Right to Social Security

In our International Humanitarian Rights class practicum, we are assigned to engage the Labor sector to help out in some of its legal issues. Since this sector is too broad, we chose to focus on a sub-sector which we encounter in our daily commute- the jeepney drivers. This sector, after our general investigation, is encountering numerous legal issues that the group might be overwhelmed if we tackle each. To avert stretching our efforts too thinly, we chose a particular concern present in this sector namely their concern over their SSS benefits. 

Corollary to their rights as workers is also their right to social security.  

With the help of the Alliance for Progressive Labor, we were linked with the Association of Jeepney drivers and operators of Barangay Bonbon. To enable them to resolve pertinent queries regarding the value of SSS, we facilitated a small forum with the operators and the SSS field officers for an afternoon of input and forum.  It was a fruitful exchange of information which led the jeepney organization to assert their rights of social security from their operators which were left ignored before. 

In sum, the whole experience made me realize that the study of law is more than just the textual appreciation of it. It calls us to see the law on what it is in its very essence which is the reflection of how we see ourselves and our worth as human beings and our concept of what is right and wrong. The SSS is an institution which serves the people of their right to social security. And as an entity created by law, it serves as a reflection of our concept of social justice, dignity of human effort and the security we deserve after a fruitful life of labor. It is exciting for me to be part of that whole process of animating that right into something real and tangible in the lives of the jeepney drivers even how small and simple it is.