TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
Senate
8f tUf
25 «JG-6 P4 32
SENATE 
S. No.
lECEIVFitV:
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
AN ACT
EXPANDING THE BENEFITS OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM TO PROVIDE 
FOR UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS, AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE 
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8282, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "SOCIAL SECURITY 
ACT OF 1997"
EXPLANATORY NOTE
In the face of a rapidly changing economic landscape, ensuring the welfare of 
the Filipino workforce has become more critical than ever. Employment security is a 
fundamental aspect of social stability, and the challenges posed by unforeseen job 
losses, such as economic recessions or company closures, have highlighted the need 
for comprehensive safety nets to protect individuals during times of unemployment.
This measure entitled, "An Act Expanding the Benefits of the Social Security 
System to Provide for Unemployment Benefits" seeks to amend the Social Security Act 
of 1997 (Republic Act No. 8282) by incorporating provisions for unemployment 
benefits. This bill will establish a mechanism within the Social Security System (SSS) 
that will provide financial assistance to workers who lose their jobs due to involuntary 
separation, such as layoffs, retrenchment, or company closures. These unemployment 
benefits will serve as a critical lifeline for individuals during the period of joblessness, 
allowing them to meet basic needs and maintain dignity as they transition to new 
employment opportunities.


The proposed measure also aims to provide a more inclusive social safety net 
for Filipino workers, especially those who do not have access to adequate 
unemployment protection. By expanding the current benefits, this bill will help alleviate 
the economic hardships that come with unemployment and reduce the financial 
burden on individuals and families who are already in vulnerable situations.
Filed by Senator Grace Poe in the 19th Congress, this measure recognizes that 
unemployment, particularly involuntary unemployment, can severely impact not only 
an individual's livelihood but also their overall well-being. This bill is a response to that 
challenge, ensuring that those who contribute to the country's economic growth are 
not left behind when they lose their source of income.
The expansion of the SSS benefits to include unemployment benefits aligns with 
the state's duty to protect citizens from economic hardship and help them regain their 
economic footing as they search for new employment opportunities.
In view of the above, the immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought, as 
it represents an important step in securing the financial well-being and dignity of 
Filipino workers.
INGGpY EJERCITO ESTRADA


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE
1070
S. No
AiiMf uf it|ir iS»ri verarp
25 MJG-6 P4 32
IKCElVEi iV;
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
AN ACT
EXPANDING THE BENEFITS OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM TO PROVIDE 
FOR UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS, AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE 
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8282, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "SOCIAL SECURITY 
ACT OF 1997"
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Republic Act No. 8282, otherwise known as the "Social Security Act
2 
of 1997" is hereby amended by inserting a new section after Section 14-A after Section
3 
14 which shall read as follows:
4 
"SEC. 14-A. UNEMPLOYMENT OR
5 
INVOLUNTARY SEPARATION BENEFITS. -
6 
UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS IN THE FORM OF
7 
MONTHLY CASH PAYMENTS EQUIVALENT TO
8 
ONE-THIRD (1/3) THE EXISTING MONTHLY
9 
MINIMUM WAGE SHALL BE PAID TO A
10 
PERMANENT EMPLOYEE WHO IS
11 
INVOLUNTARILY UNEMPLOYED: PROVIDED,
12 
THAT HE/SHE HAS BEEN PAYING INTEGRATED
13 
CONTRIBUTIONS FOR AT LEAST ONE (1) YEAR
14 
PRIOR TO THE INVOLUNTARY UNEMPLOYMENT.


1 
"UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS SHALL BE
2 
PAID IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE FOLLOWING
3 
SCHEDULE:
4 
"CONTRIBUTIONS MADE TO THE SSS 
BENEFIT DURATION
5 
"Six (6) months but less than two (2) years 
One (1) month
6 
"Two (2) or more years but less than four (4) years 
Two (2) months
7 
"Four (4) or more years but less than six (6) years 
Three (3) months
8 
"Six (6) or more years but less than eleven (11) yearsFour (4) months
9 
"Eleven (11) or more years but less than fifteen (15) years Five (5) months
10 
Sec. 2. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Social Security System
11 
(SSS) shall promulgate, not later than thirty (30) days upon the effectivity of this Act,
12 
the necessary rules and regulations for its effective implementation.
13 
Sec. 3. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act is subsequently
14 
declared unconstitutional or invalid, other parts or provisions hereof which are not
15 
affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.
16 
Sec. 4. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
17 
regulations, or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed,
18 
amended or modified accordingly.
19 
Sec. 5. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following
20 
its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,