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REPUBLICACT

NO.8282
SocialSecurityLaw

Approved:
5/1/1997

Republic of the Philippines


Congress of the Philippines
Metro Manila
Tenth Congress
Second Regular Session
Begun and held in Metro Manila, on Monday the twenty-second day of July, nineteen hundred
and ninety six.

[REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8282]

AN ACT FURTHER STRENGTHENING THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM THEREBY AMENDING FOR THIS
PURPOSEREPUBLICACTNO.1161,ASAMENDED,OTHERWISEKNOWNASTHESOCIALSECURITYLAW

BeitenactedbytheSenateandHouseofRepresentativesofthePhilippinesinCongressassembled:

SECTION 1. Republic Act No. 1161, otherwise known as the "Social Security Law," is hereby further
amendedtoreadasfollows:

"SEC.1.ShortTitle.ThisActshallbeknownastheSocialSecurityActof1997.

"SEC.2.DeclarationofPolicy.ItisthepolicyoftheStatetoestablish,develop,promoteandperfecta
soundandviabletaxexemptsocialsecuritysystemsuitabletotheneedsofthepeoplethroughoutthe
Philippineswhichshallpromotesocialjusticeandprovidemeaningfulprotectiontomembersandtheir
beneficiaries against the hazards of disability, sickness, maternity, old age, death, and other
contingenciesresultinginlossofincomeorfinancialburden.Towardsthisend,theStateshallendeavor
toextendsocialsecurityprotectiontoworkersandtheirbeneficiaries.

"SEC. 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,isherebycreated.TheSSSshallbedirectedandcontrolledbyaSocialSecurityCommission,
hereinafter referred to as "Commission", composed of the Secretary of Labor and Employment or his
duly designated undersecretary, the SSS president and seven (7) appointive members, three (3) of
whom shall represent the workers' group, 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; and one (1), the general public whose
representativeshallhaveadequateknowledgeandexperienceregardingsocialsecurity,tobeappointed
bythePresidentofthePhilippines.Thesix(6)membersrepresentingworkersandemployersshallbe
chosenfromamongthenomineesofworkers'andemployers'organizations,respectively.TheChairman

oftheCommissionshallbedesignatedbythePresidentofthePhilippinesfromamongitsmembers.The
term of the appointive members shall be 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:Provided,further,Thattheyshallcontinuetoholdofficeuntiltheirsuccessorsshallhave
beenappointedanddulyqualified.Allvacancies,priortotheexpirationoftheterm,shallbefilledfor
the unexpired term only. The appointive members of the Commission shall receive at least Two
thousandfivehundredpesos(P2,500.00)perdiemforeachmeetingactuallyattendedbythem,butnot
toexceedTenthousandpesos(P10,000.00)amonth:Provided,ThatmembersoftheCommissionwho
hear and evaluate cases pending before the Commission shall also receive aper diem of at least Two
thousand five hundred pesos (P2,500.00), but not to exceed Fifteen thousand pesos (P15,000.00) a
month: Provided, further, That said members of the Commission shall also receive reasonable
transportation and representation allowances as may be fixed by the Commission, but not to exceed
Tenthousandpesos(P10,000.00)amonth.

"(b)ThegeneralconductoftheoperationsandmanagementfunctionsoftheSSSshallbevestedinthe
SSSPresidentwhoshallserveasthechiefexecutiveofficerimmediatelyresponsibleforcarryingoutthe
programoftheSSSandthepoliciesoftheCommission.TheSSSPresidentshallbeapersonwhohashad
previousexperienceintechnicalandadministrativefieldsrelatedtothepurposesofthisAct.Heshallbe
appointedbythePresidentofthePhilippinesandshallreceiveasalarytobefixedbytheCommission
withtheapprovalofthePresidentofthePhilippines,payablefromthefundsoftheSSS.

"(c)TheCommission,upontherecommendationoftheSSSPresident,shallappointanactuaryandsuch
otherpersonnelasmaybedeemednecessary;fixtheirreasonablecompensation,allowancesandother
benefits; prescribe their duties and establish such methods and procedures as may be necessary to
insure the efficient, honest and economical administration of the provisions and purposes of this Act:
Provided,however,ThatthepersonneloftheSSSbelowtherankofVicePresidentshallbeappointedby
theSSSPresident:Provided,further,ThatthepersonnelappointedbytheSSSPresident,exceptthose
belowtherankofassistantmanager,shallbesubjecttotheconfirmationbytheCommission:Provided,
further,ThatthepersonneloftheSSSshallbeselectedonlyfromcivilserviceeligiblesandbesubjectto
civilservicerulesandregulations:Provided,finally,ThattheSSSshallbeexemptfromtheprovisionsof
RepublicActNo.6758andRepublicActNo.7430.

"SEC.4.PowersandDutiesoftheCommissionandSSS.(a)TheCommission.Fortheattainmentofits
main objectives as set forth in Section 2 hereof, the Commission shall have the following powers and
duties:

"(1)Toadopt,amendandrescind,subjecttotheapprovalofthePresidentofthePhilippines,such
rulesandregulationsasmaybenecessarytocarryouttheprovisionsandpurposesofthisAct;

"(2)Toestablishaprovidentfundforthememberswhichwillconsistofvoluntarycontributionsof
employers and/or employees, selfemployed and voluntary members and their earnings, for the

paymentofbenefitstosuchmembersortheirbeneficiaries,subjecttosuchrulesandregulationsasit
maypromulgateandapprovedbythePresidentofthePhilippines;

"(3) TomaintainaProvidentFundwhich consistsofcontributionsmadebyboththeSSSandits


officialsandemployeesandtheirearnings,forthepaymentofbenefitstosuchofficialsandemployees
ortheirheirsundersuchtermsandconditionsasitmayprescribe;

"(4)Toapproverestructuringproposalsforthepaymentofduebutunremittedcontributionsand
unpaidloanamortizationsundersuchtermsandconditionsasitmayprescribe;

"(5) To authorize cooperatives registered with the cooperative development authority or


associationsregisteredwith theappropriategovernmentagencytoactas collectingagentsoftheSSS
with respect to their members: Provided, That the SSS shall accredit the cooperative or association:
Provided,further,Thatthepersonsauthorizedtocollectarebonded;

"(6)Tocompromiseorrelease,inwholeorinpart,anyinterest,penaltyoranycivilliabilitytoSSS
in connection with the investments authorized under Section 26, hereof, under such terms and
conditionsasitmayprescribeandapprovedbythePresidentofthePhilippines;and

"(7) To approve, confirm, pass upon or review any and all actions of the SSS in the proper and
necessaryexerciseofitspowersanddutieshereinafterenumerated.

"(b)TheSocialSecuritySystem.SubjecttotheprovisionofSectionfour(4),paragraphseven(7)
hereof,theSSSshallhavethefollowingpowersandduties:

"(1)TosubmitannuallynotlaterthanApril30,apublicreporttothePresidentofthePhilippines
andtotheCongressofthePhilippinescoveringitsactivitiesintheadministrationandenforcementof
thisActduringtheprecedingyearincludinginformationandrecommendationsonbroadpoliciesforthe
developmentandperfectionoftheprogramoftheSSS.

"(2)TorequiretheactuarytosubmitavaluationreportontheSSSbenefitprogrameveryfour(4)
years, or more frequently as may be necessary, to undertake the necessary actuarial studies and
calculations concerning increases in benefits taking into account inflation and the financial stability of
theSSS,andtoprovideforfeasibleincreasesinbenefitseveryfour(4)years,includingtheadditionof
newones,undersuchrulesandregulationsastheCommissionmayadopt,subject totheapprovalof
the President of the Philippines: Provided, That the actuarial soundness of the reserve fund shall be
guaranteed:Provided,further,Thatsuchincreasesinbenefitsshallnotrequireanyincreaseintherate
ofcontribution;

"(3)ToestablishofficesoftheSSStocoverasmanyprovinces,citiesandcongressionaldistricts,
whenever and wherever it may be expedient, necessary and feasible, and to inspect or cause to be
inspectedperiodicallysuchoffices;


"(4) To enter into agreements or contracts for such service and aid, as may be needed for the
proper,efficientandstableadministrationoftheSSS;

"(5)Toadopt,fromtimetotime,abudgetofexpendituresincludingsalariesofpersonnel,against
allfundsavailabletotheSSSunderthisAct;

"(6)Tosetupitsaccountingsystemandprovidethenecessarypersonneltherefor;

"(7)Torequirereports,compilationsandanalysesofstatisticalandeconomic dataandto make


investigationasmaybeneededfortheproperadministrationanddevelopmentoftheSSS;

"(8)Toacquireanddisposeofproperty,realorpersonal,whichmaybenecessaryorexpedientfor
theattainmentofthepurposesofthisAct;

"(9)Toacquire,receive,orhold,bywayofpurchase,expropriationorotherwise,publicorprivate
property for the purpose of undertaking housing projects preferably for the benefit of lowincome
membersandforthemaintenanceofhospitalsandinstitutionsforthesick,agedanddisabled,aswellas
schoolsforthemembersandtheirimmediatefamilies;

"(10)Tosueandbesuedincourt;and

"(11) To perform such other corporate acts as it may deem appropriate for the proper
enforcementofthisAct.

