SP opposes SSS branch transfer to Tarlac

LINGAYEN - The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) has asked the Social Security System (SSS) to stop the transfer of branch area of jurisdiction of the four towns in the 2^nd Congressional District of Pangasinan from Alaminos Branch to Camiling Branch.

Social Security for Job Orders and Contractual Employees.  Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. (seated, center), Social Security System (SSS) Alaminos Branch Administrative Head Rowena Manuel, who represented SSS Luzon–Central Cluster Head Vilma Agapito, (seated, left) and SSS Alaminos Branch Head Jose Alvin Altre (seated, right) sign the Memorandum of Agreement for the implementation of e-AlkanSSSya program, a tie-up project of the provincial government of Pangasinan and SSS that provides job order and contractual employees with access to social protection coverage.  Witnessing the MOA signing are Vice Gov. Jose Ferdinand Z. Calimlim, Jr. Board Members Liberato Villegas, Alfonso Bince, some department heads and SSS officers and employees.  /MVS

            The four towns which include Aguilar, Basista, Mangatarem and Urbiztondo were originally under the functional jurisdiction of the Alaminos Branch of the SSS but were transferred to Camiling Branch in Tarlac.

            Expressing the province’s full support to the sentiments of the local chief executives in the affected towns who have asked for the return of the area of jurisdiction to Pangasinan, Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr.  has urged the SP for the immediate approval of Provincial Resolution No. 1462-2015 calling for the return of the towns under the jurisdiction of the SSS Alaminos Branch.

            In a resolution approved on August 3, the SP said SSS Alaminos Branch is serving the 1^st and 2^nd Congressional Districts of Pangasinan and based on geographical and political categorization, the four towns belong to the 2^nd District and therefore must be rendered service by the Alaminos Branch.

            Noting that the SSS is considered as one of the frontline services of the national government, resolution authors, Board Members Nestor D. Reyes and Raul P. Sison, said that it is mandated to provide a social security protection to workers in the private sector, wage earners and self-employed individuals.

            The SP members said the transfer of the branch area of jurisdiction of said towns to other province would mean dismembering the territorial integrity of the province of Pangasinan.

            The SP added SSS move to transfer the branch area from Pangasinan to Camiling would also imply that the acquisition of data will be cumbersome in the preparation of investment plan of the province considering that data has to be secured in another province.