Going through SSS transactions is an entirely different, exasperating story to begin with. The Las Pinas regional office branch in Las Pinas has already been moved from the well-lighted, nicely decorated Municipal Hall to a somewhat dingy building across Las Pinas Starmall. Just like my agenda in Philhealth, I was looking forward to change my member’s data record in the SSS database.

The narrow stairs leading to the service office was filled with waiting individuals who are busy filling out their forms. I had to squeeze myself to get in and I run across the security guard who’s distributing numbers in small, rectangular card boards. I got # 41 but judging from the crowd that greeted me, I knew there’s more to it than be happy. I asked the guard where to get E-4 form and he instructed me to proceed to a table on the left, which by the way, I didn’t notice at all because it was surrounded by people.

So I went in, and again squeezed myself to get through the thick crowd. The table was manned by two interns. I asked for the form and headed back outside because the office was poorly ventilated. I don’t think there was any airconditioner but I was sure there were several electric fans around. People are seated in mono block chairs all over. You’d see people going in and out; some carrying their children. I don’t think it’s the best place to bring your children because from what I’ve seen, several of them were having tantrums. It must be because of the humidity or whatever.

There seems to be just one person serving the Status Verification, and another person for the E-1 Approval. Unlike the one in Philhealth service office, there isn’t a machine that would flash the numbers being served. What you’d see is a hook where you’d just have to hung your number when you’re called. When I was done with my form I took notice of the number being currently served in the Status Verification section; it’s number 78. So that means the official on that section had to deal with 62 people before my turn. I was already in the SSS branch office at 11:30 am. And I made sure to ask the people on the information section first before I spend my time in the queue.

It’s a good thing I had heavy breakfast so I didn’t feel famished even if I had to sacrifice lunch. I got lucky to find a seat for myself. Again, unlike the ambiance at Philhealth office, the one at the SSS office was a lot more frustrating. The space is very limited so when a bunch of people starts walking or milling around, you can expect nudging your arm or leg with someone. Even the seating arrangement was too close from each other. If you’re claustrophobic you won’t last long in the place.

Service is poor in the sense that you’d have to ask yourself how on earth they’d assign only one booth to process all Status Verification transactions. I mean, this section gets over 200 transactions daily and you just have two persons taking turns in one booth. I think the only nice part I’ve seen in the area were the CCTV cameras, which according to the guard can be viewed by the people in the main office. Well, I can only hope they’ve seen enough to transfer to a better branch office.

At 2 PM, my number was finally called. At least, the lady who accommodated me had a nice, polite tone which I think is a rare breed in government offices. I’ve had several experiences with BIR people and they are a bunch of grouchy individuals.

Somehow I thought my record would be immediately updated. After more than 2 hours of waiting, my form was stamped with the “RECEIVED on JAN 17, 2012″ note. That’s just it. I hope they can improve the system to be more efficient. Perhaps, have additional people to man the section so they could finish more transactions. Besides it’s not as if you’d have to do fingerprinting in front of them or have an interview of some sort.

One more thing, since I had a long way to go before being called I approached the interns in the information section to ask the process of changing my status from employed to self-employed. Surprisingly, none of them was able to provide me decent information. One of them advised me to just ask the official in the Status Verification section. Really, how’s that gonna make people (who have to endure long lines) happy? I really hope we’d see some positive improvement in SSS transactions soon. After all, SSS is a very important bureau with equally important tasks.

I’m sure it’s not the last time I’d be dealing with the SSS staff and the system. I’ll be back when I apply for the new SSS ID with my updated name. Hopefully, by then the experience will be a lot better.

One of my key agendas for 2012 is to have my membership data amended for Philhealth and for SSS. At exactly 9 AM this morning I arrived at the Philhealth service office in Las Pinas, located at 471 Editha Bldg. Alabang Zapote Rd. Just like the rest of the government offices here in the Philippines, it’s recommended that you arrive at Philhealth’s service office early to avoid the long queue; thereby, you finish early.

My purpose is to change my civil status from single to married, as well as employment status from private employee to self-employed/individually paying. First of all, I appreciate the people at the Las Pinas service office because everyone remains polite. At least, in my experience. I asked for the PMRF form (Philhealth Member Registration Form) and asked directions from the officer in-charge in the information area.

I was told to fill-out the form and prepare the original and the duplicate copies of my NSO marriage contract. I came very well prepared so I didn’t have to find a copier to get my documents duplicated. If you’re simply changing your civil status, you’d only need to present a photocopy of your marriage contract. If you have corrections with your name, you’ll be asked to present a copy of your birth certificate and some secondary documents, such as NBI Clearance, Passport, Postal ID, or SSS/GSIS ID. For the complete requirements, you can check PhilHealth’s website.

At the time I arrived they are already serving # 1025; I’m # 1053. The queue is satisfactorily fast. After a little over 30 minutes of waiting, I was assigned to  booth # 1. I think there are about 7 or 8 booths serving the people. The staff asked if I’d be paying for the 1st quarter already which I politely obliged. I was told to proceed to the building’s 3rd floor where the cashiers are situated. Self-employed professionals/individually paying whose monthly income is Php 25,000 and below, the premium contribution is Php 300/quarter. And self-employed professionals/individually paying whose monthly income is  Php 25,000 and above, the premium contribution is Php 600/quarter.

I was informed that Philhealth will be implementing an increase beginning this year on the annual premium contributions. So that means, self-employed individuals under the Individually Paying are soon to expect an annual premium contribution from Php 1,200 to 2,400.

Well, as if there’s anything I can do about that. As long as I know that I can avail my Philhealth benefits in the future without any hassle I’m okay with that. Besides, I am already aware that freelancers like me do not get to enjoy the usual benefits offered to privately employed individuals; and the least I can do is to make voluntary payments just so I’m covered.

So, after I paid for my Jan-Mar contribution, I headed back to the man who served me and gave him my payment receipt. He handed me back the receipt along with my updated Member’s Data Record (MBR) and my new Philhealth ID. I was reminded to pay for my 2nd quarter dues before June.

That’s it, I was able to finish everything in just an hour and a half. At that point, I decided to proceed to SSS to update my data record. The experience wasn’t as breezy as Philhealth. I’ll be writing a separate post for my SSS Data Amendment transaction later.

In all, I was very satisfied with the efficiency I’ve seen at the Philhealth service office in Las Pinas. There are still room for improvement but I can say it’s the best government service experience I’ve had so far.