"SEC. 5. Settlement of Disputes. (a) Any dispute arising under this Act with respect to coverage,
benefits,contributionsandpenaltiesthereonoranyothermatterrelatedthereto,shallbecognizableby
theCommission,andanycasefiledwithrespecttheretoshallbeheardbytheCommission,oranyofits
members,orbyhearingofficersdulyauthorizedbytheCommissionanddecidedwithinthemandatory
period of twenty (20) days after the submission of the evidence. The filing, determination and
settlementofdisputesshallbegovernedbytherulesandregulationspromulgatedbytheCommission.

"(b)AppealtoCourts.AnydecisionoftheCommission,intheabsenceofanappealtherefromas
herein provided, shall become final and executory fifteen (15) days after the date of notification, and
judicial review thereof shall be permitted only after any party claiming to be aggrieved thereby has
exhaustedhisremediesbeforetheCommission.TheCommissionshallbedeemedtobeapartytoany
judicial action involving any such decision, and may be represented by an attorney employed by the
Commission,orwhenrequestedbytheCommission,bytheSolicitorGeneraloranypublicprosecutor.

"(c)CourtReview.ThedecisionoftheCommissionuponanydisputedmattermaybereviewed
bothuponthelawandthefactsbytheCourtofAppeals.Forthepurposeofsuchreviewtheprocedure
concerningappealsfromtheRegionalTrialCourtshallbefollowedasfaraspracticableandconsistent

withthepurposesofthisAct.AppealfromadecisionoftheCommissionmustbetakenwithinfifteen
(15)daysfromnotificationofsuchdecision.IfthedecisionoftheCommissioninvolvesonlyquestionsof
law,thesameshallbereviewedbytheSupremeCourt.Noappealbondshallberequired.Thecaseshall
beheardinasummarymanner,andshalltakeprecedenceoverallcases,exceptthatintheSupreme
Court,criminalcaseswhereinlifeimprisonmentordeathhasbeenimposedbythetrialcourtshalltake
precedence. No appeal shall act as supersedeas or a stay of the order of the Commission unless the
Commissionitself,ortheCourtofAppealsortheSupremeCourt,shallsoorder.

"(d)ExecutionofDecisions.TheCommissionmay,motupropriooronmotionofanyinterested
party,issueawritofexecutiontoenforceanyofitsdecisionsorawards,afterithasbecomefinaland
executory, in the same manner as the decision of the Regional Trial Court by directing the city or
provincialsherifforthesheriffwhomitmayappointtoenforcesuchfinaldecisionorexecutesuchwrit;
andanypersonwhoshallfailorrefusetocomplywithsuchdecision,awardorwrit,afterbeingrequired
to do so shall, upon application by the Commission, pursuant to Rule 71 of the Rules of Court, be
punishedforcontempt.

"SEC. 6. Auditor and Counsel. (a) The Chairman of the Commission on Audit shall be the exofficio
AuditoroftheSSS.Heorhisrepresentativeshallcheckandauditalltheaccounts,fundsandproperties
of the SSS in the same manner and as frequently as the accounts, funds and properties of the
governmentarecheckedandauditedunderexistinglaws;andheshallhave,asfaraspracticable,the
samepowersanddutiesashehaswithrespecttothecheckingandauditingofpublicaccounts,funds
andpropertiesingeneral.

"(b) The Secretary of Justice shall be the exofficio counsel of the SSS. He or his representative
shallactaslegaladviserandcounselthereof.

"SEC.7.Oaths,Witnesses,andProductionofRecords.WhenauthorizedbytheCommission,an
officialoremployeethereofshallhavethepowertoadministeroathandaffirmation,takedepositions,
certify to official acts and issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum to compel the attendance of
witnessesandtheproductionofbooks,papers,correspondenceandotherrecordsdeemednecessaryas
evidenceinconnectionwithanyquestionarisingunderthisAct.Anycaseofcontumacyshallbedealt
withbytheCommissioninaccordancewithlaw.

"SEC.8.TermsDefined.ForthepurposesofthisAct,thefollowingtermsshall,unlessthecontext
indicatesotherwise,havethefollowingmeanings:

"(a)SSSTheSocialSecuritySystemcreatedbythisAct.

"(b)CommissionTheSocialSecurityCommissionashereincreated.

"(c) Employer Any person, natural or juridical, domestic or foreign, who carries on it the
Philippines any trade, business, industry, undertaking or activity of any kind and uses the services of

anotherpersonwhoisunderhisordersasregardstheemployment,excepttheGovernmentandanyof
its political subdivisions, branches or instrumentalities, including corporations owned or controlled by
the Government: Provided, That a selfemployed person shall be both employee and employer at the
sametime.

"(d) Employee Any person who performs services for an employer in which either or both
mentalandphysicaleffortsareusedandwhoreceivescompensationforsuchservices,wherethereis
anemployeremployeerelationship:Provided,Thataselfemployedpersonshallbebothemployeeand
employeratthesametime.

"(e)DependentsThedependentshallbethefollowing:

"(1)Thelegalspouseentitledbylawtoreceivesupportfromthemember;

"(2)Thelegitimate,legitimated,orlegallyadopted,andillegitimatechildwhoisunmarried,not
gainfullyemployedandhasnotreachedtwentyoneyears(21)ofage,orifovertwentyone(21)years
ofage,heiscongenitallyorwhilestillaminorhasbeenpermanentlyincapacitatedandincapableofself
support,physicallyormentally;and

"(3)Theparentwhoisreceivingregularsupportfromthemember.

"(f) Compensation All actual remuneration for employment, including the mandated cost of
living allowance, as well as the cash value of any remuneration paid in any medium other than cash
exceptthatpartoftheremunerationreceivedduringthemonthinexcessofthemaximumsalarycredit
asprovidedunderSectionEighteenofthisAct.

"(g)MonthlysalarycreditThecompensationbaseforcontributionsandbenefitsasindicatedin
thescheduleinSectionEighteenofthisAct.

"(h)MonthlyTheperiodfromoneendofthelastpayrollperiodoftheprecedingmonthtothe
endofthelastpayrollperiodofthecurrentmonthifcompensationisonhourly,dailyorweeklybasis;if
onanyotherbasis,monthlyshallmeanaperiodofone(1)month.

"(i)ContributionTheamountpaidtotheSSSbyandonbehalfofthememberinaccordance
withSectionEighteenofthisAct.

"(j)EmploymentAnyserviceperformedbyanemployeeforhisemployer,except

"(1) Employment purely casual and not for the purpose of occupation or business of the
employer;

"(2) Service performed on or in connection with an alien vessel by an employee if he is


employedwhensuchvesselisoutsidethePhilippines;

"(3)ServiceperformedintheemployofthePhilippineGovernmentorinstrumentalityoragency
thereof;

"(4)Serviceperformedintheemployofaforeigngovernmentorinternationalorganization,or
their whollyowned instrumentality: Provided, however, That this exemption notwithstanding, any
foreign government, international organization or their whollyowned instrumentality employing
workers in the Philippines or employing Filipinos outside of the Philippines, may enter into an
agreementwiththePhilippineGovernmentfortheinclusionofsuchemployeesintheSSSexceptthose
alreadycoveredbytheirrespectivecivilserviceretirementsystems:Provided,further,Thatthetermsof
such agreement shall conform with the provisionsof this Act on coverage and amount of payment of
contributions and benefits: Provided, finally, That the provisionsof this Act shall be supplementary to
anysuchagreement;and

"(5)Suchotherservicesperformedbytemporaryandotheremployeeswhichmaybeexcludedby
regulation of the Commission. Employees of bona fide independent contractors shall not be deemed
employeesoftheemployerengagingtheservicesofsaidcontractors.

"(k) Beneficiaries The dependent spouse until he or she remarries, the dependent legitimate,
legitimated or legally adopted, and illegitimate children, who shall be the primary beneficiaries of the
member: Provided, That the dependent illegitimate children shall be entitled to fifty percent (50%) of
the share of the legitimate, legitimated or legally adopted children: Provided, further, That in the
absence of the dependent legitimate, legitimated or legally adopted children of the member, his/her
dependentillegitimatechildrenshallbeentitledtoonehundredpercent(100%)ofthebenefits.Intheir
absence, the dependent parents who shall be the secondary beneficiaries of the member. In the
absence of all of the foregoing, any other person designated by the member as his/her secondary
beneficiary.

"(l) Contingency The retirement, death, disability, injury or sickness, and maternity of the
member.

"(m)AveragemonthlysalarycreditTheresultobtainedbydividingthesumofthelastsixty(60)
monthly salary credits immediately preceding the semester of contingency by sixty (60), or the result
obtainedbydividingthesumofallthemonthlysalarycreditspaidpriortothesemesterofcontingency
bythenumberofmonthlycontributionspaidinthesameperiod,whicheverisgreater:Provided,That
the injury or sickness which caused the disability shall be deemed as the permanent disability for the
purposeofcomputingtheaveragemonthlysalarycredit.

"(n) Average daily salary credit The result obtained by dividing the sum of the six (6) highest
monthlysalarycreditsinthetwelvemonthperiodimmediatelyprecedingthesemesterofcontingency
byonehundredeighty(180).

