"(t) Net earnings - Net income before income taxes plus non-cash charges such as depreciation and depletion appearing in the regular financial statement of the issuing or assuming institution.

"(4) To enter into agreements or contracts for such service and aid, as may be needed for the proper, efficient and stable administration of the SSS;

"(c) One hundred percent (100%) of the daily benefits Provided in the preceding paragraph shall be reimbursed by the SSS to said employer upon receipt of satisfactory proof of such payment and legality thereof: Provided, That the employer has notified the SSS of the confinement within five (5) calendar days after receipt of the notification from the employee member: Provided, further, That if the notification to the SSS is made by the employer beyond five (5) calendar days after receipt of the notification from the employee member, said employer shall be reimbursed only for each day of confinement starting from the tenth calendar day immediately preceding the date of notification to the SSS: Provided, finally, That the SSS shall reimburse the employer or pay the unemployed member only for confinement within the one-year period immediately preceding the date the claim for benefit or reimbursement is received by the SSS, except confinement in a hospital in which case the claim for benefit or reimbursement must be filed within one (1) year from the last day of confinement.

PHILADELPHIA (April 23, 2018) – BioFit Engineered Products, a globally recognized manufacturer of ergonomic workplace seating solutions, will display its latest models for laboratories and technical work environments at a pair of shows over the next two weeks. Today through April 25, the company will exhibit at the Lab Design Conference in downtown Philadelphia, and again on May 1 and 2 at EsTech 2018 in Orlando. Models from the company’s flagship MVMT™ line will headline both events, as well as the award-winning Fin sit-stand and a presentation on standards and specifications of technical workplace seating on the opening day of EsTech. BioFit MVMT seating was developed for use in the laboratory, healthcare and high-tech sectors, including critical performance settings including clean rooms and static-control facilities. As technical applications require different ergonomics compared to those associated with office-oriented tasks, BioFit primarily designed the MVMT line to address the unique movements and working postures of users in specialized work environments. The line consists of two series – MVMT Pro and MVMT Tech. Models found in the premier MVMT Pro series include a dozen lab-centric functions, including forward seat tilt to address forward-leaning positions and an adjustment control lockout for precision tasks requiring no motion. The line combines precision and durability with an aesthetic not normally associated with traditional laboratory and technical workspaces, with models available for ISO 8 to ISO 3 clean rooms, and static-control and joint clean room/static-control areas. There is no other seating line on the market today that offers the full range of features as the MVMT line. The Fin sit-stand was created for use in technology, laboratory, educational, healthcare and industrial workplaces. It is designed for tasks requiring extended periods of standing and enables users to decrease stress on their legs and feet. This model features a swiveling seat with fingertip-controlled height adjustment mounted on an inclined column and stable base, all engineered to promote a positive working posture. Rated for use in ISO 7 clean rooms, the Fin sit-stand garnered a Readers’ Choice Award from Controlled Environments magazine this month. Located in Bowling Green, Ohio, BioFit Engineered Products is a leading manufacturer of LEED-compliant ergonomic chairs and stools, GREENGUARD Gold-certified mobile tables, multipurpose carts and accessories for laboratory, healthcare, technology, education, industrial, and office environments. Visit BioFit booth 17 at the Lab Design Conference, April 23 − 25, at the Philadelphia Downtown Sheraton, and at EsTech 2018 booth 202 on May 1 – 2, at Caribe Royale All-Suite Hotel and Convention Center in Orlando, to experience the company’s latest products for the laboratory and high technology markets. For more information, visit www.biofit.com or call 800.597.0246.

"(a) That the employee shall have notified her employer of her pregnancy and the probable date of her childbirth, which notice shall be transmitted to the SSS in accordance with the rules and regulations it may provide;

"SEC. 5. Settlement of Disputes. - (a) Any dispute arising under this Act with respect to coverage, benefits, contributions and penalties thereon or any other matter related thereto, shall be cognizable by the Commission, and any case filed with respect thereto shall be heard by the Commission, or any of its members, or by hearing officers duly authorized by the Commission and decided within twenty (20) days after the submission of the evidence. The filing, determination and settlement of disputes shall be governed by the rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission.

"(5) Such other services performed by temporary and other employees which may be excluded by regulation of the Commission. Employees of bona fide independent contractors shall not be deemed employees of the employer engaging the service of said contractors.

"(f) Compensation - All actual remuneration for employment, including the mandated cost-of-living allowance, as well as the cash value of any remuneration paid in any medium other than cash except that part of the remuneration in excess of the maximum salary credit as Provided under Section Eighteen of this Act.

"SEC. 3. Social Security System. - (a) To carry out the purposes of this Act, the Social Security System, hereinafter referred to as 'SSS', a corporate body, with principal place of business in Metro Manila, Philippines is hereby created. The SSS shall be directed and controlled by a Social Security Commission, hereinafter referred to as 'Commission', composed of the Secretary of Labor and Employment or his duly designated undersecretary, the SSS president and seven (7) appointive members, three (3) of whom shall represent the workers' group, at least one of whom shall be a woman; three (3), the employers' group, at least one (1) of whom shall be a woman; and one (1), the general public whose representative shall have adequate knowledge and experience regarding social security, to be appointed by the President of the Philippines. The six (6) members representing workers and employers shall be chosen from among the nominees of workers' and employers' organizations, respectively. The Chairman of the Commission shall be designated by the President of the Philippines from among its members. The term of the appointive members shall be three (3) years: Provided, That the terms of the first six (6) appointive members shall be one (1), two (2) and three (3) years for every two members, respectively: Provided, further, That they shall continue to hold office until their successors shall have been appointed and duly qualified. All vacancies, prior to the expiration of the term, shall be filled for the unexpired term only. The appointive members of the Commission shall receive at least two thousand five hundred pesos (P2,500.00) per diem for each meeting actually attended by them but not to exceed Ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00) a month:: Provided, That members of the Commission shall also receive a per diem of at least Two thousand five hundred pesos (P2,500.00) but not to exceed Fifteen thousand pesos (P15,000.00) a month: Provided , further, That said members of the Commission shall also receive reasonable transportation and representation allowances as may be fixed by the Commission, but not to exceed Ten thousand pesos (P10,000.00) a month.

"(e)The claim of reimbursement shall be adjudicated by the SSS within a period of two (2) months from receipt thereof: Provided, That should no payment be received by the employer within one (1) month after the period prescribed herein for adjudication, the reimbursement shall thereafter earn simple interest of one percent (1%) per month until paid.

