effective implementation.

Sec. 3. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act is subsequently

declared unconstitutional or invalid, other parts or provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

Sec. 4. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and

regulations, or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

Sec. 5. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following

its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,