Filipinos could soon process Social Security System (SSS) death and funeral benefits and register businesses through a unified government online platform, according to Information and Communications Technology Secretary Robert Joseph de Claro.
De Claro said the integration of government services into the eGov platform is expected to reduce paperwork, long queues and the need for applicants to transact separately with different agencies.
He said the processing of SSS death and funeral benefits is among the services that could be streamlined through the system.
Under the current process, the SSS needs to coordinate with the Philippine Statistics Authority and local civil registries to verify records and facilitate benefit applications.
“Ngayon, dahil nandoon na sa eGov ang civil registry, and since SSS nasa eGov na rin, and part of the 40 agencies na nasa loob ng ating eGov, itong serbisyong ito, hindi na ito pangarap,” De Claro said in a video posted by Radio Television Malacañang.
He expressed hope that the service would become available to Filipino workers in the coming months.
Business registration is another transaction the DICT wants to simplify through the platform.
De Claro said local and foreign investors previously had to register separately with agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Department of Trade and Industry.
Under the proposed setup, business owners could submit their information through one system, which would facilitate the sharing of relevant records with agencies such as the SSS, PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG Fund.
This is expected to make it easier for employers to comply with registration and contribution requirements.
“Yun talaga ang tinutumbok nito, na bawasan natin ang pila, bawasan ang interaction, and through the eGov system, mas mapapabilis at mapapalapit natin ang gobyerno sa ating mga mamamayan,” he said.
De Claro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had directed the DICT to ensure that internet connectivity in the country is affordable, reliable and fast to make digital government services more accessible.IMT
