COVERAGE. Social Security System Antique Branch head Phillip Lucero and Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao (3rd and 4th from left) during a courtesy call at the capitol building on March 7, 2023. Lucero on Friday (March 10) said they discussed with the governor the possible coverage of the provincial government's contractual employees with the SSS. (Photo courtesy of Antique PIO)
SAN JOSE DE BUENAVISTA, Antique – The Social Security System (SSS) has enjoined the Antique provincial government to enroll its contractual employees to avail of benefits.
SSS Antique branch head Phillip Lucero on Friday said they discussed the proposal of signing a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the enrollment of contractual employees during their courtesy call at the office of Governor Rhodora Cadiao on March 7.
With the MOA, their contribution or premium will be automatically deducted by the provincial government from their salary to be remitted to the SSS.
Contractual employees will have a minimum contribution of PHP570 monthly.
He said the SSS has a universal coverage that qualifies contractual employees to be covered provided that they are not beyond 60 years old.
Once enrolled, they can avail of benefits such as maternity, disability, and even death claims.
“Governor Cadiao, during our meeting, told us that she will have the provincial legal officer review the proposal for the enrollment,” Lucero said, adding he is optimistic it will be realized as it will be of great help to them.
He said other provinces in the Western Visayas region, including Iloilo and Negros Occidental, have enrolled their contractual employees with the SSS.
Around 1,000 sugar migrants from Antique working in Negros Occidental are already enrolled with SSS. "The sugar plantation owners in Negros Occidental where they are working are the ones paying for their monthly contributions,” Lucero said. (PNA)
