By Jelly F. Musico
MANILA, May 18 (PNA) — The Senate on Monday approved on third and final reading two resolutions concurring in the ratification of the Agreement on Social Security between the Philippines and the governments of Denmark and Portugal.
The Senate first passed Senate Resolution No. 133 concurring in the ratification of the agreement with Denmark and then SR No. 1335 concurring in the ratification of the agreement with Portuguese.
Senator Pia Cayetano sponsored the two resolutions in the absence of Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, chairperson of the Senate committee on foreign relations, who is undergoing lung cancer medication.
The two agreements aim to reduce or eliminate restrictions that prevent workers from receiving social security benefits under the social security laws of the concerned countries.
The agreements, ratified by President Benigno Aquino on May 5, 2014 and Jan. 16, 2014, respectively, reaffirmed the enhanced partnerships between the Philippines and Denmark and Portugal.
The agreements manifest the Philippine government’s genuine concern for the welfare and well-being of Filipino migrant workers and their families wherever they maybe.
The agreements also guaranteed the portability of pensions of qualified Filipino and Danish and Portugese citizens, which will be beneficial to the lives and security of the vast number of Filipino citizens working in Denmark and Portugal, the resolution said.
It enabled covered workers to access social security benefits such as sickness, maternity, paternity, occupational diseases, invalidity, old age, and survivors’ pension, the resolution added. (PNA)