Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2917
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Rep. Precious Hipolito Castelo

EXPLANATORY NOTE

A clear policy is stated in the very language of Republic Act 8282 in Section 2
thereof that runs thus, “It is the policy of the State to establish, develop, promote and
perfect a sound and viable tax-exempt social security system suitable to the needs of
the people throughout the Philippines which shall promote social justice and provide
meaningful protection to members and their families against the hazards of disability,
sickness, maternity, old age, death, and other contingencies resulting in loss of
income or financial burden. Toward this end, the State shall endeavor to extend
social security protection to workers and their beneficiaries.”

However, instead of social security system benefits immediately accruing and
reaching the legitimate claimants and beneficiaries, many individuals suffer the brunt
of a rather tedious, difficult, and delayed processing of applications upon submission
of the applicants or claimants of all documentary requirements. This registers the
fear and apprehension that they may not be able to receive these benefits at time
and point of need which therefore causes them undue burden and betrays the very
mission of the Social Security System to provide this social protection. More
importantly, in no instance should the viability and integrity of the Reserve Fund be
doubted in light of less-than-desired procedures in processing and in release of
payments of claims.

In view of this sad state of affairs affecting hundreds upon hundreds of beneficiaries
and their families, this humble representation eare eats timely approval of
this measure.



Republic of the Philippines

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2917
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by Rep. Precious Hipolito Castelo

AN ACT
MANDATING THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM TO PROCESS AND TO PAY CLAIMS OF LEGITIMATE
CLAIMANTS AND BENEFICIARIES WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS UPON FULL SUBMISSION OF ALL
NECESSARY APPLICATION DOCUMENTS THEREOF AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. This Act shall be known as the “Expeditious Payment of SSS
Benefits Act.”

SEC. 2. There is hereby implemented expeditious system of processing and
payment of claims of legitimate claimants and beneficiaries within thirty (30) days
upon full submission of all necessary application documents thereof.

SEC. 3. Upon the effectivity of this Act, Social Security System shall issue and
promulgate stricter and more simplified rules, regulations, mechanics, and guidelines
in order to effectively expedite processing as well as payment of all claims under the
System to legitimate claimants/beneficiaries and thereby cause the immediate
enjoyment of said benefits.

SEC. 4. The claims hereto referred under this Act include maternity,
sickness, retirement, disability, death, and funeral benefits. Further, these include
the grants of various kinds of loans under the System!

SEC. 5. This Act shall take effect upon its publication in the Official Gazette
and in at least three newspapers of general circulation thirty (30) days upon its
approval.

Approved,