"(o)SemesterAperiodoftwo(2)consecutivequartersendinginthequarterofcontingency.

"(p)QuarterAperiodofthree(3)consecutivecalendarmonthsendingonthelastdayofMarch,
June,SeptemberandDecember.

"(q)CreditedYearsofServiceForamembercoveredpriortoJanuarynineteenhundredeighty
five(1985) minusthecalendaryearofcoverageplusthenumberofcalendaryearsinwhichsix (6)or
morecontributionshavebeenpaidfromJanuarynineteenhundredeightyfive(1985)uptothecalendar
year containing the semester prior to the contingency. For a member covered in or after January
nineteenhundredeightyfive(1985),thenumberofcalendaryearsinwhichsix(6)ormorecontributions
havebeenpaidfromtheyearofcoverageuptothecalendaryearcontainingthesemesterpriortothe
contingency: Provided,ThattheCommissionmayprovideforadifferent numberofcontributionsina
calendaryearforittobeconsideredasacreditedyearofservice.

"(r)MemberTheworkerwhoiscoveredunderSectionNineandSectionNineAofthisAct.

"(s)SelfemployedAnypersonwhoseincomeisnotderivedfromemployment,asdefinedunder
thisAct,aswellasthoseworkersenumeratedinSectionNineAhereof.

"(t)Netearnings Netincome beforeincometaxes plus noncash chargessuchas depreciation


anddepletionappearingintheregularfinancialstatementoftheissuingorassuminginstitution.

"(u) Fixed charges Recurring expense such as amortization of debt discount and rentals for
leasedproperties,includinginterestonfundedandunfundeddebt.

"SEC.9.Coverage.(a)CoverageintheSSSshallbecompulsoryuponallemployeesnotoversixty(60)
yearsofageandtheiremployers:Provided,Thatinthecaseofdomestichelpers,theirmonthlyincome
shall not be less than One thousand pesos (P1,000.00) a month: Provided, further, That any benefit
alreadyearnedbytheemployeesunderprivatebenefitplansexistingatthetimeoftheapprovalofthis
Act shall not be discontinued, reduced or otherwise impaired: Provided, further, That private plans
whichareexistingandinforceatthetimeofcompulsorycoverageshallbeintegratedwiththeplanof
theSSSinsuchawaywheretheemployer'scontributiontohisprivateplanismorethanthatrequired
ofhiminthisAct,heshallpaytotheSSSonlythecontributionrequiredofhimandheshallcontinuehis
contribution to such private plan less his contribution to the SSS so that the employer's total
contributiontohisbenefitplanandtotheSSSshallbethesameashiscontributiontohisprivatebenefit
planbeforethecompulsorycoverage:Provided,further,Thatanychanges,adjustments,modifications,
eliminations or improvements in the benefits to be available under the remaining private plan, which
maybenecessarytoadoptbyreasonofthereducedcontributionstheretoasaresultoftheintegration,

shall be subject to agreements between the employers and employees concerned: Provided, further,
Thattheprivatebenefitplanwhich theemployershallcontinueforhisemployeesshallremainunder
the employer's management and control unless there is an existing agreement to the contrary:
Provided,finally,ThatnothinginthisActshallbeconstruedasalimitationontherightofemployersand
employeestoagreeonandadoptbenefitswhichareoverandabovethoseprovidedunderthisAct.

"(b)Spouseswhodevotefulltimetomanagingthehouseholdandfamilyaffairs,unlesstheyare
alsoengagedinothervocationoremploymentwhichissubjecttomandatorycoverage,maybecovered
bytheSSSonavoluntarybasis.

"(c)Filipinosrecruitedbyforeignbasedemployersforemploymentabroadmaybecoveredbythe
SSSonavoluntarybasis.

"SEC.9A.CompulsorycoverageoftheSelfemployed.CoverageintheSSSshallbecompulsory
upon such selfemployed persons as may be determined by the Commission under such rules and
regulationsasitmayprescribe,includingbutnotlimitedtothefollowing:

1.Allselfemployedprofessionals;

2.Partnersandsingleproprietorsofbusinesses;

3.Actorsandactresses,directors,scriptwritersandnewscorrespondentswhodonotfallwithin
thedefinitionoftheterm"employee";inSec.8(d)ofthisAct;

4.Professionalathletes,coaches,trainersandjockeys;and

5.Individualfarmersandfishermen.

"Unless otherwise specified herein, all provisions of this Act applicable to covered employees
shallalsobeapplicabletothecoveredselfemployedpersons.

"SEC.10.EffectiveDateofCoverage.Compulsorycoverageoftheemployershalltakeeffecton
the first day of his operation and that of the employee on the first day of his employment: Provided,
Thatthecompulsorycoverageoftheselfemployedpersonshalltakeeffectuponhisregistrationwith
theSSS.

"SEC. 11. Effect of Separation from Employment. When an employee under compulsory coverage is
separated from employment, his employer's contribution on his account and his obligation to pay
contributionsarisingfromthatemploymentshallceaseattheendofthemonthofseparation,butsaid
employeeshallbecreditedwithallcontributionspaidonhisbehalfandentitledtobenefitsaccordingto
theprovisionsofthisAct.Hemay,however,continuetopaythetotalcontributionstomaintainhisright
tofullbenefit.


"SEC. 11A. Effect of Interruption of Business or Professional Income. If the selfemployed
memberrealizesnoincomeinanygivenmonth,heshallnotberequiredtopaycontributionsforthat
month. He may, however, be allowed to continue paying contributions under the same rules and
regulations applicable to a separated employee member: Provided, That no retroactive payment of
contributionsshallbeallowedotherthanasprescribedunderSectionTwentytwoAhereof.

"SEC. 12. Monthly Pension. (a) The monthly pension shall be the highest of the following
amounts:

"(1)Thesumofthefollowing:

"(i)Threehundredpesos(P300.00);plus

"(ii)Twentypercent(20%)oftheaveragemonthlysalarycredit;plus

"(iii)Twopercent(2%)oftheaveragemonthlysalarycreditforeach creditedyearofservicein
excessoften(10)years;or

"(2)Fortypercent(40%)oftheaveragemonthlysalarycredit;or

"(3)Onethousandpesos(P1,000.00):Provided,Thatthemonthlypensionshallinnocasebepaid
foranaggregateamountoflessthansixty(60)months.

"(b)Notwithstandingtheprecedingparagraph,theminimumpensionshallbeOnethousandtwo
hundred pesos (P1,200.00) for members with at least ten (10) credited years of service and Two
thousandfourhundredpesos(P2,400.00)forthosewithtwenty(20)creditedyearsofservice.

"SEC. 12A. Dependents' Pension. Where monthly pension is payable on account of death,
permanent total disability or retirement, dependents' pension equivalent to ten percent (10%) of the
monthlypensionorTwohundredfiftypesos(P250.00),whicheverishigher,shallalsobepaidforeach
dependent child conceived on or before the date of the contingency but not exceeding five (5),
beginning with the youngest and without substitution: Provided, That where there are legitimate and
illegitimatechildren,theformershallbepreferred.

"SEC.12B.RetirementBenefits.(a)Amemberwhohaspaidatleastonehundredtwenty(120)
monthlycontributionspriortothesemesterofretirementandwho(1)hasreachedtheageofsixty(60)
yearsandisalreadyseparatedfromemploymentorhasceasedtobeselfemployedor(2)hasreached
theageofsixtyfive(65)years,shallbeentitledforaslongashelivestothemonthlypension:Provided,
Thatheshallhavetheoptiontoreceivehisfirsteighteen(18)monthlypensionsinlumpsumdiscounted
atapreferentialrateofinteresttobedeterminedbytheSSS.

"(b) A covered member who is sixty (60) years old at retirement and who does not qualify for
pensionbenefitsunderparagraph(a)above,shallbeentitledtoalumpsumbenefitequaltothetotal
contributionspaidbyhimandonhisbehalf:Provided,Thatheisseparatedfromemploymentandisnot
continuingpaymentofcontributionstotheSSSonhisown.

"(c) The monthly pension shall be suspended upon the reemployment or resumption of self
employmentofaretiredmemberwhoislessthansixtyfive(65)yearsold.Heshallagainbesubjectto
SectionEighteenandhisemployertoSectionNineteenofthisAct.

"(d) Upon the death of the retired member, his primary beneficiaries as of the date of his
retirement shall be entitled to receive the monthly pension: Provided, That if he has no primary
beneficiariesandhedieswithinsixty(60)monthsfromthestartofhismonthlypension,hissecondary
beneficiaries shall be entitled to a lump sum benefit equivalent to the total monthly pensions
correspondingtothebalanceofthefiveyearguaranteedperiod,excludingthedependents'pension.

"(e) The monthly pension of a member who retires after reaching age sixty (60) shall be the
higher of either: (1) the monthly pension computed at the earliest time he could have retired had he
beenseparatedfromemploymentorceasedtobeselfemployedplusalladjustmentsthereto;or(2)the
monthlypensioncomputedatthetimewhenheactuallyretires.

