POE BILL: SSS MUST TIDE OVER MEMBERS WHO INVOLUNTARY
LOSE THEIR JOBS

Sen. Grace Poe wants the Social Security System (SSS) to provide so-called "out-of-job pay" to workers who suddenly lost their jobs in order to help them get by during tough times of unemployment and assist them in finding new opportunities.

Senate Bill No. 1036, filed by Poe, seeks to expand SSS benefits to include immediate economic relief for workers who suffer from the setback of involuntary unemployment.

Poe said this income support program is designed so "workers can still put food on the table for their children while they get back on their feet and find more stable sources of income."

Under Poe's bill, employees involuntarily separated from service would receive monthly cash payments commensurate to their contributions. Those with contributions of six months to two years would receive compensation for one month, while those with contributions of up to two years would get two months. Those who have contributed to the SSS for four to six years would get relief for three months, those with contributions of six to 11 years would receive four months and those with contributions of 11 to 15 years would be entitled to the maximum five-month temporary compensation.

"Job generation is key to addressing unemployment, but we must not turn our backs on those who are desperately seeking for jobs at these difficult times," the senator added.

Poe said the compensation can also be used for retraining and acquiring necessary skill sets in view of prospective opportunities or employment.

"Hindi ba nararapat lamang na itawid natin ang ating mga kababayang biglang nawalan ng trabaho nang hindi nila inaasahan? Hindi natin sila dapat pabayaang patuloy na malugmok sa kawalang pag-asa at tulungan natin silang bumangon sa pinakamabilis na paraan," Poe emphasized.

Some 2.6 million Filipinos are unemployed as of April 2016, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

The SSS celebrated its 59th founding anniversary on September 1.