BioFit Engineered Products, a leading designer and manufacturer of ergonomic seating and mobile folding tables, now offers downloadable architectural symbols of products from its MVMT™ seating line. Two- and three-dimensional symbols as well as those from the Autodesk building information modeling (BIM) program, Revit, are available through the company’s website to accommodate architects, interior designers and other space planners. In response to a growing need within the architectural and interior design communities, BioFit added the ability to download 2D, 3D and Revit symbols of models from its flagship MVMT seating line through its corporate website, biofit.com, and directly from its literature fulfillment microsite, biofit.info. The symbols allow designers and specifiers to place dimensional graphics of BioFit MVMT models they source or consider for facilities directly into their floor plans, enabling them and their clients to better visualize how the products will appear in the built environment. According to Ron Buettner, BioFit Director of Marketing, offering the downloadable symbols was a logical step for the company. He explained: “Like most industries, construction planning and facilities design has evolved rapidly from a technology standpoint, with today’s computer-generated prints heavily dependent on BIM or similar dimensional graphics of componentry, furnishings and other products. By proactively providing detailed symbols, we save architects and design professionals time and effort while ensuring their customers get a clear representation of how our MVMT series models look in their layouts.” BioFit does not charge for the architectural symbols and they are emailed directly to those requesting them once the order process at biofit.info is completed. BioFit Engineered Products designs and manufacturers LEED-compliant ergonomic seating, GREENGUARD-Gold certified cafeteria tables, carts and accessories for healthcare, laboratory, technology, office, education and industrial environments as well as custom applications. BioFit strives to improve the workplace experience through innovation, ergonomic performance and reliability. For more information, visit www.biofit.com or call 800.597.0246. BioFit Engineered Products P.O. Box 109 Waterville, OH 43566-0109 Phone: 419-823-1089 Url: http://www.biofit.com

"No portion of the Investment Reserve Fund or income thereof shall accrue to the general fund of the National Government or to any of its agencies or instrumentalities, including government-owned or controlled corporations, except as may be allowed under this Act: Provided, That no portion of the Investment Reserve Fund shall be invested for any purpose or in any instrument, institution or industry over and above the prescribed cumulative ceilings as follows:

"(d) Whoever, with intent to defraud, alters, forges, makes or counterfeits any stamp, coupon, ticket, book or other device prescribed by the Commission for the collection or payment of any contribution required herein, or uses, sells, lends, or has in his possession any such altered, forged or counterfeited materials, or makes, uses, sells or has in his possession any such altered, forged, material in imitation of the material used in the manufacture of such stamp, coupon, ticket, book or other device, shall be fined not less than Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) non more than Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00) or imprisoned for not less than six years (6) and one (1) day nor more than twelve (12) years, or both, at the discretion of the court.

"SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "AN ACT FURTHER STRENGTHENING THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM THEREBY AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE, REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1161, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE SOCIAL SECURITY LAW."

"SEC. 15. Non-Transferability of Benefits. - The SSS shall promptly pay the benefits Provided in this Act to such persons as may be entitled thereto in accordance with the provisions of this Act: Provided, That the SSS shall pay the retirement benefits on the day of contingency to qualified members who have submitted the necessary documents at least six (6) months before: Provided, further, That the beneficiary who is a national of a foreign country which does not extend benefits to a Filipino beneficiary residing in the Philippines, or which is not recognized by the Philippines, shall not be entitled to receive any benefit under this Act: Provided, further, That notwithstanding the foregoing, where the best interest of the SSS will be served, the Commission may direct payments without regard to nationality or country of residence: Provided, further, That if the recipient is a minor or a person incapable of administering his own affairs, the Commission shall appoint a representative under such terms and conditions as it may deem proper: Provided, further, That such appointment shall not be necessary in case the recipient is under the custody of or living with the parents or spouse of the member in which case the benefits shall be paid to such parents or spouse, as representative payee of the recipient. Such benefits are not transferable and no power of attorney or other document executed by those entitled thereto in favor of any agent, attorney or any other person for the collection thereof on their behalf shall be recognized, except when they are physically unable to collect personally such benefits: Provided, further, That in case of death benefits, if no beneficiary qualifies under this Act, said benefits shall be paid to the legal heirs in accordance with the law of succession.

"(d) Every employer shall keep true and accurate work records for such period and containing such information as the Commission may prescribe, in addition to an "Annual Register of New and Separated Employees" which shall be secured from the SSS wherein the employer shall enter on the first day of employment or on the effective date of separation, the names of the persons employed or separated from employment, their SSS numbers, and such other data that the Commission may require and said annual register shall be submitted to the SSS in the month of January of each year. Such records shall be open for inspection by the SSS or its authorized representatives quarterly or as often as the SSS may require.

"(f) If the act or omission penalized by this Act be committed by an association, partnership, corporation or any other institution, its managing head, directors or partners shall be liable for the penalties Provided in this Act for the offense.

"(c) Upon the death of the permanent total disability pensioner, his primary beneficiaries as of the date of disability shall be entitled to receive the monthly pension: Provided, That if he has no primary beneficiaries and he dies within sixty (60) months from the start of his monthly pension, his secondary beneficiaries shall be entitled to a lump sum benefit equivalent to the total monthly pensions corresponding to the balance of the five-year guaranteed period excluding the dependents' pension.

BioFit Engineered Products, a leading designer and manufacturer of ergonomic seating and mobile folding tables, has achieved accreditation from the Interior Design Continuing Education Council (IDCEC) for its course “Demystifying the Process of Specifying Technical Seating for Clean Room and ESD Environments.” The course was developed to educate contract furnishing dealers, specifiers and other industry professionals on the construction techniques and workplace requirements related to specialized seating while enabling attendees to acquire career-enhancing continuing education credits. BioFit recognized a need within the contract and commercial furnishing market for increased awareness about seating used in specialized work environments such as clean rooms and electrostatic dissipative (ESD)/static-sensitive spaces. While most professionals in contract-related fields focus solely on the office, administrative and public-facing settings of customers’ businesses, they frequently overlook the opportunity to address seating needs in technical operations areas of those same facilities. BioFit developed “Demystifying the Process of Specifying Technical Seating for Clean Room and ESD Environments” to help educate architects, interior designers, dealers and other furniture specifiers on the unique details surrounding technical seating. Upon completing the course, attendees will gain insight about industries that require clean room and static-control/ESD seating, become familiar with clean room and ESD environments and standards, and, understand the importance of the materials and techniques used in the construction of clean room and ESD seating. The course is accredited and registered with the IDCEC for continuing education unit (CEU) credits. These credits will also be accepted by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), International Interior Designers Association (IIDA) and Interior Designers of Canada (IDC). Those interested in additional details and registration should contact Ron Buettner, BioFit Director of Marketing and Central Region Sales Manager, at ron.buettner@biofit.com. BioFit Engineered Products designs and manufacturers LEED-compliant ergonomic seating, GREENGUARD-Gold certified cafeteria tables, carts and accessories for healthcare, laboratory, technology, office, education and industrial environments as well as custom applications. BioFit strives to improve the workplace experience through innovation, ergonomic performance and reliability. For more information, visit www.biofit.com or call 800.597.0246. BioFit Engineered Products P.O. Box 109 Waterville OH 43566-0109 Phone: 419-823-1089 www.biofit.com

"(e) In bonds, securities, promissory notes or other evidence of indebtedness of shelter agencies of the National Government or financial intermediaries to finance housing loans of members; and in long-term direct individual or group housing loans giving priority to the low-income groups, up to a maximum of ninety percent (90%) of the appraised value of the properties to be mortgaged by the borrowers; and