"SEC.13.DeathBenefits. Uponthedeathofa memberwhohaspaidatleastthirtysix (36) monthly


contributionspriortothesemesterofdeath,hisprimarybeneficiariesshallbeentitledtothemonthly
pension:Provided,Thatifhehasnoprimarybeneficiaries,hissecondarybeneficiariesshallbeentitled
to a lump sum benefit equivalent to thirtysix (36) times the monthly pension. If he has not paid the
requiredthirtysix(36)monthlycontributions,hisprimaryorsecondarybeneficiariesshallbeentitledto
alumpsumbenefitequivalenttothemonthlypensiontimesthenumberofmonthlycontributionspaid
totheSSSortwelve(12)timesthemonthlypension,whicheverishigher.

"SEC.13A.PermanentDisabilityBenefits.(a)Uponthepermanenttotaldisabilityofamember
whohaspaidatleastthirtysix(36)monthlycontributionspriortothesemesterofdisability,heshallbe
entitledtothemonthlypension:Provided,Thatifhehasnotpaidtherequiredthirtysix(36)monthly
contributions,heshallbeentitledtoalumpsumbenefitequivalenttothemonthlypensiontimesthe
numberofmonthlycontributionspaidtotheSSSortwelve(12)timesthemonthlypension,whicheveris
higher.Amemberwho(1)hasreceivedalumpsumbenefitand(2)isreemployedorhasresumedself
employment not earlier than one (1) year from the date of his disability shall again be subject to
compulsorycoverageandshallbeconsideredanewmember.

"(b)Themonthlypensionanddependents'pensionshallbesuspendeduponthereemployment
or resumption of selfemployment or the recovery of the disabled member from his permanent total
disabilityorhisfailuretopresenthimselfforexaminationatleastonceayearuponnoticebytheSSS.

"(c) Upon the death of the permanent total disability pensioner, his primary beneficiaries as of
the date of disability shall be entitled to receive the monthly pension: Provided, That if he has no
primary beneficiaries and he dies within sixty (60) months from the start of his monthly pension, his
secondarybeneficiariesshallbeentitledtoalumpsumbenefitequivalenttothetotalmonthlypensions
correspondingtothebalanceofthefiveyearguaranteedperiodexcludingthedependents'pension.

"(d)Thefollowingdisabilitiesshallbedeemedpermanenttotal:

1.Completelossofsightofbotheyes;

2.Lossoftwolimbsatorabovetheankleorwrists;

3.Permanentcompleteparalysisoftwolimbs;

4.Braininjuryresultingtoincurableimbecilityorinsanity;and

5.SuchcasesasdeterminedandapprovedbytheSSS.

"(e)Ifthedisabilityispermanentpartial,andsuchdisabilityoccursbeforethirtysix(36)monthly
contributionshavebeenpaidpriortothesemesterofdisability,thebenefitshallbesuchpercentageof
thelumpsumbenefitdescribedintheprecedingparagraphwithdueregardtothedegreeofdisability
astheCommissionmaydetermine.

"(f) If the disability is permanent partial and such disability occurs after thirtysix (36) monthly
contributions have been paid prior to the semester of disability, the benefit shall be the monthly
pension for permanent total disability payable not longer than the period designated in the following
schedule:

Complete And Permanent


Loss Of Use Of

Number Of
Months

One thumb

10

One index finger

One middle finger

One ring finger

One little finger

One big toe

One hand

39

One arm

50

One foot

31

One leg

46

One ear

10

Both ears

20

Hearing of one ear

10

Hearing of both ears

50

Sight of one eye

25

"(g)Thepercentagedegreeofdisability,whichisequivalenttotheratiothatthedesignatednumberof
months of compensability bears to seventyfive (75), rounded to the next higher integer, shall not be
additive for distinct, separate and unrelated permanent partial disability, but shall be additive for
deterioratingandrelatedpermanentpartialdisabilities,toamaximumofonehundredpercent(100%),
inwhichcasethemembershallbedeemedaspermanentlytotallydisabled.

"(h) In case of permanent partial disability, the monthly pension benefit shall be given in lump
sumifitispayableforlessthantwelve(12)months.

"(i) For the purpose of adjudicating retirement, death and permanent total disability pension
benefits,contributionsshallbedeemedpaidforthemonthsduringwhichthememberreceivedpartial
disabilitypension:Provided,Thatsuchcontributionsshallbebasedonhislastcontributionpriortohis
disability.

"(j)Shouldamemberwhoisonpartialdisabilitypensionretireordie,hisdisabilitypensionshall
ceaseuponhisretirementordeath.

"SEC.13B.FuneralBenefit.AfuneralgrantequivalenttoTwelvethousandpesos(P12,000.00)shallbe
paid, in cash or in kind, to help defray the cost of funeral expenses upon the death of a member,
includingpermanentlytotallydisabledmemberorretiree.

"SEC.14.Sicknessbenefit.(a)Amemberwhohaspaidatleastthree(3)monthlycontributionsin
the twelvemonth period immediately preceding the semester of sickness or injury and is confined
thereforformorethanthree(3)daysinahospitalorelsewherewiththeapprovaloftheSSS,shall,for
eachdayofcompensableconfinementorfractionthereof,bepaidbyhisemployer,ortheSSS,ifsuch
personisunemployedorselfemployed,adailysicknessbenefitequivalenttoninetypercent(90%)of
hisaveragedailysalarycredit,subjecttothefollowingconditions:

"(1)Innocaseshallthedailysicknessbenefitbepaidlongerthanonehundredtwenty(120)days
inone(1)calendaryear,norshallanyunusedportionoftheonehundredtwenty(120)daysofsickness
benefit grantedunder thissectionbecarriedforwardandadded tothetotal numberofcompensable
daysallowableinthesubsequentyear;

"(2)Thedailysicknessbenefitshallnotbepaidformorethantwohundredforty(240)dayson
accountofthesameconfinement;and

"(3) The employee member shall notify his employer of the fact of his sickness or injury within
five(5)calendardaysafterthestartofhisconfinementunlesssuchconfinementisinahospitalorthe
employee became sick or was injured while working or within the premises of the employer in which
casenotificationtotheemployerisnotnecessary:Provided,Thatifthememberisunemployedorself
employed,heshalldirectlynotifytheSSSofhisconfinementwithinfive(5)calendardaysafterthestart
thereof unless such confinement is in a hospital in which case notification is also not necessary:
Provided, further, That in cases where notification is necessary, the confinement shall be deemed to
havestartednotearlierthanthefifthdayimmediatelyprecedingthedateofnotification.

"(b) The compensable confinement shall begin on the first day of sickness, and the payment of
suchallowancesshallbepromptlymadebytheemployereveryregularpaydayoronthefifteenthand
last day of each month, and similarly in the case of direct payment by the SSS, for as long as such
allowancesaredueandpayable:Provided,Thatsuchallowanceshallbeginonlyafterallsickleavesof
absencewithfullpaytothecreditoftheemployeemembershallhavebeenexhausted.

"(c)Onehundredpercent(100%)ofthedailybenefitsprovidedintheprecedingparagraphshall
be reimbursed by the SSS to said employer upon receipt of satisfactory proof of such payment and
legality thereof: Provided, That the employer has notified the SSS of the confinement within five (5)
calendardaysafterreceiptofthenotificationfromtheemployeemember:Provided,further,Thatifthe
notification to the SSS is made by the employer beyond five (5) calendar days after receipt of the
notification from the employee member, said employer shall be reimbursed only for each day of
confinementstartingfromthetenthcalendardayimmediatelyprecedingthedateofnotificationtothe
SSS:Provided,finally,thattheSSSshallreimbursetheemployerorpaytheunemployedmemberonly
for confinement within the oneyear period immediately preceding the date the claim for benefit or
reimbursement is received by the SSS, except confinement in a hospital in which case the claim for
benefitorreimbursementmustbefiledwithinone(1)yearfromthelastdayofconfinement.

"(d)Wheretheemployeememberhasgiventherequirednotificationbuttheemployerfailsto
notifytheSSSoftheconfinementortofiletheclaimforreimbursementwithintheperiodprescribedin
thissectionresultinginthereductionofthebenefitordenialoftheclaimsuchemployershallhaveno
righttorecoverthecorrespondingdailyallowanceheadvancedtotheemployeememberasrequiredin
thisSection.

"(e) The claim of reimbursement shall be adjudicated by the SSS within a period of two (2)
monthsfromreceiptthereof:Provided,Thatshouldnopaymentbereceivedbytheemployerwithinone
(1)monthaftertheperiodprescribedhereinforadjudicationthereimbursementshallthereafterearn
simpleinterestofonepercent(1%)permonthuntilpaid.

"(f)Theprovisionsregardingthenotificationrequiredofthememberandtheemployeraswellas
the period within which the claim for benefit or reimbursement may be filed shall apply to all claims
filedwiththeSSS.

