MANILA, Philippines- Idineklara ngSupreme Court (SC) na labag sa Saligang Batas ang probisyon sa 2018 Social Security System (SSS) Act na nag-aatas sa overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) na magbayad muna ng kanilang kontribusyon bago sila payagang makaalis ng bansa.
Sa 40-pahinang desisyon ng SC En Banc, ang Rule 14, Section 7(iii) ng Implementing Rules and Regulations ng Republic Act (RA) No. 11199 ay unconstitutional dahil salungat ito sa Sections 1 at 6 ng Article III ng Konstitusyon.
Batay sa RA 11198 o Social Security Act, ang mga land-based OFW ay kinakailangang naka-enroll at nakabayad na ng SSS contributions bilang self-employed members. Dapat ding bayaran ng OFW ang employer’s share sa kontribusyon at bayaran ang tatlong buwan na halaga ng SSS contributions bago sila bigyan ng Overseas Employment Contracts.
“To enforce compulsory coverage of land-based OFWs through the issuance of OEC is unduly oppressive, unreasonable and repugnant to the Constitution. It undermines the mandate of the constitution to protect the rights of overseas workers and to promote their welfare,” nakasaad sa SC ruling.
Sinabi ng SC na taliwas sa kanilang right to travel at maghanapbuhay ang naturang probisyon.
“The Social Security System, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, and Department of Labor and Employment are permanently enjoined from implementing this unconstitutional provision.” Teresa Tavares