"(2) The legitimate, legitimated or legally adopted, and illegitimate child who is unmarried, not gainfully employed, and has not reached twenty-one (21) years of age, or if over twenty-one (21) years of age, he is congenitally or while still a minor has been permanently incapacitated and incapable of self-support, physically or mentally; and

"(5) To adopt, from time to time, a budget of expenditures including salaries of personnel, against all funds available to the SSS under this Act;

"SEC. 26-B. Mortgagor Insurance Account. - (a) As part of its investment operations, the SSS shall act as insurer of all or part of its interest on SSS properties mortgaged to the SSS, or lives of mortgagors whose properties are mortgaged to the SSS. For this purpose, the SSS shall establish a separate account to be known as the "Mortgagors' Insurance Account." All amounts received by the SSS in connection with the aforesaid insurance operations shall be placed in the Mortgagors' Insurance Account. The assets and liabilities of the Mortgagors' Insurance Account shall at all times be clearly identifiable and distinguishable from the assets and liabilities in all other accounts of the SSS. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the assets held in the Mortgagors' Insurance Account shall not be chargeable with the liabilities arising out of any other business the SSS may conduct but shall be held and applied exclusively for the benefit of the owners or beneficiaries of the insurance contracts issued by the SSS under this paragraph.

"(k) Beneficiaries - The dependent spouse until he or she remarries, the dependent legitimate, legitimated or legally adopted, and illegitimate children, who shall be the primary beneficiaries of the member: Provided, That the dependent illegitimate children shall be entitled to fifty percent (50%) of the share of the legitimate, legitimated or legally adopted children: Provided, further, That in the absence of the dependent legitimate, legitimated children of the member, his/her dependent illegitimate children shall be entitled to one hundred percent (100%) of the benefits. In their absence, the dependent parents who shall be the secondary beneficiaries of the member. In the absence of all the foregoing, any other person designated by the member as his/her secondary beneficiary.

"(g) Monthly salary credit - The compensation base for contributions and benefits as indicated in the schedule in Section Eighteen of this Act.

"(b) A covered member who is sixty (60) years old at retirement and who does not qualify for pension benefits under paragraph (a) above, shall be entitled to a lump sum benefit equal to the total contributions paid by him and on his behalf: Provided, That he is separated from employment and is not continuing payment of contributions to the SSS on his own.

"(c) The records and reports duly accomplished and submitted to the SSS by the employer or the member, as the case may be, shall be kept confidential by the SSS except in compliance with a subpoena duces tecum issued by the Court, shall not be divulged without the consent of the SSS President or any official of the SSS duly authorized by him, shall be presumed correct as to the data and other matters stated therein, unless the necessary corrections to such records and reports have been properly made by the parties concerned before the right to the benefit being claimed accrues, and shall be made the basis for the adjudication of the claim. If as a result of such adjudication the SSS in good faith pays a monthly pension to a beneficiary who is inferior in right to another beneficiary or with whom another beneficiary is entitled to share, such payments shall discharge the SSS from liability unless and until such other beneficiary notifies the SSS of his claim prior to the payments.

"SEC. 4. Powers and Duties of the Commission and SSS. - (a) The Commission. - For the attainment of its main objectives as set forth in Section 2 hereof, the Commission shall have the following powers and duties:

"(b) Spouses who devote full time to managing the household and family affairs, unless they are also engaged in other vocation or employment which is subject to mandatory coverage, may be covered by the SSS on a voluntary basis.

"(n) Average daily salary credit- The result obtained by dividing the sum of the six (6) highest monthly salary credits in the twelve-month period immediately preceding the semester of contingency by one hundred eighty (180).

"(2) The daily sickness benefit shall not be paid for more than two hundred forty (240) days on account of the same confinement; and

"SEC. 9. Coverage. - (a) Coverage in the SSS shall be compulsory upon all employees not over sixty (60) years of age and their employers: Provided, That in the case of domestic helpers, their monthly income shall not be less than One thousand pesos (P1,000.00) a month: Provided, further, That any benefit already earned by the employees under private benefit plans existing at the time of the approval of this Act shall not be discontinued, reduced or otherwise impaired: Provided, further, That private plans which are existing and in force at the time of compulsory coverage shall be integrated with the plan of the SSS in such a way where the employer's contribution to his private plan is more than that required of him in this Act, he shall pay to the SSS only the contribution required of him and he shall continue his contribution to such private plan less his contribution to the SSS so that the employer's total contribution to his benefit plan and to the SSS shall be the same as his contribution to his private benefit plan before the compulsory coverage: Provided, further, That any changes, adjustments, modifications, eliminations or improvements in the benefits to be available under the remaining private plan, which may be necessary to adopt by reason of the reduced contributions thereto as a result of the integration, shall be subject to agreements between the employers and employees concerned: Provided, further, That the private benefit plan which the employer shall continue for his employees shall remain under the employer's management and control unless there is an existing agreement to the contrary: Provided, finally, That nothing in this Act shall be construed as a limitation on the right of employers and employees to agree on and adopt benefits which are over and above those Provided under this Act.

"(g) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, local government units shall, prior to issuing any annual business license or permit, require submission of certificate of SSS coverage and compliance with the provisions of this Act: Provided, That the certification or clearance shall be issued by the SSS within five (5) working days from receipt of the request.

"(h) Monthly - The period from one end of the last payroll period of the preceding month to the end of the last payroll period of the current month if compensation is on hourly, daily or weekly basis; if on any other basis, 'monthly' shall mean a period of one (1) month.

"SEC. 19. Employer's Contributions. - (a) Beginning as of the last day of the month when an employee's compulsory coverage takes effect and every month thereafter during his employment, his employer shall pay, with respect to such covered employee, the employer's contribution in accordance with the schedule indicated in Section Eighteen of this Act. Notwithstanding any contract to the contrary, an employer shall not deduct, directly or indirectly, from the compensation of his employees covered by the SSS or otherwise recover from them the employer's contributions with respect to such employees.

Section 1. Republic Act No. 1161, as amended, otherwise known as the "Social Security Law", is hereby further amended to read as follows:

"(p) Quarter - A period of three (3) consecutive calendar months ending on the last day of March, June, September and December.

SEC. 12-B. Retirement Benefits. - (a) A member who has paid at least one hundred twenty (120) monthly contributions prior to the semester of retirement and who: (1) has reached the age of sixty (60) years and is already separated from employment or has ceased to be self-employed; or (2) has reached the age of sixty-five (65) years, shall be entitled for as long as he lives to the monthly pension: Provided, That he shall have the option to receive his first eighteen (18) monthly pensions in lump sum discounted at a preferential rate of interest to be determined by the SSS.