"SEC. 14A. Maternity Leave Benefit. A female member who has paid at least three (3) monthly
contributions in the twelvemonth period immediately preceding the semester of her childbirth or
miscarriage shall be paid a daily maternity benefit equivalent to one hundred percent (100%) of her
average daily salary credit for sixty (60) days or seventyeight (78) days in case of caesarean delivery,
subjecttothefollowingconditions:

"(a)Thattheemployeeshallhavenotifiedheremployerofherpregnancyandtheprobabledate
of her childbirth, which notice shall be transmitted to the SSS in accordance with the rules and
regulationsitmayprovide;

"(b)Thefullpaymentshallbeadvancedbytheemployerwithinthirty(30)daysfromthefilingof
thematernityleaveapplication;

"(c)Thatpaymentofdailymaternitybenefitsshallbeabartotherecoveryofsicknessbenefits
providedbythisActforthesameperiodforwhichdailymaternitybenefitshavebeenreceived;

"(d)Thatthematernitybenefitsprovidedunderthissectionshallbepaidonlyforthefirstfour(4)
deliveriesormiscarriages;

"(e)ThattheSSSshallimmediatelyreimbursetheemployerofonehundredpercent(100%)ofthe
amountofmaternitybenefitsadvancedtotheemployeebytheemployeruponreceiptofsatisfactory
proofofsuchpaymentandlegalitythereof;and

"(f) That if an employee member should give birth or suffer miscarriage without the required
contributions having been remitted for her by her employer to the SSS, or without the latter having
beenpreviouslynotifiedbytheemployerofthetimeofthepregnancy,theemployershallpaytothe
SSS damages equivalent to the benefits which said employee member would otherwise have been
entitledto.

"SEC.15.NontransferabilityofBenefits.TheSSSshallpromptlypaythebenefitsprovidedforin
this Act to such persons as may be entitled thereto in accordance with the provisions of this Act:
Provided,ThattheSSSshallpaytheretirementbenefitsonthedayofcontingencytoqualifiedmembers
whohavesubmittedthenecessarydocumentsatleastsix(6)monthsbefore:Provided,further,Thatthe
beneficiary who is a national of a foreign country which does not extend benefits to a Filipino
beneficiaryresidinginthePhilippines,orwhichisnotrecognizedbythePhilippines,shallnotbeentitled
toreceiveanybenefitunderthisAct:Provided,further,Thatnotwithstandingtheforegoing,wherethe
best interest of the SSS will be served, the Commission may direct payments without regard to
nationality or country of residence: Provided, further, That if the recipient is a minor or a person
incapable of administering his own affairs, the Commission shall appoint a representative under such
terms and conditions as it may deem proper: Provided, further, That such appointment shall not be
necessary in case the recipient is under the custody of or living with the parents or spouse of the
memberinwhichcasethebenefitsshallbepaidtosuchparentsorspouse,asrepresentativepayeeof

therecipient.Suchbenefitsarenottransferableandnopowerofattorneyorotherdocumentexecuted
bythoseentitledthereto,infavorofanyagent,attorneyoranyotherpersonforthecollectionthereof
on their behalf shall be recognized, except when they are physically unable to collect personally such
benefits:Provided,further,Thatincaseofdeathbenefits,ifnobeneficiaryqualifiesunderthisAct,said
benefitsshallbepaidtothelegalheirsinaccordancewiththelawofsuccession.

"SEC.16.ExemptionfromTax,LegalProcessandLien.Alllawstothecontrarynotwithstanding,theSSS
and all its assets and properties, all contributions collected and all accruals thereto and income or
investmentearningstherefrom,aswellasallsupplies,equipment,papersordocumentsshallbeexempt
fromanytax,assessment,fee,charge,orcustomsorimportduty;andallbenefitpaymentsmadebythe
SSS shall likewise be exempt from all kinds of taxes, fees or charges and shall not be liable to
attachments, garnishments, levy or seizure by or under any legal or equitable process whatsoever,
eitherbeforeorafterreceiptbythepersonorpersonsentitledthereto,excepttopayanydebtofthe
member to the SSS. No tax measure of whatever nature enacted shall apply to the SSS, unless it
expresslyrevokesthedeclaredpolicyoftheStateinSection2hereofgrantingtaxexemptiontotheSSS.
AnytaxassessmentimposedagainsttheSSSshallbenullandvoid.

"SEC. 17. Fee of Agents, Attorneys, etc. No agent, attorney or other person in charge of the
preparation, filing or pursuing any claim for benefit under this Act shall demand or charge for his
servicesanyfee,andanystipulationtothecontraryshallbenullandvoid.Theretentionordeductionof
any amount from any benefit granted under this Act for the payment of fees for such services is
prohibited:Provided,however,ThatanymemberofthePhilippineBarwhoappearsascounselinany
caseheardbytheCommissionshallbeentitledtoattorney'sfeesnotexceedingtenpercent(10%)ofthe
benefitsawardedbytheCommission,whichfeesshallnotbepayablebeforetheactualpaymentofthe
benefits,andanystipulationtothecontraryshallbenullandvoid.

"AnyviolationoftheprovisionsofthisSectionshallbepunished byafineofnotlessthanFive
hundredpesos(P500.00)normorethanFivethousandpesos(P5,000.00),orimprisonmentfornotless
thansix(6)monthsnormorethanone(1)year,orboth,atthediscretionofthecourt.

"SEC. 18. Employee's Contribution. (a) Beginning as of the last day of the calendar month when an
employee'scompulsorycoveragetakeseffectandeverymonththereafterduringhisemployment,the
employer shall deduct and withhold from such employee's monthly salary, wage, compensation or
earnings,theemployee'scontributioninanamountcorrespondingtohissalary,wage,compensationor
earningsduringthemonthinaccordancewiththefollowingschedule:


"Theforegoingscheduleofcontributionshallalsoapplytoselfemployedandvoluntarymembers.

"ThemaximummonthlysalarycreditshallbeNinethousandpesos(P9,000.00)effectiveJanuary
Nineteen hundred and ninety six (1996): Provided, That it shall be increased by One thousand pesos
(P1,000.00) every year thereafter until it shall have reached Twelve thousand pesos (P12,000.00) by
Nineteenhundredandninetynine(1999):Provided,further,Thattheminimumandmaximummonthly
salary credits as well as the rate of contributions may be fixed from time to time by the Commission
through rules and regulations taking into consideration actuarial calculations and rate of benefits,
subjecttotheapprovalofthePresidentofthePhilippines.

"SEC.19.Employer'sContributions.(a)beginningasofthelastdayofthemonthwhenanemployee's
compulsory coverage takes effect and every month thereafter during his employment, his employer
shallpay,withrespecttosuchcoveredemployee,theemployer'scontributioninaccordancewiththe
schedule indicated in Section Eighteen of this Act. Notwithstanding any contract to the contrary, an
employer shall not deduct, directly or indirectly, from the compensation of his employees covered by
theSSSorotherwiserecoverfromthemtheemployer'scontributionswithrespecttosuchemployees.

"(b) The remittance of such contributions by the employer shall be supported by a quarterly
collectionlisttobesubmittedtotheSSSattheendofeachcalendarquarterindicatingthecorrectID
number of the employer, the correct names and SSS numbers of the employees and the total
contributionspaidfortheiraccountduringthequarter.


"SEC.19A.ContributionoftheSelfemployedMember.ThecontributionstotheSSSoftheself
employedmembershallbedeterminedinaccordancewithSectionEighteenofthisAct:Provided,That
themonthlyearningsdeclaredbytheselfemployedmemberatthetimeofhisregistrationwiththeSSS
shall be considered as his monthly compensation and he shall pay both the employer and employee
contributions:Provided,further,ThatthecontributionsofselfemployedpersonsearningOnethousand
pesos(P1,000.00)monthlyorbelowmaybereducedbytheCommission.

"Themonthlyearningsdeclaredbytheselfemployedmemberatthetimeofhisregistrationshall
remain the basis of his monthly salary credit, unless he makes another declaration of his monthly
earnings,inwhichcasesuchlatestdeclarationbecomesthenewbasisofhismonthlysalarycredit.

"SEC.20.GovernmentContribution.AsthecontributionoftheGovernmenttotheoperationof
the SSS, Congress shall annually appropriate out of any funds in the National Treasury not otherwise
appropriated,thenecessarysumorsumstomeettheestimatedexpensesoftheSSSforeachensuing
year.Inadditiontothiscontribution,Congressshallappropriatefromtimetotimesuchsumorsumsas
maybeneededtoassurethemaintenanceofanadequateworkingbalanceofthefundsoftheSSSas
disclosedbysuitableperiodicactuarialstudiestobemadeoftheoperationsoftheSSS.

"SEC.21.GovernmentGuarantee.ThebenefitsprescribedinthisActshallnotbediminishedand
to guarantee said benefits the Government of the Republic of the Philippines accepts general
responsibilityforthesolvencyoftheSSS.

"SEC.22.RemittanceofContributions.(a)Thecontributionimposedintheprecedingsectionshallbe
remittedtotheSSSwithinthefirstten(10)daysofeachcalendarmonthfollowingthemonthforwhich
theyareapplicableorwithinsuchtimeastheCommissionmayprescribe.Everyemployerrequiredto
deductandtoremitsuchcontributionsshallbeliablefortheirpaymentandifanycontributionisnot
paidto theSSSasherein prescribed,heshallpaybesidesthecontributiona penaltythereonofthree
percent (3%) per month from the date the contribution falls due until paid. If deemed expedient and
advisablebytheCommission,thecollectionandremittanceofcontributionsshallbemadequarterlyor
semiannually in advance, the contributions payable by the employees to be advanced by their
respective employers: Provided, That upon separation of an employee, any contribution so paid in
advancebutnotdueshallbecreditedorrefundedtohisemployer.

