High-level executives from government agencies involved in social protection of workers updated employers on new developments. This happened in ECOP’s 36th Members’ General Meeting (MGM).
The Social Security System (SSS), through its EVP, Rizaldy Capulong, for instance, announced that it is seeking amendments to Republic Act 8282, otherwise known as “An Act Further Strengthening the Social Security System Thereby Amending For This Purpose, Republic Act No. 1161, As Amended, Otherwise Known As the Social Security Law.” This includes amendments to its Charter that is not limited to condonation of penalties of “delinquent employers.” In addition, the amendment will enable the SSS to grant the 2nd tranche of the P1,000 additional benefit for pensioners.
On the part of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), its Acting President and CEO, Dr. Roy Ferrer, made public, apart from other programs, the E-PRS or the Electronic Premium Reporting System and how it works. The E-PRS is a web-based application that allows access to employee information through the employer’s representative.
Amado Isabelo Dizon III, Member, Services Operations Sector and Concurrent VP-International Operations Group, Pag-IBIG, bared the agency’s programs such as the Countryside Housing Initiative (CHI) which aims to create more housing opportunities for low-income earners through tie-ups with employers. Another program he mentioned is the Modified Pag-IBIG 2, a “voluntary program and solely a savings scheme designed to provide active Pag-IBIG 1 members with another savings option.”
Lastly, the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC), through its Executive Director Stella Banawis, disclosed the new benefits such as those embodied in Executive Order (EO) 54 which raises total disability pension as well as other employees’ compensation (EC) benefits in the private sector and carer’s allowance in the public sector.
The ECC head vowed to provide “a more responsive Employees Compensation Program (ECP).”
In the meantime, Julie Miteria, Chairperson of ECOP’s Membership Committee, recognized four (4) new members of the Confederation, namely; Vishay (Phils.), Inc., PCCI Pasig City, Inc., Primer Resources Corporation, and Gigamare, Inc.