"(h) In bonds, debentures, securities, promissory notes or other evidence of indebtedness of any prime corporation or multilateral institutions to finance domestic projects: Provided, That the issuing or assuming entity or its predecessors shall not have defaulted in the payment of interest on any of its securities and that during each of any three (3) including the last two (2) of the five (5) fiscal years next preceding the date of acquisition by the SSS of such bonds, debentures or other evidence of indebtedness, the net earnings of the issuing or assuming institution available for its fixed charges, as defined in this Act, shall have been not less than one and one-quarter times the total of its fixed charges for such year: Provided, further, That such investments shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the Investment Reserve Fund;

"3. Actors and actresses, directors, scriptwriters and news correspondents who do not fall within the definition of the term "employee" in Section 8 (d) of this Act;

"2. By issuing a warrant to the Sheriff of any province or city commanding him to levy upon and sell any real and personal property of the debtor. The Sheriff's sale by virtue of said warrant shall be governed by the same procedure prescribed for executions against property upon judgments by a court of record.

"SEC. 6. Auditor and Counsel. - (a) The Chairman of the Commission on Audit shall be the ex-officio Auditor of the SSS. He or his representative shall check and audit all the accounts, funds and properties of the SSS in the same manner and as frequently as the accounts, funds and properties of the government are checked and audited under existing laws, and he shall have, as far as practicable, the same powers and duties as he has with respect to the checking and auditing of public accounts, funds and properties in general.

"(3) To establish offices of the SSS to cover as many provinces, cities and congressional districts, whenever and wherever it may be expedient, necessary and feasible, and to inspect or cause to be inspected periodically such offices;

"(c) Filipinos recruited by foreign-based employers for employment abroad may be covered by the SSS on a voluntary basis.

Exclusively from BioFit, the innovative MVMT QR Code Profile System allows users to access a microsite developed specifically for the seating unit they purchased directly from their smart phone or tablet. Sites include the chair born on date, warranty balance and claim submission, assembly and use instruction videos, reorder info and more. Eliminates the need to maintain and share printed instructions and URLs.

"SEC. 13-A. Permanent Disability Benefits. - (a) Upon the permanent total disability of a member who has paid at least thirty-six (36) monthly contributions prior to the semester of disability, he shall be entitled to the monthly pension: Provided, That if he has not paid the required thirty-six (36) monthly contributions, he shall be entitled to a lump sum benefit equivalent to the monthly pension times the number of monthly contributions paid to the SSS or twelve (12) times the monthly pension, whichever is higher. A member who (1) has received a lump sum benefit; and (2) is reemployed or has resumed self-employment not earlier than one (1) year from the date of his disability shall again be subject to compulsory coverage and shall be considered a new member.

Complete and permanent loss of use of Number of Months One thumb 10 One index finger 8 One middle finger 6 One right finger 5 One little finger 3 One big toe 6 One hand 39 One arm 50 One foot 31 One leg 46 One ear 10 Both ears 20 Hearing of one ear 10 Hearing of both ears 50 Sight of one eye 25

"(7) To require reports, compilations and analyses of statistical and economic data and to make investigation as may be needed for the proper administration and development of the SSS;

"(d) Where the employee member has given the required notification but the employer fails to notify the SSS of the confinement or to file the claim for reimbursement within the period prescribed in this section resulting in the reduction of the benefit or denial of the claim, such employer shall have no right to recover the corresponding daily allowance he advanced to the employee member as required in this section.

"SEC. 18. Employee's Contributions. - (a) Beginning as of the last day of the calendar month when an employee's compulsory coverage takes effect and every month thereafter during his employment, the employer shall deduct and withhold from such employee's monthly salary, wage, compensation or earnings, the employee's contribution in an amount corresponding to his salary, wage, compensation or earnings during the month in accordance with the following schedule:

"(h) In case of permanent partial disability, the monthly pension benefit shall be given in lump sum if it is payable for less than twelve (12) months.

"(i) Contribution - The amount paid to the SSS by and on behalf of the members in accordance with Section Eighteen of this Act.

"(f) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, microfilm, or non-erasable optical disk and other similar archival media copies of original SSS records and reports, duly certified by the official custodian thereof, shall have the same evidentiary value as the originals and be admissible as evidence in all legal proceedings.

"(f) In bonds, securities, promissory notes or other evidence of indebtedness of educational or medical institutions to finance the construction, improvement and maintenance of schools and hospitals and their equipment and facilities: Provided, That such investments shall not exceed ten percent (10%) of the Investment Reserve Fund;

"(g) Any employee of the SSS who receives or keeps funds or property belonging, payable or deliverable to the SSS and who shall appropriate the same, or shall take or misappropriate, or shall consent, or through abandonment or negligence, shall permit any other person to take such property or funds, wholly or partially, or shall otherwise be guilty of misappropriation of such funds or property, shall suffer the penalties Provided in Article Two hundred seventeen of the Revised Penal Code.

Bowling Green, Ohio (May 10, 2018) BioFit Engineered Products, a globally recognized manufacturer of ergonomic workplace seating solutions, announced today that its Fin sit-stand seating model was named “Best Clean Room Furniture Product” in the fourth annual Controlled Environments Readers’ Choice Award competition. The Fin sit-stand is part of the collaborative seating collection developed by BioFit and bimos, of Germany, and is rated for use in ISO 7 clean rooms. The Fin sit-stand was created for use in clean room, technology, laboratory, educational, healthcare and industrial workplaces. It is designed for tasks requiring extended periods of standing and provides workers with support and ergonomic functionality in applications where sitting down is not an option. The model enables users to redistribute their weight and decrease stress on their legs and feet by up to 60 percent. Earlier this year, it was rated for use in ISO 7 clean rooms. Part of the bimos by BioFit Collection, a collaboration between BioFit and European ergonomic seating leader bimos, the Fin sit-stand features a swiveling polyurethane seat with fingertip-controlled pneumatic height adjustment mounted on a brushed aluminum column inclined at 4 degrees to promote a positive working posture and a stable base with interchangeable glides. Additionally, it has a seat-height adjustment range of 24.5 to 33.5” to accommodate various work surface heights. Like nearly all BioFit seating, it is backed by a 13-year warranty. “BioFit is proud to be recognized with the Controlled Environments Readers’ Choice Award. This achievement is further proof of our commitment to providing high-level seating solutions for today’s workers and workplaces,” stated BioFit Director of Sales and Marketing, LouAnn Evans. She continued: “We’re dedicated to helping workers in numerous professions, and particularly those in technical environments, stay comfortable and perform at their best with products that meet rigid furniture industry and contamination control standards while complementing interior design trends.” Controlled Environments is a digital magazine which reaches a targeted audience of engineers, quality assurance/quality control, management, and design/build professionals in the life sciences, microelectronics, and semiconductor markets, focusing on clean manufacturing in each of these industries. The publication enables professionals working in clean room environments to keep abreast of the latest technologies, products, industry trends, and solutions for all aspects of contamination prevention, detection, and control. Headquartered in Bowling Green, Ohio, BioFit Engineered Products is an industry-leading manufacturer of LEED® certified ergonomic seating, GREENGUARD certified tables, carts, and specialty products for clean room, static control/ESD, laboratory, healthcare, office, industrial, education, high-tech and custom environments. To learn more about BioFit, visit www.biofit.com, call 800-597-0246 or email biofit@biofit.com.