"(b)ThecontributionspayableunderthisActincaseswhereanemployerrefusesorneglectsto
paythesameshallbecollectedbytheSSSinthesamemannerastaxesaremadecollectibleunderthe
National Internal Revenue Code, as amended. Failure or refusal of the employer to pay or remit the
contributionshereinprescribedshallnotprejudicetherightofthecoveredemployeetothebenefitsof
thecoverage.

"The right to institute the necessary action against the employer may be commenced within
twenty(20)yearsfromthetimethedelinquencyisknownortheassessmentismadebytheSSS,orfrom
thetimethebenefitaccrues,asthecasemaybe.

"(c) Should any person, natural or juridical, defaults in any payment of contributions, the
Commissionmayalsocollectthesameineitherofthefollowingways:

"1.Byanactionincourt,whichshallhearanddisposeofthecaseinpreferencetoanyothercivil
action;or

"2.ByissuingawarranttotheSheriffofanyprovinceorcitycommandinghimtolevyuponand
sell any real and personal property of the debtor. The Sheriff's sale by virtue of said warrant shall be
governedbythesameprocedureprescribedforexecutionsagainstpropertyuponjudgmentsbyacourt
ofrecord.

"(d) The last complete record of monthly contributions paid by the employer or the average of
themonthlycontributionspaidduringthepastthree(3)yearsasofthedateoffilingoftheactionfor
collectionshallbepresumedtobethemonthlycontributionspayablebyandduefromtheemployerto
theSSSforeachoftheunpaidmonth,unlesscontradictedandovercomebyotherevidence:Provided,
ThattheSSSshallnotbebarredfromdeterminingandcollectingthetrueandcorrectcontributionsdue
the SSS even after full payment pursuant to this paragraph, nor shall the employer be relieved of his
liabilityunderSectionTwentyeightofthisAct.

"SEC. 22A. Remittance of Contributions of Selfemployed Members. Selfemployed members


shallremittheirmonthlycontributionsquarterlyonsuchdatesandschedulesastheCommissionmay
specifythroughrulesandregulations:Provided,Thatnoretroactivepaymentofcontributionsshallbe
allowed,exceptasprovidedinthisSection.

"SEC. 23. Method of Collection and Payment. The SSS shall require a complete and proper
collection and payment of contributions and proper identification of the employer and the employee.
Paymentmaybemadeincash,checks,stamps,coupons,tickets,orotherreasonabledevicesthatthe
Commissionmayadopt.

"SEC.24.EmploymentRecordsandReports.(a)EachemployershallimmediatelyreporttotheSSSthe
names,ages,civilstatus,occupations,salariesanddependentsofallhisemployeeswhoaresubjectto
compulsory coverage: Provided, That if an employee subject to compulsory coverage should die or
become sick or disabled or reach the age of sixty (60) without the SSS having previously received any
reportorwrittencommunicationabouthimfromhisemployer,thesaidemployershallpaytotheSSS
damagesequivalenttothebenefitstowhichsaidemployeememberwouldhavebeenentitledhadhis
namebeenreportedontimebytheemployertotheSSS,exceptthatincaseofpensionbenefits,the
employershallbeliabletopaytheSSSdamagesequivalenttotheaccumulatedpensiondueasofthe

date of settlement of the claim or to the five (5) years' pension, whichever is higher, including
dependents'pension:Provided,further,Thatifthecontingencyoccurswithinthirty(30)daysfromthe
dateofemployment,theemployershallberelievedofhisliabilityfordamages:Provided,further,That
anypersonorentityengagingtheservicesofanindependentcontractorshallbesubsidiarilyliablewith
suchcontractorforanycivilliabilityincurredbythelatterunderthisact:Provided,finally,Thatthesame
person or entity engaging the services of an independent contractor shall require such contractor to
postasuretybondtoguaranteethepaymentoftheworker'sbenefits.

"(b)Shouldtheemployermisrepresentthetruedateofemploymentoftheemployeememberor
remit to the SSS contributions which are less than those required in this Act or fail to remit any
contribution due prior to the date of contingency, resulting in a reduction of benefits such employer
shallpaytotheSSSdamagesequivalenttothedifferencebetweentheamountofbenefittowhichthe
employeememberofhisbeneficiaryisentitledhadthepropercontributionsbeenremittedtotheSSS
and the amount payable on the basis of the contributions actually remitted: Provided, That if the
employeememberorhisbeneficiaryisentitledtopensionbenefits,thedamagesshallbeequivalentto
theaccumulatedpensiondueasofthedateofsettlementoftheclaimortothefive(5)years'pension,
whicheverishigher,includingdependents'pension.

"In addition to the liability mentioned in the preceding paragraphs (a) and (b) hereof, the
employer shall also be liable for the payment of the corresponding unremitted contributions and
penaltiesthereon.

"(c)TherecordsandreportsdulyaccomplishedandsubmittedtotheSSSbytheemployerorthe
member,asthecasemaybe,shallbekeptconfidentialbytheSSSexceptincompliancewithasubpoena
ducestecumissuedbytheCourts,shallnotbedivulgedwithouttheconsentoftheSSSPresidentorany
officialoftheSSSdulyauthorizedbyhim,shallbepresumedcorrectastothedataandothermatters
statedtherein,unlessthenecessarycorrectionstosuchrecordsandreportshavebeenproperlymade
bythepartiesconcernedbeforetherighttothebenefitbeingclaimedaccrues,andshallbemadethe
basis for the adjudication of the claim. If as a result of such adjudication the SSS in good faith pays a
monthlypensiontoabeneficiarywhoisinferiorinrighttoanotherbeneficiaryorwithwhomanother
beneficiaryisentitledtoshare,suchpaymentsshalldischargetheSSSfromliabilityunlessanduntilsuch
otherbeneficiarynotifiestheSSSofhisclaimpriortothepayments.

"(d) Every employer shall keep true and accurate work records for such period and containing
such information as the Commission may prescribe, in addition to an 'Annual Register of New and
SeparatedEmployees'whichshallbesecuredfromtheSSSwhereintheemployershallenteronthefirst
day of employment or on the effective date of separation, the names of the persons employed or
separatedfromemployment,theirSSSnumbers,andsuchotherdatathattheCommissionmayrequire
andsaidannualregistershallbesubmittedtotheSSSinthemonthofJanuaryofeachyear.Suchrecords
shallbeopenforinspectionbytheSSSoritsauthorizedrepresentativesquarterlyorasoftenastheSSS
mayrequire.

"TheSSSmayalsorequireeachemployertosubmit,withrespecttothepersonsinhisemploy,
reportsneededfortheeffectiveadministrationofthisAct.

"(e)Eachemployershallrequire,asaconditiontoemployment,thepresentationofaregistration
numbersecuredbytheprospectiveemployeefromtheSSSinaccordancewithsuchprocedureasthe
SSS may adopt: Provided, That in case of employees who have earlier been assigned registration
numbersbyvirtueofapreviousemployment,suchnumbersoriginallyassignedtothemshouldbeused
forpurposesofthisSection:Provided,further,ThattheissuanceofsuchregistrationnumbersbytheSSS
shallnotexempttheemployerfromcomplyingwiththeprovisionsofparagraph(a)ofthisSection.

"(f) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, microfilm, or nonerasable optical disk and other
similararchivalmediacopiesoforiginalSSSrecordsandreports,orcopiesofsuchrecordsandreports,
dulycertifiedbytheofficialcustodianthereof,shallhavethesameevidentiaryvalueastheoriginalsand
beadmissibleasevidenceinalllegalproceedings.

"(g) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, local government units shall, prior to issuing any
annualbusinesslicenseorpermit,requiresubmissionofcertificateofSSScoverageandcompliancewith
theprovisionsofthisAct:Provided,ThatthecertificationorclearanceshallbeissuedbytheSSSwithin
five(5)workingdaysfromreceiptoftherequest.

"SEC. 24A. Report and Registration of the Selfemployed Member. Each covered selfemployed
member shall, within thirty (30) days from the first day he started the practice of his profession or
business operations, register and report to the SSS his name, age, civil status, occupation, average
monthlynetincomeandhisdependents.

"SEC.25.DepositandDisbursements.AllmoneypaidtoorcollectedbytheSSSeveryyearunder
this Act, and all accruals thereto, shall be deposited, administered and disbursed in the same manner
and under the same conditions and requirements as provided by law for other public special funds:
Provided, That not more than twelve (12%) percent of the total yearly contributions plus three (3%)
percent of other revenues shall be disbursed for administrative and operational expenses such as
salaries and wages, supplies and materials, depreciation, and the maintenance of offices of the SSS:
Provided,further,Thatiftheexpensesinanyyeararelessthanthemaximumamountpermissible,the
differenceshallnotbeavailedofasadditionalexpensesinthefollowingyears.

