Philippines, Spain Ink Social Security Deal

The Philippines and Spain have signed an agreement for the implementation of the Convention on Social Security, a move that aims to bolster bilateral cooperation in social protection and ensure that Filipino and Spanish workers can fully exercise their social security rights across both jurisdictions. The deal was inked on Sept. 11 in Madrid by Philippine Ambassador to Spain Philippe Lhuillier and Spain’s Secretary of State for Social Security and Pensions Borja Suárez Corujo, the Philippine embassy in Madrid announced yesterday. The signing was witnessed by Social Security System (SSS) president and CEO Robert Joseph Montes de Claro and Joaquín Támara Espot, deputy director general for International Relations of Spain’s Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration. This agreement further strengthens the protection of overseas Filipino workers' (OFWs) rights, particularly benefiting Filipino workers employed in Spain by facilitating their access to pensions and other social security benefits. The Philippine government prioritizes the protection of OFWs, and this agreement is part of that ongoing effort. Many Filipinos work abroad, contributing significantly to the national economy. Ensuring their social security is crucial for them to work with peace of mind and plan for their future. This agreement with Spain is also seen as part of the Philippines' broader diplomatic strategy to establish similar conventions with other countries.