"(c) That payment of daily maternity benefits shall be a bar to the recovery of sickness benefits Provided by this Act for the same period for which daily maternity benefits have been received;

RENO, Nevada (September 24, 2018) – BioFit Engineered Products, a globally recognized manufacturer of ergonomic workplace seating solutions, will display its latest models for electrostatic control and other technical applications at the 40th Annual EOS/ESD Association Symposium and Exhibits in Reno, Nevada, from September 24 – 26. The BioFit exhibit will be headlined by models from the company’s premier MVMT™ line, as well as the award-winning Fin sit-stand from the bimos by BioFit Collection. BioFit MVMT seating was developed for use in high-tech, laboratory, and healthcare sectors, including critical performance settings such as static-control facilities and clean rooms. As technical applications require different ergonomics compared to those associated with office-oriented tasks, BioFit primarily designed the MVMT line to address the unique movements and working postures of users in specialized work environments. The line consists of two series – MVMT Pro and MVMT Tech − and models from each will be demonstrated at the show. MVMT Pro series models include a dozen functions, including forward seat tilt to address forward-leaning positions and an adjustment control lockout for precision tasks requiring no motion. There is no other technical seating on the market today that offers the full range of features as the MVMT Pro series. Additionally, the MVMT line combines precision and durability with an aesthetic not normally associated with traditional laboratory and technical workspaces, with models available for ISO 8 to ISO 3 clean rooms, and static-control and joint clean room/static-control areas. The Fin sit-stand is part of the bimos by BioFit Collection, a collaboration between European seating leader bimos and BioFit. It was created for use in technology, laboratory, educational, healthcare and industrial workplaces, and is designed for tasks requiring extended periods of standing, enabling users to decrease stress on their legs and feet. This model features a swiveling seat with fingertip-controlled height adjustment mounted on an inclined column and stable base, all engineered to promote a positive working posture. Rated for use in ISO 7 clean rooms, the Fin sit-stand garnered a 2018 Readers’ Choice Award from Controlled Environments magazine. Located in Bowling Green, Ohio, BioFit Engineered Products is a leading manufacturer of LEED-compliant ergonomic chairs and stools, GREENGUARD Gold-certified mobile tables, multipurpose carts and accessories for technology, laboratory, healthcare, education, industrial, and office environments. Visit BioFit booth 711 during the EOS/ESD Association Symposium and Exhibits at the Peppermill Resort Spa and Casino in Reno, Nevada, from September 24 – 26, to experience the company’s latest products for the high technology market. For more information, visit www.biofit.com or call 800.597.0246.

"(b) The contributions payable under this Act in cases where an employer refuses or neglects to pay the same shall be collected by the SSS in the same manner as taxes are made collectible under the National Internal Revenue Code, as amended. Failure or refusal of the employer to pay or remit the contributions herein prescribed shall not prejudice the right of the covered employee to the benefits of the coverage.

"(d) In bonds, securities, promissory notes or other evidence of indebtedness of any bank doing business in the Philippines and in good standing with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas to finance loans to private corporations doing business in the Philippines, including schools, hospitals, small-and-medium scale industries, cooperatives and non-governmental organizations, in which case the collaterals or securities shall be assigned to the SSS under such terms and conditions as the Commission may prescribe: Provided, That in the case of bank deposits, they shall not exceed at any time the unimpaired capital and surplus or total private deposits of the depository bank, whichever is smaller: Provided, further, That said bank shall first have been designated as a depository for this purpose by the Monetary Board of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas: Provided, finally, That such investments shall not exceed forty percent (40%) of the Investment Reserve Fund;

"(h) Any employer who, after deducting the monthly contributions or loan amortizations from his employee's compensation, fails to remit the said deduction to the SSS within thirty (30) days from the date they became due, shall be presumed to have misappropriated such contributions or loan amortizations and shall suffer the penalties Provided in Article Three hundred fifteen of the Revised Penal Code.

"SEC. 13. Death Benefits. - Upon the death of a member who has paid at least thirty-six (36) monthly contributions prior to the semester of death, his primary beneficiaries shall be entitled to the monthly pension: Provided, That if he has no primary beneficiaries, his secondary beneficiaries shall be entitled to a lump sum benefit equivalent to thirty-six (36) times the monthly pension. If he has not paid the required thirty-six (36) monthly contributions, his primary or secondary beneficiaries shall be entitled to a lump sum benefit equivalent to the monthly pension times the number of monthly contributions paid to the SSS or twelve (12) times the monthly pension, whichever is higher.

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"(b) Whoever shall obtain or receive any money or check under this Act or any agreement thereunder, without being entitled thereto with intent to defraud any member, employer or the SSS, shall be fined not less than Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) nor more than Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00) and imprisoned for not less than six (6) years and one (1) day nor more than twelve (12) years.

"(e) Each employer shall require, as a condition to employment, the presentation of a registration number secured by the prospective employee from the SSS in accordance with such procedure as the SSS may adopt: Provided, That in case of employees who have been assigned registration numbers by virtue of a previous employment, such numbers originally assigned to them should be used for purposes of this Section: Provided, further, That the issuance of such registration numbers by the SSS shall not exempt the employer from complying with the provisions of paragraph (a) of this Section.

"(1) In no case shall the daily sickness benefit be paid longer than one hundred twenty (120) days in one (1) calendar year, nor shall any unused portion of the one hundred twenty (120) days of sickness benefit granted under this section be carried forward and added to the total number of compensable days allowable in the subsequent year;

"The monthly earnings declared by the self-employed member at the time of his registration shall remain the basis of his monthly salary credit, unless he makes another declaration of his monthly earnings, in which case such latest declaration becomes the new basis of his monthly salary credit.

Section 2. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared invalid, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain valid.

"(f) The provisions regarding the notification required of the member and the employer as well as the period within which the claim for benefit or reimbursement may be filed shall apply to all claims filed with the SSS.

"SEC. 17. Fee of Agents, Attorneys, Etc. - No agent, attorney or other person in charge of the preparation, filing or pursuing any claim for benefit under this Act shall demand or charge for his services any fee, and any stipulation to the contrary shall be null and void. The retention or deduction of any amount from any benefit granted under this Act for the payment of fees for such services is prohibited: Provided, however, That any member of the Philippine Bar who appears as counsel in any case heard by the Commission shall be entitled to attorneys' fees not exceeding ten percent (10%) of the benefits awarded by the Commission, which fees shall not be payable before the actual payment of the benefits, and any stipulation to the contrary shall be null and void.

"(j) Should a member who is on partial disability pension retire or die, his disability pension shall cease upon his retirement or death.

"SEC. 22-A. Remittance of Contributions of Self-Employed Member. - Self-employed members shall remit their monthly contributions quarterly on such dates and schedules as the Commission may specify through rules and regulations: Provided, That no retroactive payment of contributions shall be allowed, except as Provided in this Section.

