Collection of mandatory SSS contribution to Filipino overseas workers will be suspended until the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of the Social Security Act (SSA) is finalized.
Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the government can only enforce the SSA once the SSS governing board approves the IRR.
Bello said he will suggest to the SSS to accommodate other OFW groups who want to attend to stakeholders consultation in the drafting of the IRR.
Bello is a member of the SSS governing body, being the secretary of labor.
Militant group, Migrante International, had earlier protested the draft IRR that was leaked a few weeks ago.
The draft said payment of mandatory social security premium will be made a precondition for DOLE to issue an OEC or overseas employment certificate.
OEC is the document being issued by DOLE to all OFWs before leaving the country.