This is regarding the letter of Elena V. Lopez on her death claim at SSS Tarlac for her husband Francisco Lopez.
Lopez said: “I am Elena V. Lopez, surviving spouse of Francisco D. Lopez, former employee of Central Azucarera de Tarlac (1960 to 1997). During his employment, he contracted essential hypertension. After retirement, he died on Sept 14, 2003 due to same illness. Our claim for death benefit due to hypertension remains unacted upon to the present—at the SSS Tarlac branch. I hope that the top management of the Social Security System will direct its regional office to immediately act on this claim.”
According to SSS Tarlac, the claim was settled on Oct. 23, 2003. Lopez is receiving a monthly pension of P6,614.08. The total benefit payout from Sept. 14, 2003, which is the date of contingency, up to the present has been P601,389.26.
—JOEL P. PALACIOS, assistant vice president, Media Affairs Department, Social Security System