President Marcos Appoints Voltaire Agas as SSS Officer-in-Charge
President Marcos Appoints Voltaire Agas as SSS Officer-in-Charge. In a recent memorandum signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on October 17, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. named Attorney Voltaire P. Agas as the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of the Social Security System (SSS). This strategic appointment places Atty. Agas, who has been serving as the Executive Vice President for the SSS Branch Operations Sector, at the helm to ensure the continuous and effective delivery of services to millions of members, pensioners, and their beneficiaries nationwide.
Atty. Agas is a seasoned public servant and experienced legal professional, having built an extensive career over three decades in various government sectors. His journey with SSS began in 2012 as Chief Legal Counsel, a role he held until 2022. Since March 2022, he has been managing branch operations across the Philippines, including key areas like membership expansion, contribution collections, and benefit processing. His appointment as OIC is part of an initiative to streamline SSS services, promoting greater accessibility and efficiency for all members.
Table of Key Terms
| Keyword | Description |
|---|---|
| SSS Officer-in-Charge | Temporary executive role for overseeing SSS operations and ensuring continuity in public service. |
| Branch Operations Sector | Division responsible for managing SSS branches, ensuring consistent service across all member services. |
| Social Security Commission (SSC) | Policymaking body overseeing SSS policy and leadership decisions. |
| Pension Fund | Financial reserve managed by SSS to provide retirement and other benefits to members. |
| Membership Expansion | Efforts to grow SSS membership and increase coverage across different demographics. |
| Contribution Collections | Process of gathering contributions from members for the sustainability of the pension fund. |
| Benefit Processing | Procedures for managing and disbursing benefits to eligible members and pensioners. |
A Public Service Journey with SSS and Beyond
Atty. Agas’s dedication to public service is evident in his longstanding commitment to SSS and his various roles across the government. His career began shortly after earning his law degree from San Beda University, where he was appointed as a public attorney in the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) from 1989 to 1994. This role earned him the Outstanding Public Servant Award in August 2024, recognizing his contributions and dedication at the 8th MCLE-Accredited National Convention of Public Attorneys. His extensive legal experience extends to roles within the Department of Justice’s National Prosecution Service and as a trial judge in Quezon City.
Within SSS, Atty. Agas brings a distinct perspective as the first OIC to have risen through the ranks. His work is anchored in his legal acumen and dedication to the SSS mission of providing financial security to millions of Filipino workers. Under his leadership, SSS’s branch operations have grown to enhance service delivery and member engagement through systematic expansions and streamlined processes.
Strategic Role in the Private Sector
In addition to his government service, Atty. Agas also has an impressive portfolio in the private sector. A graduate of the University of the Philippines, he served as a socio-economist involved in community development projects backed by major financial institutions such as the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank.
His legal and managerial expertise were further honed over a decade in the Ayala Life Insurance Group, known today as BPI AIA Life Assurance Corporation, where he was a corporate legal manager and later the chief compliance and governance officer.
Replacing Commissioner Robert Joseph M. De Claro
Atty. Agas takes over the OIC responsibilities from Commissioner Robert Joseph M. De Claro, who was initially designated by the Social Security Commission (SSC), the policymaking body of the SSS. Commissioner De Claro’s role as interim OIC ensured continuity until a suitable replacement was found.
While Atty. Agas now takes over the operational responsibilities, Commissioner De Claro will continue to serve as an SSC member, representing the Employers’ Group and providing insight from the employer’s perspective in SSC’s decision-making processes.
Vision for SSS: Moving Forward
Atty. Agas’s experience as a long-term public servant aligns well with the SSS’s goals, especially in expanding social security coverage to more Filipinos. His track record in branch operations management and legal expertise is anticipated to drive improvements in membership services, enhance benefit processing efficiencies, and increase the collection of contributions.
His focus on operational excellence is geared toward making the SSS services more responsive, transparent, and accessible to the growing needs of the Filipino workforce.
Conclusion
Atty. Agas’s appointment signals a commitment to advancing the SSS’s mission and ensuring the welfare of its members through efficient, dependable, and inclusive services. His seasoned background in public service and dedication to operational improvements provide a solid foundation for SSS to reach more Filipinos.
With his leadership, SSS aims to foster a stronger social safety net for the country’s workers and their families, supporting them through every stage of their lives with reliable pension and benefit services.
