SSS COVERAGE. Social Security System (SSS) president Rolando Macasaet (left) and Speaker Martin Romualdez engage in a cordial conversation on the sidelines of the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas 2024 National Congress at the World Trade Center in Pasay City on Tuesday (Aug. 13, 2024). During his speech, Romualdez pushed for social security protection for village officials to provide them with life insurance coverage and enable them to qualify for a lifetime pension upon retirement. (Photo courtesy of the House Press and Public Affairs Bureau)
MANILA – Speaker Martin Romualdez on Tuesday vowed to grant social security coverage for barangay officials under the Social Security System (SSS).
During the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas 2024 National Congress at the World Trade Center in Pasay City, Romualdez said he has met with SSS president and chief executive officer Rolando Macasaet to discuss the membership of barangay officials to the pension fund so that they could be covered by life insurance and enjoy lifetime pension.
“Umaasa ako na sa lalong madaling panahon, lahat kayo ay magiging miyembro na ng SSS. Sa sandaling mangyari ito, agad na kayong mabibigyan ng life insurance at sa patuloy na pag-iipon natin sa pondo ng SSS, maaari rin kayong mag-qualify sa lifetime pension (I am hoping that all of you would become members of the SSS at the soonest possible time. Once this happens, you would automatically be given life insurance and as you gradually save up for the SSS fund, you could also qualify for lifetime pension),” he said.
He said the House of Representatives is considering approving a measure mandating local government units to set aside funds for the monthly SSS premium contribution of barangay officials.
“Sa ganitong paraan, hindi na ninyo iisipin ang buwanang hulog sa SSS (In this way, you don't need to think about the monthly contribution to SSS),” he said.
Romualdez, meanwhile, proposed to give barangay officials a term of office of six years to provide them enough time to plan and implement long-term programs.
“Sa loob ng anim na taon, hindi na kayo maaabala ng mga isyung elektoral at makakapagtuon kayo ng buong atensyon sa serbisyo sa inyong mga ka-barangay. Makakabuo tayo ng matatag na pamumuno sa barangay at masisigurong sustainable ang mga proyekto at programa (Within the period of six years, you won't be bothered by electoral issues, allowing you to devote all of your attention to serving your constituents. We will be able to create a solid leadership in the barangay and ensure that the projects and programs are sustainable),” he said.
He said the chamber is also working on the passage of the proposed Magna Carta for Barangays, which seeks to improve the compensation and benefits received by barangay workers.
He highlighted the important role that the barangay officials play in linking their communities to the national government and in delivering public services.
“Kayo po ang mukha ng ating pamahalaan sa bawat sulok ng Pilipinas. Kayo ang tumutulay sa mga programa at proyekto ng gobyerno upang makarating ang mga ito kahit sa pinakamalayong lugar (You are the face of our government in every corner of the Philippines. You serve as the bridge to the programs and projects of the government so that these could reach even the most remote areas),” he said. (PNA)