"SEC.26.InvestmentofReserveFunds.AllrevenuesoftheSSSthatarenotneededtomeetthe
current administrative and operational expenses incidental to the carrying out of this Act shall be
accumulatedinafundtobeknownasthe"ReserveFund."SuchportionsoftheReserveFundasarenot
needed to meet the current benefit obligations thereof shall be known as the "Investment Reserve
Fund" which the Commission shall manage and invest with the skill, care, prudence and diligence
necessary under the circumstances then prevailing that a prudent man acting in like capacity and
familiarwithsuchmatterswouldexerciseintheconductofanenterpriseofalikecharacterandwith
similaraims.Pursuantthereto,andinlinewiththebasicprinciplesofsafety,goodyieldandliquidity,the

Commissionshallinvestthefundstoearnanannualincomenotlessthantheaverageratesoftreasury
billsoranyotheracceptablemarketyieldindicatorinanyorallofthefollowing:

"(a)Inbonds,securities,promissorynotesorotherevidenceofindebtednessoftheGovernmentofthe
Philippines,orinbonds,securities,promissorynotesorotherevidenceofindebtednesstowhichthefull
faith,creditandunconditionalguaranteeoftheGovernmentofthePhilippinesispledged;

"(b)Inbonds,securities,promissorynotesorotherevidenceofindebtednessoftheGovernment
ofthePhilippinesoranyofitsagenciesorinstrumentalitiestofinancedomesticinfrastructureprojects
such as roads, bridges, ports, telecommunications, and other similar projects: Provided, That the
instruments issued by an agency or instrumentality of the government shall be guaranteed by the
GovernmentofthePhilippinesoranygovernmentfinancialinstitutionoracceptablemultilateralagency:
Provided, further, That the SSS shall have priority over the revenues of the projects: Provided, finally,
Thatsuchinvestmentsshallnotexceedthirtypercent(30%)oftheInvestmentReserveFund;

"(c) In bonds, securities, promissory notes or other evidence of indebtedness of government


financial institutions or government corporations with acceptable credit or guarantee: Provided, That
suchinvestmentsshallnotexceedthirtypercent(30%)oftheInvestmentReserveFund;

"(d) In bonds, securities, deposits, promissory notes or other evidence of indebtedness of any
bank doing business in the Philippines and in good standing with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to
finance loans to private corporations doing business in the Philippines, including schools, hospitals,
smallandmediumscaleindustries,cooperativesandnongovernmentalorganizations,inwhichcasethe
collateralsorsecuritiesshallbeassignedtotheSSS,undersuchtermsandconditionsasthecommission
may prescribe: Provided, That in the case of bank deposits, they shall not exceed at any time the
unimpaired capital and surplus or total private deposits of the depository bank, whichever is smaller:
Provided,further,Thatsaidbankshallfirsthavebeendesignatedasadepositoryforthispurposebythe
Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas: Provided, finally, That such investments shall not
exceedfortypercent(40%)oftheInvestmentReserveFund;

"(e)Inbonds,securities,promissorynotesorotherevidenceofindebtednessofshelteragencies
of the National Government or financial intermediaries to finance housing loans of members; and in
longterm direct individual or group housing loans giving priority to the lowincome groups, up to a
maximum of ninety percent (90%) of the appraised value of the properties to be mortgaged by the
borrowers;and

"In short and medium term loans to members such as salary, educational, livelihood, marital,
calamityandemergencyloans:Provided,Thatnotmorethanthirtyfivepercent(35%)oftheInvestment
ReserveFundatanytimeshallbeinvestedforhousingpurposes:Provided,further,Thatnotmorethan
tenpercent(10%)oftheInvestmentReserveFundshallbeinvestedinshortandmediumtermloans;

"(f) In bonds, securities, promissory notes or other evidence of indebtedness of educational or


medicalinstitutionstofinancetheconstruction,improvementandmaintenanceofschoolsandhospitals
andtheirequipmentandfacilities:Provided,Thatsuchinvestmentsshallnotexceedtenpercent(10%)
oftheInvestmentReserveFund;

"(g) In real estate property, including shares of stocks involving real estate property, and
investments secured by first mortgages on real estate or other collaterals acceptable to the SSS:
Provided,thatsuchprojectsandinvestmentsshall,inthedeterminationoftheCommission,redoundto
thebenefitoftheSSS,itsmembers,aswellasthegeneralpublic:Provided,further,Thatinvestmentin
real estate property, including shares of stocks involving real estate property shall not exceed five
percent (5%) of the Investment Reserve Fund: Provided, finally, That investments in other income
earningprojectsandinvestmentssecuredbyfirstmortgagesorothercollateralsshallnotexceedtwenty
fivepercent(25%)oftheInvestmentReserveFund;

"(h)Inbonds,debentures,securities,promissorynotesorotherevidenceofindebtednessofanyprime
corporation or multilateral institution to finance domestic projects: Provided, That the issuing or
assuming entity or its predecessors shall not have defaulted in the payment of interest on any of its
securitiesandthatduringeachofanythree(3)includingthelasttwo(2)ofthefive(5)fiscalyearsnext
preceding the date of acquisition by the SSS of such bonds, debentures or other evidence of
indebtedness,thenetearningsoftheissuingorassuminginstitutionavailableforitsfixed charges,as
definedinthisAct,shallhavebeennotlessthanoneandonequartertimesthetotalofitsfixedcharges
for such year: Provided, further, That such investments shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the
InvestmentReserveFund;

"(i)Inpreferredorcommonsharesofstockslistedorabouttobelistedinthestockexchangeor
optionsorwarrantstosuchstocksor,subjecttopriorapprovaloftheBangkoSentralngPilipinas,such
otherriskmanagementinstrumentsofanyprimeorsolventcorporationorfinancialinstitutioncreated
orexistingunderthelawsofthePhilippineswithproventrackrecordofprofitabilityoverthelastthree
(3)yearsandpaymentofdividendsatleastonceoverthesameperiod:Provided,Thatsuchinvestments
shallnotexceedthirtypercent(30%)oftheInvestmentReserveFund;

"(j)Indomesticorforeignmutualfundsinexistenceforatleastthree(3)yearsandpaymentof
dividendsatleastonceoverthesameperiod:Provided,Thatsuchinvestmentsshallnotexceedtwenty
percent (20%) of the Investment Reserve Fund: Provided, further, That investments in foreign mutual
fundsshallnotexceedonepercent(1%)oftheInvestmentReserveFundinthefirstyearwhichshallbe
increasedbyonepercent(1%)foreachsucceedingyear,butinnocaseshallitexceedsevenandone
halfpercent(7.5%)oftheInvestmentReserveFund;

"(k) In foreign currency deposits or triple "A" foreign currencydenominated debts, prime and
nonspeculativeequities,andotherBangkoSentralngPilipinasapprovedfinancialinstrumentsorother
assets issued in accordance with existing laws of the countries where such financial instruments are
issued: Provided, That these instruments or assets are listed in bourses of the respective countries

wheretheseinstrumentsorassetsareissued:Provided,further,Thattheissuingcompanyhasproven
trackrecordofprofitabilityoverthelastthree(3)yearsandarecordofregulardividendpayoutover
the same period: Provided, finally, That such investments shall not exceed one percent (1%) of the
Investment Reserve Fund in the first year which shall be increased by one percent (1%) for each
succeeding year, but in no case shall it exceed seven and onehalf percent (7.5%) of the Investment
ReserveFund;

"(l) In loans secured by such collaterals like cash, government securities or guarantees of
multilateral institutions: Provided, That such investments shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the
InvestmentReserveFund;and

"(m) In other Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas approved investment instruments with the same
intrinsic quality as those enumerated in paragraphs (a) to (l) hereof, subject to the policies and
guidelineswhichthecommissionmayformulate.

"NoportionoftheInvestmentReserveFundorincomethereofshallaccruetothegeneralfundof
theNationalGovernmentortoanyofitsagenciesorinstrumentalities,includinggovernmentownedor
controlled corporations, except as may be allowed under this Act: Provided, that no portion of the
InvestmentReserveFundshallbeinvestedforanypurposeorinanyinstrument,institutionorindustry
overandabovetheprescribedcumulativeceilingsasfollows:

40%inprivatesecurities
35%inhousing
30%inrealestaterelatedinvestments
10%inshortandmediumtermmemberloans
30%ingovernmentfinancialinstitutionsandcorporations
30%ininfrastructureprojects
15%inanyparticularindustry
7.5%inforeigncurrencydenominatedinvestments

"SEC.26A.FundManagers.Aspartofitsinvestmentoperations,theSSSmayappointlocalor,inthe
absence thereof, foreign fund managers to manage the Investment Reserve Fund, as it may deem
appropriate.

"SEC.26B.MortgagorInsuranceAccount.(a)Aspartofitsinvestmentoperations,theSSSshallactas
insurerofallorpartofitsinterestonSSSpropertiesmortgagedtotheSSS,orlivesofmortgagorswhose
propertiesaremortgagedtotheSSS.Forthispurpose,theSSSshallestablishaseparateaccounttobe
knownasthe"Mortgagors'InsuranceAccount."AllamountsreceivedbytheSSSinconnectionwiththe
aforesaid insurance operations shall be placed in the Mortgagors' Insurance Account. The assets and
liabilities of the Mortgagors' Insurance Account shall at all times be clearly identifiable and
distinguishable from the assets and liabilities in all other accounts of the SSS. Notwithstanding any
provision of law to the contrary, the assets held in the Mortgagors' Insurance Account shall not be

chargeablewiththeliabilitiesarisingoutofanyotherbusinesstheSSSmayconductbutshallbeheld
andappliedexclusivelyforthebenefitoftheownersorbeneficiariesoftheinsurancecontractsissued
bytheSSSunderthisparagraph.

