Senate TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session ) 26 MAR 19 AlO:41 RECEIVED BY: SENATE S. No. 1999 Introduced by Senator MANUEL "LITO" M. LAPID AN ACT EXPANDING THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY COMMISSION TO INCLUDE THE SECRETARY OF MIGRANT WORKERS AS EX-OFFICIO MEMBER AND TO DESIGNATE A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS AND SEAFARERS AS ONE OF THE APPOINTIVE MEMBERS REPRESENTING THE WORKERS GROUP, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 3 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11199, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE 'SOCIAL SECURITY ACT OF 2018' EXPLANATORY NOTE The enactment of Republic Act No. 11199, or the Social Security Act of 2018, marked a milestone in social protection by mandating compulsory SSS coverage for all sea-based and land-based Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). This policy recognizes that our migrant workers-whether categorized as employees of manning agencies or self-employed individuals deserve a robust safety net that mirrors the contributions they make to the national economy. Under the current law, the Social Security Commission (SSC) is vested with the power to formulate rules, develop specialized social security programs for unique sectors, and adjudicate disputes regarding benefits and contributions. Given these functions, the decisions made by the Commission have a direct and profound impact on the financial security of millions of Filipinos working abroad. At present, the Commission is composed of the Secretary of Finance, the SSS President, the Secretary of Labor and Employment, and six appointive members
representing the workers' and employers' groups. However, the current composition lacks a dedicated voice for the migrant sector—a sector with unique economic and geographic realities. This bill proposes two vital institutional changes. First is the inclusion of the Secretary of Migrant Workers. Following the establishment of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) under R.A. No. 11641, the DMW has become the primary agency tasked with the protection and welfare of OFWs. It is only logical and necessary that the Secretary of Migrant Workers sits as an ex-officio member of the Commission to provide specialized policy input. Second is mandatory OFW Representation. This measure seeks to designate one of the three appointive members representing the "Workers' Group" specifically as a representative of OFWs and Seafarers. Representation is the cornerstone of democratic governance. By ensuring that a dedicated representative of the migrant and maritime sectors sits at the decision- making table, we honor the state policy of ensuring the right of overseas Filipinos to participate in democratic processes that affect their lives and livelihoods. To truly protect those who keep our economy afloat, we must give them a seat in the halls where their future is decided. In view of the foregoing, the early passage of this bill is earnestly requested. Senator
sociate TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE ) REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 26 MAR 19 A10:41 First Regular Session SENATE RECEIVED BY: S. No. 1999 Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid AN ACT EXPANDING THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY COMMISSION TO INCLUDE THE SECRETARY OF MIGRANT WORKERS AS EX-OFFICIO MEMBER AND TO DESIGNATE A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS AND SEAFARERS AS ONE OF THE APPOINTIVE MEMBERS REPRESENTING THE WORKERS GROUP, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 3 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11199, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE 'SOCIAL SECURITY ACT OF 2018' Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:
Section 1. Section 3, paragraph (a) of Republic Act No. 11199, also known as
the 'Social Security Act of 2018, is hereby amended to read as follows:
Section 3. Social Security System -
a. To carry out the purposes of this Act, the Social Security System, hereinafter referred to as "SSS", a corporate body, with principal place of business in Metro Manila, Philippines, is hereby created. In the discharge of its mandated responsibilities under this Act, the SSS shall function and operate as an independent and accountable government-owned and -controlled corporation (GOCC) within the corporate governance standards and principles
of Republic Act No. 10149 (GCG Law), except as otherwise provided herein. The SSS shall be directed and controlled by a Social Security Commission, hereinafter referred to as "Commission", composed of the Secretary of Finance as ex officio Chairperson, the SSS President and Chief Executive Officer as Vice-Chairperson who shall automatically act as the Commission Chairperson in the absence of the Finance Secretary, the Secretary of Labor and Employment, as ex officio member, THE SECRETARY OF MIGRANT WORKERS, AS EX- OFFICIO MEMBER, and six (6) appointive members, three (3) of whom shall represent the workers' group, ONE OF WHOM SHALL COME FROM THE RANKS OF OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS AND SEAFARERS, AND at least one (1) of whom shall be a woman; three (3), the employers' group, at least one (1) of whom shall be a woman; all of whom shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines and shall be of known competence, probity, integrity and recognized expertise in any of the fields of social security, pension fund, insurance, investment, banking and finance, economics, management, law or actuarial science and with at least ten (10) years of managerial or leadership experience. The six (6) members representing workers and employers' groups shall be chosen from among the nominees of workers' and employers' organizations respectively, as endorsed by the Governance Commission for GOCCS following the fit and proper rule and standards on integrity, experience, education, training and competence. The term of office of the regular appointive
members of the Commission shall be three (3) years, which can be extended for another term of three (3) years: Provided, That the terms of the first six (6) appointive members shall be one (1), two (2), and three (3) years for every two (2) members, respectively, notwithstanding Section 17 of the GCG Law: Provided, further, That they shall continue to hold Office until their successors shall have been appointed and duly qualified. All vacancies, prior to the expiration of the term, shall be filled for the unexpired term only. XXX
Section 2. Repealing Clause - All laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, other
issuances or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with this Act, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
Section 3. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation. Approved,