"(3) The employee member shall notify his employer of the fact of his sickness or injury within five (5) calendar days after the start of his confinement unless such confinement is in a hospital or the employee became sick or was injured while working or within the premises of the employer in which case, notification to the employer is necessary: Provided, That if the member is unemployed or self-employed, he shall directly notify the SSS of his confinement within five (5) calendar days after the start thereof unless such confinement is in a hospital in which case notification is also not necessary: Provided, further, That in cases where notification is necessary, the confinement shall be deemed to have started not earlier than the fifth day immediately preceding the date of notification.

"(b) The monthly pension and dependents' pension shall be suspended upon the reemployment or resumption of self-employment or the recovery of the disabled member from his permanent total disability or his failure to present himself for examination at least once a year upon notice by the SSS.

"(g) In real estate property, including shares of stocks involving real estate property, and investment secured by first mortgages on real estate or other collaterals acceptable to the SSS: Provided, That such projects and investments shall, in the determination of the Commission, redound to the benefit of the SSS, its members, as well as the general public: Provided, further, That investment in real estate property, including shares of stocks involving real estate property shall not exceed five percent (5%) of the Investment Reserve Fund: Provided, finally, That investments in other income earning projects and investments secured by first mortgages or other collaterals shall not exceed twenty five percent (25%) of the Investment Reserve Fund;

BioFit Engineered Products, a globally renowned manufacturer of specialized ergonomic seating solutions, introduced a cross section of its latest technical seating models today at the opening of NeoCon 2017. Headlining the company’s exhibit are numerous designs from its flagship MVMT™ seating line, featuring the proprietary MVMT QR Code Profile System. Also highlighted are the Fin sit-stand and Neon chair from the bimos by BioFit Collection, which is available with optional logo imprinting to promote customer brands. Select specialty seating from the BioFit Foundation line is on display as well. Product demonstrations and consultation on key differentiators of specialized workplace seating will be offered by company representatives throughout the show. MVMT seating was developed for use in the technology, laboratory, healthcare and industrial sectors, and in standing desk applications. Jointly created with Studio Fifield of Milan, Italy, the line combines precision and durability with a style aesthetic not normally associated with traditional laboratory and technical workspaces. The line is available in two series, Pro and Tech. The MVMT Pro Series has 13 ergonomic functions to address task specific user range of motion, and both series feature the exclusive MVMT QR Code Profile System, the first technology of its kind in the commercial furniture industry. The system provides customers with handheld, digital access to usage videos, warranty and reorder information and other tools correlating to the exact MVMT chair purchased by linking to a unit-specific microsite. It was developed to enable end users to become quickly and easily familiarized with their new chair and serve as a handy reference resource. The bimos by BioFit Collection combines original design from European seating leader bimos with the proven ergonomic tradition of BioFit. The line’s lead model, Neon, features a quick-change replaceable upholstery system and was developed primarily for use in technology, laboratory, educational, healthcare and industrial workplaces. BioFit also offers a logo imprinting capability on the Neon, providing customers with the option to individualize their seating with their corporate brand. The swiveling Fin sit-stand from the Collection is also on exhibit. Fin was developed for tasks requiring prolonged periods of standing. The BioFit Foundation line is comprised of specialty, task and multipurpose seating. Models in this line are designed for use in settings as diverse as clean rooms and static-control environments to food processing facilities, training centers and offices. Located in Bowling Green, Ohio, BioFit Engineered Products is a leading manufacturer of LEED - compliant ergonomic chairs and stools, GREENGUARD Gold-certified mobile tables, carts and accessories for healthcare, education, laboratory, industrial, technology and office environments. Visit BioFit booth #7-9070 at NeoCon, June 12 – 14, at The Mart in downtown Chicago to experience the company’s latest products. For more information, visit www.biofit.com or call 800.597.0246. Contact: BioFit Engineered Products P.O. Box 109 Waterville, OH, 43566-0109 Phone: 419-823-1089 Url: http://www.biofit.com

"The right to institute the necessary action against the employer may be commenced within twenty (20) years from the time the delinquency is known or the assessment is made by the SSS, or from the time the benefit accrues, as the case may be.

BioFit Engineered Products, a long-standing leader in the design and manufacture of technical ergonomic seating solutions, announced that LouAnn Evans has been promoted to the position of Director of Sales and Marketing. In this role, Ms. Evans will lead BioFit’s strategic global sales and marketing initiatives in present and prospective verticals while exploring new channels to bolster sales of the company’s specialized and multipurpose furnishings. Ms. Evans came to BioFit in 2017, with a background of nearly 20 years serving in commensurate positions for leaders in the laboratory equipment, furniture and supply industry. Since joining the company as Director of Marketing last year, she has been instrumental in evolving and increasing recognition of the BioFit brand. Commenting on Evans’ elevation, BioFit President Ed Metzger noted: “In LouAnn’s short tenure with BioFit, she has shown the acumen to guide our sales team to the next level as we target aggressive sales goals. LouAnn has brought with her 18-plus years of sales and marketing experience in a variety of markets. Her expertise in these areas has quickly shown she has a good grasp on the sales and marketing strategies required to help grow our business. With particular strengths in analysis, communication and accountability, we look forward to having LouAnn guide our sales team and their efforts.” Headquartered in Bowling Green, Ohio, BioFit Engineered Products is an industry-leading manufacturer of LEED® certified ergonomic seating, GREENGUARD certified tables, carts, and specialty products for healthcare, laboratory, office, industrial, education, high-tech and custom environments. To learn more about BioFit, visit www.biofit.com, call 800-597-0246 or email biofit@biofit.com.

"(d) That the maternity benefits Provided under this section shall be paid only for the first four (4) deliveries or miscarriages;

"(c) Employer- Any person, natural or juridical, domestic or foreign, who carries on in the Philippines any trade, business, industry, undertaking, or activity of any kind and uses the services of another person who is under his orders as regards the employment, except the Government and any of its political subdivisions, branches or instrumentalities, including corporations owned or controlled by the Government: Provided, That a self-employed person shall be both employee and employer at the same time.

AN ACT FURTHER STRENGTHENING THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM THEREBY AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE, REPUBLIC ACT NO. 1161, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE SOCIAL SECURITY LAW

"(l) In loans secured by such collaterals like cash, government securities or guarantees of multilateral institutions: Provided, That such investments shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the Investment Reserve Fund; and

"(q) Credited years of service - For a member covered prior to January nineteen hundred and eighty five (1985) minus the calendar year of coverage plus the number of calendar years in which six (6) or more contributions have been paid from January nineteen hundred and eighty five (1985) up to the calendar year containing the semester prior to the contingency. For a member covered in or after January nineteen hundred and eighty five (1985), the number of calendar years in which six (6) or more contributions have been paid from the year of coverage up to the calendar year containing the semester prior to the contingency: Provided, That the Commission may provide for a different number of contributions in a calendar year for it to be considered as a credited year of service.

"SEC. 10. Effective Date of Coverage. - Compulsory coverage of the employer shall take effect on the first day of his operation and that of the employee on the day of his employment: Provided, That the compulsory coverage of the self-employed person shall take effect upon his registration with the SSS.

