SSS prexy resigns, cites achievements

FILE: THIS HAPPENED. SSS President and CEO Emmanuel Dooc spent time speaking with the SSS members and branch employees alike when he visited SSS Iloilo earlier today. (Photo: Philippine Social Security System/Facebook)

MANILA — Social Security System (SSS) chief, Emmanuel Dooc submitted his resignation letter to President Rodrigo R. Duterte as President and Chief Executive Officer (PCEO) of the pension fund, at the same time Republic Act 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018 took effect, the state pension fund’s management said in a statement on Wednesday.

In his letter to Duterte, Dooc “voluntarily and irrevocably stepped down to provide him the opportunity to name a new President and CEO of SSS.”

As the 17th chief of the pension fund, Dooc leaves a legacy in SSS of significant accomplishments, highlighted by the new SS law that has long-term impact on the viability of the pension fund and critical in providing more relevant benefits to its members and pensioners.

Dooc joined the pension fund in November 2016 after serving as Insurance Commissioner from 2011. During his stint with the Insurance Commission, Dooc also led the enactment of the Revised Insurance Code of 2012, which paved the way for the unprecedented growth of the insurance industry.

In SSS, with just a little over two years in his post, Dooc’s management posted the highest members’ contribution collection in the history of the pension fund with a remarkable PHP181 billion in 2018 from PHP132 billion in 2015.

Innovations in collection introduced during Dooc’s term included the Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) campaign, which issued show-cause orders to establishments that violate the SS Law. Under the SSS version of “Oplan Tokhang,” warrants of arrest were issued against court convicted delinquent employers in coordination with the Philippine National Police. The Warrant of Distraint, Levy and Garnishment (WDLG) was also implemented under his term.

Alongside record-breaking collections, benefit disbursements were also highest during Dooc’s term with PHP180 billion in 2018 from PHP112 billion in 2015. The PHP1,000 additional benefit for pensioners was implemented in January 2017.

Dooc also pushed for member-friendly programs such as the Loan Restructuring Program with penalty condonation to allow members to settle their delinquent loans with easy payment terms, minus the penalty. The Calamity Loan Assistance Package was also introduced under his administration.

Further, he also initiated a Pension Loan Program in response to the clamor of retirees who were forced to borrow from loan sharks due to financial contingencies.

The Real-Time Processing of Contributions was also launched under his watch. This program prevents delays in processing of benefit claims as contributions are posted immediately upon payment.

Dooc expressed his gratitude to the Social Security Commission for their support and to the SSS management team for their cooperation during his stint.

In his letter to Duterte, Dooc thanked him for his support and for the opportunity to serve in his administration. (SSS PR)