"(b)TheSSSmayinsureanyofitsinterestorpartthereofwithanyprivatecompanyorreinsurer.
TheInsuranceCommissionoritsauthorizedrepresentativesshallmakeanexaminationintothefinancial
condition and methods of transacting business of the SSS at least once in two (2) years, but such
examinationshallbelimitedtotheinsuranceoperationoftheSSSasauthorizedunderthisparagraph
and shall not embrace the other operations of the SSS; and the report of said examination shall be
submittedtotheCommissionandacopythereofshallbefurnishedtheOfficeofthePresidentofthe
Philippines within a reasonable time after the close of the examination: Provided, that for each
examination,theSSSshallpaytotheInsuranceCommissionanamountequaltotheactualexpensesof
the Insurance Commission in the conduct of the examination, including the salaries of the examiners
andoftheactuaryoftheInsuranceCommissionwhohavebeenassignedtomakesuchexaminationfor
theactualtimespentinsaidexamination:Provided,further,Thatthegenerallawoninsuranceandthe
rules and regulations promulgated thereunder shall have suppletory application insofar as it is not in
conflictwiththisActanditsrulesandregulations.

"SEC. 27. Records and Reports. The SSS President shall keep and cause to keep records of
operationsofthefundsoftheSSSandofdisbursementsthereofandallaccountsofpaymentsmadeout
ofsaidfunds.DuringthemonthofJanuaryeachyear,theSSSPresidentshallprepareforsubmissionto
thePresidentofthePhilippinesandtotheCongressofthePhilippinesareportofoperationsoftheSSS
duringtheprecedingyear,includingstatisticaldata onthenumberofpersonscoveredandbenefited,
theiroccupationsandemploymentstatus,thedurationandamountofbenefitspaid,thefinancesofthe
SSSatthecloseofthesaidyear,andrecommendations.Heshallalsocausetobepublishedintwo(2)
newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines a synopsis of the annual report, showing in
particularthestatusofthefinancesoftheSSSandthebenefitsadministered.

"SEC.28.PenalClause.(a)Whoever,forthepurposeofcausinganypaymenttobemadeunderthis
Act,orunderanagreementthereunder,wherenoneisauthorizedtobepaid,shallmakeorcausetobe
madefalsestatementorrepresentationastoanycompensationpaidorreceived,orwhoevermakesor
causestobemadeanyfalsestatementofamaterialfactinanyclaimforanybenefitpayableunderthis
Act,orapplicationforloanwiththeSSS,orwhoevermakesorcausestobemadeanyfalsestatement,
representation, affidavit or document in connection with such claim or loan,shall suffer the penalties
providedforinArticleOnehundredseventytwooftheRevisedPenalCode.

"(b) Whoever shall obtain or receive any money or check under this Act or any agreement
thereunder, without being entitled thereto with intent to defraud any member, employer or the SSS,
shall be fined not less than Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) nor more than Twenty thousand pesos
(P20,000.00)andimprisonedfornotlessthansix(6)yearsandone(1)daynormorethantwelve(12)
years.

"(c)Whoeverbuys,sells,offersforsale,uses,transfersortakesorgivesinexchange,orpledges
orgivesinpledge,exceptasauthorizedinthisActorinregulationsmadepursuantthereto,anystamp,
coupon, ticket, book or other device, prescribed pursuant to Section Twentythree hereof by the
Commissionforthecollectionorpaymentofcontributionsrequiredherein,shallbefinednotlessthan
Fivethousandpesos(P5,000.00)normorethantwentythousandpesos(P20,000.00),orimprisonedfor
notlessthansix(6)yearsandone(1)daynormorethantwelve(12)years,orboth,atthediscretionof
thecourt.

"(d) Whoever, with intent to defraud, alters, forges, makes or counterfeits any stamp, coupon,
ticket, book or other device prescribed by the Commission for the collection or payment of any
contribution requiredherein,oruses, sells,lends,orhasinhis possessionanysuchaltered,forgedor
counterfeitedmaterials,ormakes,uses,sellsorhasinhispossessionanysuchaltered,forgedmaterial
inimitationofthematerialusedinthemanufactureofsuchstamp,coupon,ticket,bookorotherdevice,
shall be fined not less than Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) nor more than Twenty thousand pesos
(P20,000.00), or imprisoned for not less than six (6) years and one (1) day nor more than twelve (12)
years,orboth,atthediscretionofthecourt.

"(e) Whoever fails or refuses to comply with the provisions of this Act or with the rules and
regulationspromulgatedbytheCommission,shallbepunishedbyafineofnotlessthanFivethousand
pesos (P5,000.00) nor more than Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00), or imprisonment for not less
thansix(6)yearsandone(1)daynormorethantwelve(12)yearsorboth,atthediscretionofthecourt:
Provided,Thatwheretheviolationconsistsinfailureorrefusaltoregisteremployeesorhimself,incase
ofthecoveredselfemployed,ortodeductcontributionsfromtheemployees'compensationandremit
the same to the SSS, the penalty shall be a fine of not less than Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) nor
more than Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00) and imprisonment for not less than six (6) years and
one(1)daynormorethantwelve(12)years.

"(f) If the act or omission penalized by this Act be committed by an association, partnership,
corporation or any other institution, its managing head, directors or partners shall be liable to the
penaltiesprovidedinthisActfortheoffense.

"(g) Any employee of the SSS who receives or keeps funds or property belonging, payable or
deliverable to the SSS and who shall appropriate the same, or shall take or misappropriate, or shall
consentorthroughabandonmentornegligenceshallpermitanyotherpersontotakesuchpropertyor
funds, wholly or partially, or shall otherwise be guilty of misappropriation of such funds or property,
shallsufferthepenaltiesprovidedinArticleThreeHundredFifteenoftheRevisedPenalCode.

"(h)Anyemployerwhoafterdeductingthemonthlycontributionorloanamortizationsfromhis
employee'scompensation,failstoremitthesaiddeductionstotheSSSwithinthirty(30)daysfromthe
date they became due shall be presumed to have misappropriated such contributions or loan
amortizations and shall suffer the penalties provided in Article Three Hundred Fifteen of the Revised
PenalCode.


"(i)CriminalactionarisingfromaviolationoftheprovisionsofthisActmaybecommencedbythe
SSSortheemployeeconcernedeitherunderthisActorinappropriatecasesundertheRevisedPenal
Code:Provided,ThatsuchcriminalactionmaybefiledbytheSSSinthecityormunicipalitywherethe
SSSofficeislocatediftheviolationwascommittedwithinitsterritorialjurisdictionorinMetroManila,
attheoptionoftheSSS.

"SEC. 29. Government Aid. The establishment of the SSS shall not disqualify the members and
employersfromreceivingsuchgovernmentassistance,financialorotherwise,asmaybeprovided.

"SEC.30.TransitoryClause.Anyemployerwhoisdelinquentorhasnotremittedallcontributionsdue
and payable to the SSS may, within six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act, remit said
contributions or submit a proposal to pay the same in installments within a period of not more than
twelve(12)monthsfromtheeffectivityofthisActwithoutincurringtheprescribedpenalty,subjectto
the implementing rules and regulations which the Commission may prescribe: Provided, That the
employersubmitsthecorrespondingcollectionliststogetherwiththeremittanceorproposaltopayin
installments: Provided, further, That in case the employer fails to remit contributions within the six
monthgraceperiodordefaultsinthepaymentofanyamortizationprovidedintheapprovedproposal,
theprescribedpenaltyshallbeimposedfromthetimethecontributionsfirstbecamedueasprovidedin
Section22(a)hereof."

SEC.2.SeparabilityClause.IfanyprovisionofthisActisdeclaredinvalid,theotherprovisionsnot
affectedtherebyshallremainvalid.

SEC.3.RepealingClause.Alllaws,proclamations,executiveorders,rulesandregulationsorparts
thereofinconsistentwiththisActareherebyrepealed,modifiedoramendedaccordingly:Provided,That
nopersonshallbedeemedtobevestedwithanypropertyorotherrightbyvirtueoftheenactmentor
operationofthisAct.

SEC.4.EffectivityClause.ThisActshalltakeeffectfifteen(15)daysafteritscompletepublication
intheOfficialGazetteorinatleasttwo(2)nationalnewspapersofgeneralcirculationwhichevercomes
earlier.


Approved,

(Sgd.)
(Sgd.)
ERNESTOM.MACEDA
JOSEDEVENECIA,JR.
PresidentoftheSenate
SpeakeroftheHouse

ofRepresentatives

ThisAct,whichisaconsolidationofSenateBillNo.1663andHouseBillNo.7758wasfinallypassed
bytheSenateandtheHouseofRepresentativesonApril30,1997.

(Sgd.)
(Sgd.)
LORENZOE.LEYNES,JR.
ROBERTOP.NAZARENO
SecretaryoftheSenate
SecretaryGeneral

HouseofRepresentatives

Approved:May01,1997

(Sgd.)
FIDELV.RAMOS
PresidentofthePhilippines

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