Mandatory SSS for OFWs sought

The Social Security System has asked the government to require registration of overseas Filipino workers for mandatory coverage as voluntary members of the Fund, SSS officer-in-charge Horacio Templo said yesterday.

"We are in serious talks with Department of Labor and Employment and POEA for the mandatory registration of OFWs before their departure for abroad," Templo said.

The SSS has 515,762 OFW members working in various countries all over the world. About 16,000 are enrolled in the SSS Flexi-fund program, a tax-exempt savings and pension plan, which is on top of the regular social security program offered by the SSS. - Jasmin R. Uy