30,000 Angkas Riders to Get Social Security from SSS

On August 1, 2024, a significant milestone was achieved for Angkas partner riders as the Social Security System (SSS) President and Chief Executive Officer Rolando Ledesma Macasaet and Angkas Chief Executive Officer George Ilagan Royeca signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). This agreement will extend social security protection to approximately 30,000 Angkas partner bikers operating in Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro City.

Macasaet commended Angkas for their proactive initiative to secure the future of their partner bikers through SSS membership, ensuring they receive the social security benefits they deserve. He emphasized the high-risk nature of the profession and the necessity for solid protection in emergencies. With this agreement, SSS will provide the essential social security protection needed by Angkas partner bikers.

The partnership is encapsulated in the tagline AngkasSSS na sa Protektadong Bukas reflecting SSS's mission to offer social security coverage and old-age pensions to all working Filipinos. Macasaet urged other ride-sharing and food delivery platforms to follow Angkas's lead and take necessary steps to make their riders and drivers SSS members.

Under the agreement, SSS Senior Vice President for National Capital Region (NCR) Operations Group Maria Rita S. Agui explained that partner bikers will be classified as self-employed SSS members. They will gain access to a wide range of social security benefits, including sickness, maternity, disability, retirement, and death benefits.

Agui, who also chairs the Task Force on the Coverage of Angkas Riders, highlighted that riders can apply for SSS loan programs such as salary and calamity loans, providing immediate financial assistance. Additionally, they will receive optional coverage from the Employees' Compensation (EC) Program for work-related sickness, disability, or death.

Angkas will serve as an authorized collection partner of SSS, facilitating the monthly contributions of its active partner bikers. SSS Executive Vice President for Branch Operations Sector Voltaire P. Agas stated that the current contribution rate stands at 14%, with the monthly salary credit (MSC) used to determine the amount ranging from ₱4,000 to ₱30,000 for self-employed members.

The lowest monthly contribution is pegged at ₱570, consisting of ₱560 for the regular SSS contribution and ₱10 for the EC contribution. The highest monthly contribution is ₱4,230, comprising ₱2,800 for the regular SSS contribution, ₱30 for the EC contribution, and ₱1,400 for the mandatory MySSS Pension Booster.

For example, if an Angkas partner rider earns ₱13,000 monthly, they will have a combined SSS and EC monthly contribution payment of ₱1,830. Partner bikers earning ₱20,250 and above will also contribute to the mandatory MySSS Pension Booster, which ranges from ₱70 to ₱1,400 per month.

In conclusion, this agreement signifies SSS's commitment to promoting the welfare of Angkas riders and their families by providing them with essential social security benefits.

Reference: 30,000 Angkas partner riders to get social security protection from SSS