Republic of the Philippines
House of Ri _
‘Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

3951

House Bill No.

Introduced by: REPRESENTATIVE ABIGAIL FAYE C. FERRIOL

EXPLANATORY NOTE

It is the declared policy of the State to uphold the rights of the workers and promote their
welfare. Article II, Section 18 of the Constitution expressly states that:

The State affirms labor as a primary social economic force. It shall protect
the rights of workers and promote their welfare.

Various statutes have been enacted to attain these lofty goals. There are existing laws
ensuring that proper compensation and benefits are given to laborers. There have been efforts
to address the peculiar working conditions of the different professions and occupations.

The workers’ rights though are not limited to salary, benefits, remuneration, working
conditions and environment in the course of employment. The benefits due to a worker after
retirement form part of these rights. The State should also ensure that the workers have a
rewarding and secured life after retirement.

The prospect of retirement can be a financially difficulty situation given the fact that the
steady salary expected from employment will come to an end. Most, if not all workers, look
forward to the security provided by their expected retirement benefits from institutions like the
Social Security System (SSS) and the Government Service and Insurance System (GSIS). The
retirement benefits are the reward for the faithful and diligent contributions made to these
institutions throughout their lives as workers.

It is only just and proper that the workers receive prompt payment of their retirement
benefits. The workers are very much entitled to these benefits after working for a very long
period of time. By expediting the payment of retirement benefits, the retirement of a worker,
Whether from the private or public sector, will become free of unnecessary stress and truly
become rewarding

ee

ABIG. E C. FERRIOL
Representative
Kalinga Party list


Republic of the Philippines
House of Representatives
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House BillNo.__ 3951

Introduced by: REPRESENTATIVE ABIGAIL FAYE C. FERRIOL

(AN ACT MANDATING THE PAYMENT OF RETIREMENT BENEFITS TO SSS OR GSIS
MEMBERS WITHIN A MAXIMUM PERIOD OF THIRTY (30) DAYS FROM THE RETIREMENT
DATE AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. — This Act shall be known as the "Prompt Payment of SSS
and GSIS Retirement Benefits Act."

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. ~ It is the declared policy of the State to protect the
rights of workers and promote their welfare. The workers’ rights include the entitlement to
benefits after retirement. They are entitled to the prompt payment of retirement benefits due to
them from the Social Security System (SSS) and the Government Service and Insurance
System (GSIS),

SEC. 3. Period of Payment. — Any law to the contrary notwithstanding the payment of
retirement benefits and pensions to all members of the SSS and the GSIS shall be made within
a maximum period of thirty (30) days from the retirement date.

SEC. 4. Expeditious Processing. - The SSS and GSIS shall review their respective
existing process and requirements for retirement. The SSS and GSIS shall make the necessary
changes in order to simplify and expedite the application, review and payment of retirement
benefits. The different branch offices of the SSS and GSIS shall be provide prompt assistance
to any retiring member in the accomplishment of the needed requirements as early as six (6)
month prior to his retirement date

SEC. 5. Penal Provision. - The following shall be imposed upon any person who shall
violate any of the provisions of this Act:

First offense - Thirty (30) days suspension without pay
Second offense - Three (3) months suspension without pay
Third offense - Dismissal from public service

SEC 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The respective boards of the SSS
and the GSIS shall promulgate such rules and regulations necessary to implement the
provisions of this Act within a period of three (3) months from the approval hereof.


SEC 7. Separability Clause. - If, for any reason, any section or provision of this Act is
declared to be unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions thereof which are not
affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.

SEC. 7.Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations
which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified
accordingly.

SEC. 8, Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect thirty (30) days after its complete
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,