SSS to assist families of Valenzuela factory fire victims

STATE-RUN pension fund Social Security System (SSS) will assist the families of the 72 who died and the survivors who got injured in a fire that destroyed the slippers factory of Kentex Manufacturing Inc. in Valenzuela City last week.

The SSS has announced a help desk will be set up at the audio-visual room of the Valenzuela city hall on May 20, Wednesday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Beneficiaries are advised to bring pertinent documents such as payslips, employment contracts and valid IDs to file their SSS claims. For employees who were injured from the accident, they should present their medical certificates,” the SSS said in a statement on Monday.

According to the SSS, the Valenzuela city government is currently listing down the names of all the victims of the fire that razed the factory of footwear maker Kentex Manufacturing Inc. last May 13.

“We have to get the actual list of the victims so that we can verify and match it with our record. So far, based on our initial verification of data, the employer is compliant with the payment of SSS contributions. But I understand it has engaged the services of some manpower agencies who might be non-compliant with SSS. We are now investigating this,” said Marissu G. Bugante, vice president at SSS public affairs and special events division.

The dependents of those who died from the fire could claim death benefits, either in lump sum payment or monthly pension, on top of funeral benefits worth P20,000 under the employees’ compensation program, the SSS said.