MEMBERS of the Social Security System (SSS) can directly pay contributions and loans in more SSS branches nationwide as the state-run pension fund widened its branch teller network to 75 branches this  year from only 42 in 2006.

SSS president and chief executive Officer Corazon de la Paz-Bernardo said the additional tellers were expected to boost collection in the coming months.

“Opening accessible teller facilities in more SSS branches makes it more convenient for our members to pay us,” de la Paz-Bernardo said. “Now they have less reason to be remiss in their monthly obligations.”

From May to November this year, newly opened teller facilities in select SSS branches have already collected more than P1 billion in  contributions, loan repayments and other fees.

The SSS’s branch teller system leads to faster processing and posting of payments in its database, which facilitates evaluation of members’ eligibility to apply for benefits and loan privileges.

In addition to accrediting local banks as collecting agents, the SSS has also started authorizing qualified nonbank companies in the private sector to accept member contributions on behalf of the institution.           

SSS branches in the National Capital Region which opened  teller facilities this year are Commonwealth, Cubao and San Francisco  del Monte in Quezon City; Welcome Rotonda and Recto in Manila; Antipolo; Pasig; San Juan; Taguig; Valenzuela; Mandaluyong; and Makati  (along Gil Puyat Avenue).

The provincial branches with new tellers are Balanga (Bataan), Baliuag (Bulacan), Camiling (Tarlac), Lucena (Quezon), Meycauayan (Bulacan),  Solano (Nueva Vizcaya), Biñan (Laguna), Calapan (Oriental Mindoro), Lipa (Batangas), Bais (Negros Oriental), Catbalogan (Samar), Kalibo  (Aklan), Ormoc (Leyte), Maasin (Southern Leyte), Bislig (Surigao del Sur), Digos (Davao del Sur), Ipil (Zamboanga del Sur), Kidapawan (North Cotabato), Koronadal (South Cotabato), Tacurong (Sultan Kudarat) and Gingoog (Misamis Oriental).

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STATE-OWNED Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has inked a P4-billion loan agreement with three financial institutions and an investment bank that will serve as the government’s counterpart funding for the completion of the 93.7-kilometer Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) project.

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MEMBERS of the Social Security System (SSS) can directly pay contributions and loans in more SSS branches nationwide as the state-run pension fund widened its branch teller network to 75 branches this  year from only 42 in 2006.