SSS-GSIS Pensyonado (SGP) Partylist expressed its support for the recently signed memorandum of agreement (MOA) between the Social Security System (SSS) and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Baguio City that will encourage the LGUs’ contract of service (COS) and job orders (JOs) workers to become SSS members and future pensioners.
The MOA signed by SSS President and CEO Rolando Macasaet and Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong at the Baguio Convention Center provided for the collection of monthly contributions for all COS/JO workers of the city government.
The SSS membership premium will be deducted from the worker’s salary, removing the need for the worker to go to an SSS office every month to submit their contribution.
SGP Partylist spokesperson Val Yutan said the MOA between SSS and the LGU of Baguio City will make it easier for the new SSS members among the COS and JO workers to submit regular contributions and complete the 120 monthly contributions that will make them future pensioners.
“It’s a step towards the right direction. This agreement encourages our COS and JO workers to enroll in the SSS and qualify for a pension should they opt to retire from government service.” the SGP Partylist spokesperson said as he noted that COS and JOs are not entitled to membership with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).
In his message after the MOA signing, Mayor Magalong said the Baguio City government will persuade its temporary workers to apply for SSS membership to take advantage of the agreement.
The Baguio City government currently employs 525 COS and JO workers. Unlike permanent workers, temporary workers do not have an employer-employee relationship.
The recent agreement between the SSS and the Baguio LGU is part of the KaSSSangga Collection Program. Under this program, the SSS authorizes government agencies and officers to act as collection agents.
“Kaya mag-miyembro sila, mga taga-Baguio na nagtratrabaho. Kasi, hindi kayo palaging bata. (That’s why Baguio JO and COS workers should become SSS members. Because you won’t always be young,)” PCEO Macasaet said in his speech during the event.
PCEO Macasaet explained that the SSS seeks to provide retirement benefits for all Filipinos. Qualified members will receive a retirement pension and insurance benefits for unemployment, disabilities, death, funerals, and the like.
According to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), as of 30 June 2023, a total of 832,812 contract of service/job order (COS/JO) workers are employed in various government departments and agencies. This number represents a 22.90% increase from the 642,077 workers in 2022.
While the COS and JO workers are paid salaries/wages equivalent to those received by personnel occupying comparable positions in government and a premium of up to 20 percent of such salary/wage, they do not enjoy benefits accorded to regular government employees such as Personnel Economic Relief Allowance (PERA), Mid-Year bonus and 13th Month pay.
