Strengthening Social Security Commission Powers

Formulates rules and regulations, establishes Provident Funds, and approves restructuring proposals.
Accredits cooperatives and associations as collecting agents.
May compromise or condone penalties under specific conditions, with mandatory reporting on these actions.
Implements contribution rates and salary credits as scheduled.
Develops special social security programs for workers with unique situations.
Reviews all actions of the SSS in the exercise of its powers.

Submits annual reports to the President and Congress.
Requires actuarial valuation at least every three years for benefits adjustments.
Establishes offices nationwide and abroad as necessary.
Enters into operational agreements and adopts budgets.
Maintains accounting systems and conducts data investigations.
Acquires or disposes of property, enters agreements for member benefits portability.
Can sue and be sued.
Exercises other corporate acts necessary for enforcement of the Act.

The Commission has exclusive jurisdiction to hear disputes regarding coverage, benefits, contributions, and penalties.
Decisions become final 15 days after notification unless appealed.
Court of Appeals reviews Commission decisions; Supreme Court reviews cases involving only questions of law.
Appeals do not automatically stay Commission orders unless ordered.
The Commission can issue writs of execution to enforce decisions.

Authorized SSS officials can administer oaths, take depositions, issue subpoenas for evidence.

Key terms defined including employer, employee, dependents, compensation, member categories, contributions, contingencies, and benefits.

Compulsory coverage for all employees including domestic workers under 60 years old and their employers.
Coverage rules allow integration with private benefit plans without reducing earned benefits.
Voluntary coverage available for spouses managing households full-time.

Compulsory coverage for specified self-employed persons including professionals, business owners, artists, athletes, farmers, and fishermen.
OFWs are compulsorily covered; manning agencies held jointly liable for payments.
Government agencies mandated to negotiate bilateral agreements to ensure employer contributions for OFWs.
OFWs may continue voluntary contributions after employment ends.

Employer coverage begins on the first day of operation; employee coverage starts on the day of employment.
Separation ends employer contributions; separated employees retain credited benefits and may continue voluntary payments.
Self-employed members not earning income in a month are not required to contribute that month.

Monthly pension formulas including minimum pensions, additional benefit allowances, and dependents' pensions.
Retirement benefits available after 120 months contribution and reaching retirement age; options for lump sum payments.
Death and permanent disability benefits defined including conditions and entitlement criteria.
Funeral grant payable upon death of member, retiree, or permanently disabled member.
Sickness benefit compensates 90% of average daily salary credit for up to 120 days hospitalization.
Maternity leave benefit covers 60 or 78 days at 100% pay with conditions on notification and contributions.
Unemployment insurance pays up to 50% of average monthly salary for a maximum of two months under specified conditions.

Charging fees for claim preparation is prohibited except attorneys limited to 10% of benefits awarded.
Various offenses including fraud, falsification, non-remittance of contributions, misappropriation, and use of unauthorized devices carry fines and imprisonment.
Criminal liability extends to corporate officers.

Employers must deduct employee contributions and remit employer share monthly with quarterly reporting.
Self-employed pay both shares with possible contribution reductions for low earners.
Government appropriates annually for SSS operation and to maintain fund adequacy.

Contributions due within 10 days following month covered; penalties imposed on late payments.
SSS empowered to collect unpaid contributions using tax collection methods.
Presumption rules apply to contributions records in disputes.

Employers must report employee information promptly and maintain employment records.
Misrepresentation or failure to report liable for damages and unremitted contributions.
Confidentiality of records maintained with certain exceptions for court orders.
Electronic copies admissible as evidence.
Certification of SSS compliance required for local business licensing.

Administrative expenses capped at 12% of contributions plus 3% of other revenues.
Reserve Fund and Investment Reserve Fund established.
Investment portfolio diversified among government securities, financial institutions, real estate, loans, education and medical institutions, stocks, mutual funds, foreign investments, and other approved instruments.
Investment limits set by category to safeguard fund solvency.
Option to appoint fund managers.

Penalizes fraudulent claims, unauthorized use or forgery of contribution devices, failure to remit, and misappropriation.
Penalties include fines ranging from P5,000 to P20,000 and imprisonment from six years and one day up to twelve years.
Corporate liability for officers.

Six-month grace period for delinquent employers to pay or propose installments without penalty.
Conditions for penalties upon default.