"The maximum monthly salary credit shall be Nine thousand pesos (P9,000.00) effective January Nineteen hundred and ninety six (1996); Provided, That it shall be increased by One thousand pesos (P1,000.00) every year thereafter until it shall have reached Twelve thousand pesos (P12,000.00) by Nineteen hundred and ninety nine (1999): Provided, further, That the minimum and maximum monthly salary credits as well as the rate of contributions may be fixed from time to time by the Commission through rules and regulations taking into consideration actuarial calculations and rate of benefits, subject to the approval of the President of the Philippines.

"(4) Service performed in the employ of a foreign government or international organization, or their wholly-owned instrumentality: Provided, however, That this exemption notwithstanding, any foreign government, international organization or their wholly-owned instrumentality employing workers in the Philippines or employing Filipinos outside of the Philippines, may enter into an agreement with the Philippine Government for the inclusion of such employees in the SSS except those already covered by their respective civil service retirement systems: Provided, further, That the terms of such agreement shall conform with the provisions of this Act on coverage and amount of payment of contributions and benefits: Provided, finally, That the provisions of this Act shall be supplementary to any such agreement; and

"(f) That if an employee member should give birth or suffer miscarriage without the required contributions having been remitted for her by her employer to the SSS, or without the latter having been previously notified by the employer of the time of the pregnancy, the employer shall pay to the SSS damages equivalent to the benefits which said employee member would otherwise have been entitled to.

"(e) The monthly pension of a member who retires after reaching age sixty (60) shall be the higher of either: (1) the monthly pension computed at the earliest time he could have retired had he been separated from employment or ceased to be self-employed plus all adjustments thereto; or (2) the monthly pension computed at the time when he actually retires.

"(b) The SSS may insure any of its interest or part thereof with any private company or reinsurer. The Insurance Commission or its authorized representatives shall make an examination into the financial condition and methods of transacting business of the SSS at least once in two (2) years, but such examination shall be limited to the insurance operation of the SSS as authorized under this paragraph and shall not embrace the other operations of the SSS; and the report of said examination shall be submitted to the Commission and a copy thereof shall be furnished the Office of the President of the Philippines within a reasonable time after the close of the examination: Provided, That for each examination, the SSS shall pay to the Insurance Commission an amount equal to the actual expense of the Insurance Commission in the conduct of examination, including the salaries of the examiners and of the actuary of the Insurance Commission who have been assigned to make such examination for the actual time spent in said examination: Provided, further, That the general law on insurance and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder shall have suppletory application insofar as it is not in conflict with this Act and its rules and regulations.

"SEC. 29. Government Aid. - The establishment of the SSS shall not disqualify the members and employers from receiving such government assistance, financial or otherwise, as may be Provided.

"SEC. 30. Transitory Clause. - Any employer who is delinquent or has not remitted all contributions due and payable to the SSS may, within six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act, remit said contributions or submit a proposal to pay the same in installment within a period of not more than twelve (12) months from the effectivity of this Act without incurring the prescribed penalty, subject to the implementing rules and regulations which the Commission may prescribe: Provided, That the employer submits the corresponding collection lists together with the remittance or proposal to pay in installments: Provided, further, That in case the employer fails to remit contributions within the six-month grace period or defaults in the payment of any amortization Provided the approved proposal, the prescribed penalty shall be imposed from the time the contributions first became due as Provided in Section 22 (a) hereof."

"SEC. 21. Government Guarantee. -- The benefits prescribed in this Act shall not be diminished and to guarantee said benefits the Government of the Republic of the Philippines accepts general responsibility for the solvency of the SSS.

"SEC. 13-B. Funeral Benefit. - A funeral grant equivalent to Twelve thousand pesos (P12,000.00) shall be paid, in cash or in kind, to help defray the cost of funeral expenses upon the death of a member, including permanently totally disabled member or retiree.

"(e) That the SSS shall immediately reimburse the employer of one hundred percent (100%) of the amount of maternity benefits advanced to the employee by the employer upon receipt of satisfactory proof of such payment and legality thereof; and

Dedicated to Design. Committed to Quality. At BioFit, that’s more than a tagline – it’s our focus every day as we constantly strive to improve the workplace experience through ergonomic performance and style. We’ve been an innovator for the past 70 years, introducing solutions for industrial and laboratory settings, and subsequently supplying the education, office, defense, automotive and textile markets. With a global network of over 1,200 independent distributors, we continue to serve these industries today, along with many renowned customers in the healthcare and technology fields. Each of our earth-friendly, ergonomic seating, mobile folding tables, carts and accessories are created with the following considerations in mind: Use – comfortable, intuitive and highly functional to help keep workers attentive and performing at their best, regardless of the task at hand Durability – built for the long term, with most products backed by a 13-year warranty – one of the best in the business Appeal – forward-looking style that complements today’s workspaces, enhancing corporate image and helping to attract and retain top talent Bottom line – quality craftsmanship, extended product lifespan and proven performance – saves money and looks good doing so. Even as we continue to innovate, BioFit has maintained its commitment to traditional values—integrity, friendliness and hard work. That commitment is just as critical as the craftsmanship, R&D and engineering we put into all of our products. We appreciate our customers, the environment and community that sustain us, and that's reflected in everything we do. BioFit’s friendly and knowledgeable customer support team is second to none – our clients deserve no less. We are proud that our entire staff makes an effort to regularly give back through fundraisers, blood and food drives and other forms of community service. We also try to lead by example when it comes to environmental stewardship. Nearly every product in our seating and table lines is rated as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) compliant for use in commercial interiors, qualifying specifiers for LEED building credits. Additionally, BioFit tables are UL GREENGUARD® Gold certified for low volatile organic compound emission levels.

"(b) Appeal to Courts. - Any decision of the Commission, in the absence of an appeal therefrom as herein Provided, shall become final and executory fifteen (15) days after the date of notification, and judicial review thereof shall be permitted only after any party claiming to be aggrieved thereby has exhausted his remedies before the Commission. The Commission shall be deemed to be a party to any judicial action involving any such decision, and may be represented by an attorney employed by the Commission, or when requested by the Commission, by the Solicitor General or any public prosecutors.

Section 3. Repealing Clause. - All laws, proclamations, executive orders, rules and regulations or parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly: Provided, That no person shall be deemed to be vested with any property or other right by virtue of the enactment or operation of this Act.

"(c) Should any person, natural or juridical, default in any payment of contributions, the Commission may also collect the same in either of the following ways:

"(c) Whoever buys, sells, offers for sale, uses, transfers or takes or gives in exchange, or pledges or gives in pledge, except as authorized in this Act or in regulations made pursuant thereto, any stamp, coupon, ticket, book or other device, prescribed pursuant to Section Twenty-three hereof by the Commission for the collection or payment of contributions required herein, shall be fined not less than Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) nor more than Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00), or imprisoned for not less than six (6) years and one (1) day nor more than twelve (12) years, or both, at the discretion of the court.

