House Bill No. 4668 -- “An Act Expanding The Benefits of the Social Security System So As To Provide for the Unemployment Benefits Thereby Amending For This Purpose Republic Act No. 8282, as Amended, Otherwise Known as the Social Security Law of 1997” -- is authored by Party-list Rep. Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza (Trade Union Congress of the Philippines).
In a legal opinion to North Cotabato Rep. Jesus N. Sacdalan (1st district), chairman of the House committee on government enterprises and privatization, Justice Secretary Leila M. de Lima said her department “recognizes the importance of this bill and we express our support thereto.”
Ms. de Lima also emphasized in her opinion that SSS funds should be sufficient to fulfill its obligation to its members.
The bill seeks to provide unemployment benefits in the form of monthly cash payments to an employee who is terminated, or “involuntarily unemployed” as the bill says. The said benefits are equivalent to the employee’s minimum wage.
“It is imperative upon the state to ensure that our work force does not only have meaningful and satisfying jobs, but can also address employment or income security during unfortunate times when they lose their jobs through no fault of their own,” Mr. Mendoza said.
Ms. de Lima said the objective of the proposed bill -- to give temporary economic support to employees who were separated from their employment while looking for new opportunities to work -- “appears to be the same intention” in providing workers with separation pay under the Labor Code. -- Reden D. Madrid Bworldonline
No comments:
Post a Comment