"SEC. 12-A. Dependents' Pension. - Where monthly pension is payable on account of death, permanent total disability or retirement, dependents' pension equivalent to ten percent (10%) of the monthly pension or Two hundred fifty pesos (P250.00), whichever is higher, shall also be paid for each dependent child conceived on or before the date of the contingency but not exceeding five (5), beginning with the youngest and without substitution: Provided, That where there are legitimate or illegitimate children, the former shall be preferred.

"(e) If the disability is permanent partial, and such disability occurs before thirty-six (36) monthly contributions have been paid prior to the semester of disability, the benefit shall be such percentage of the lump sum benefit described in the preceding paragraph with due regard to the degree of disability as the Commission may determine.

"SEC. 9-A. Compulsory Coverage of the Self-Employed. - Coverage in the SSS shall also be compulsory upon such self-employed persons as may be determined by the Commission under such rules and regulations as it may prescribe, including but not limited to the following:

"(1) To submit annually not later than April 30, a public report to the President of the Philippines and to the Congress of the Philippines covering its activities in the administration and enforcement of this Act during the preceding year including information and recommendations on broad policies for the development and perfection of the program of the SSS;

"(b) Should the employer misrepresent the true date of employment of the employee member or remit to the SSS contributions which are less than those required in this Act or fail to remit any contribution due prior to the date of contingency, resulting in a reduction of benefits, the employer shall pay to the SSS damages equivalent to the difference between the amount of benefit to which the employee member or his beneficiary is entitled had the proper contributions been remitted to the SSS and the amount payable on the basis of contributions actually remitted: Provided, That if the employee member or his beneficiary is entitled to pension benefits, damages shall be equivalent to the accumulated pension due as of the date of settlement of the claim or to the five (5) years' pension, whichever is higher, including dependents' pension.

"(8) To acquire and dispose of property, real or personal, which may be necessary or expedient for the attainment of the purposes of this Act;

"(c) The Commission, upon the recommendation of the SSS President, shall appoint an actuary, and such other personnel as may be deemed necessary, fix their reasonable compensation, allowances and other benefits, prescribe their duties and establish such methods and procedures as may be necessary to insure the efficient, honest and economical administration of the provisions and purposes of this Act: Provided, however, That the personnel of the SSS below the rank of Vice-President shall be appointed by the SSS President: Provided, further, That the personnel appointed by the SSS President, except those below the rank of assistant manager, shall be subject to the confirmation by the Commission: Provided, further, That the personnel of the SSS shall be selected only from civil service eligibles and be subject to civil service rules and regulations: Provided, finally, That the SSS shall be exempt from the provisions of Republic Act No. 6758 and Republic Act No. 7430.

"(m) In other Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas approved investment instruments with the same intrinsic quality as those enumerated in paragraphs (a) to (l) hereof, subject to the policies and guidelines which the Commission may formulate.

"(2) Service performed on or in connection with an alien vessel by an employee if he is employed when such vessel is outside the Philippines;

"(c) In bonds, securities, promissory notes or other evidence of indebtedness of government financial institutions or government corporations with acceptable credit or guarantee: Provided, That such investments shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the Investment Reserve Fund;

"(b) The general conduct of the operations and management functions of the SSS shall be vested in the SSS President who shall serve as the chief executive officer immediately responsible for carrying out the program of the SSS and the policies of the Commission. The SSS President shall be a person who has had previous experience in the technical and administrative fields related to the purposes of this Act. He shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines and shall receive salary to be fixed by the Commission with the approval of the President of the Philippines, payable from the funds of the SSS.

"SEC. 14-A. Maternity Leave Benefit. - A female member who has paid at least three (3) monthly contributions in the twelve-month period immediately preceding the semester of her childbirth or miscarriage shall be paid a daily maternity benefit equivalent to one hundred percent (100%) of her average daily salary credit for sixty (60) days or seventy-eight (78) days in case of caesarian delivery, subject to the following conditions:

"In addition to the liability mentioned in the preceding paragraphs (a) and (b) hereof, the employer shall also be liable for the corresponding unremitted contributions and penalties thereon.

"SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the Republic of the Philippines to establish, develop, promote and perfect a sound and viable tax-exempt social security service suitable to the needs of the people throughout the Philippines which shall promote social justice and provide meaningful protection to members and their beneficiaries against the hazards of disability, sickness, maternity, old age, death, and other contingencies resulting in loss of income or financial burden. Towards this end, the State shall endeavor to extend social security protection to workers and their beneficiaries.1aшphi1

"(7) To approve, confirm, pass upon or review any and all actions of the SSS in the proper and necessary exercise of its powers and duties hereinafter enumerated.

"(e) Whoever fails or refuses to comply with the provisions of this Act or with the rules and regulations promulgated by the Commission, shall be punished by a fine of not less than Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) nor more than Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00), or imprisonment for not less than six (6) years and one (1) day nor more than twelve (12) years, or both, at the discretion of the court: Provided, That where the violation consists in failure or refusal to register employees or himself, in case of the covered self-employed or to deduct contributions from the employees' compensation and remit the same to the SSS, the penalty shall be a fine of not less Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) nor more than Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00) and imprisonment for not less than six (6) years and one (1) day nor more than twelve (12) years.

"(6) To compromise or release, in whole or in part, any interest, penalty or any civil liability to SSS in connection with the investments authorized under Section 26 hereof, under such terms and conditions as it may prescribe and approved by the President of the Philippines; and

"SEC. 28. Penal Clause. - (a) Whoever, for the purpose of causing any payment to be made under this Act, or under an agreement thereunder, where none is authorized to be paid, shall make or cause to be made false statement or representation as to any compensation paid or received or whoever makes or causes to be made any false statement of a material fact in any claim for any benefit payable under this Act, or application for loan with the SSS, or whoever makes or causes to be made any false statement, representation, affidavit or document in connection with such claim or loan, shall suffer the penalties Provided for in Article One hundred seventy-two of the Revised Penal Code.

"(s) Self-employed - Any person whose income is not derived from employment, as defined under this Act, as well as those workers enumerated in Section Nine-A hereof.

"(b) The full payment shall be advanced by the employer within thirty (30) days from the filing of the maternity leave application;

"(i) Criminal action arising from a violation of the provisions of this Act may be commenced by the SSS or the employee concerned either under this Act or in appropriate cases under the Revised Penal Code: Provided, That such criminal action may be filed by the SSS in the city or municipality where the SSS office is located, if the violation was committed within its territorial jurisdiction or in Metro Manila, at the option of the SSS.

"SEC. 25. Deposits and Disbursements. - All money paid to or collected by the SSS every year under this Act, and all accruals thereto shall be deposited, administered and disbursed in the same manner and under the same conditions and requirements as Provided by law for other public special funds: Provided, That not more than twelve percent (12%) of the total yearly contributions plus three percent (3%) of other revenues shall be disbursed for operational expenses such as salaries and wages, supplies and materials, depreciation and the maintenance of offices of the SSS: Provided, further, That if the expenses in any year are less than the maximum amount permissible, the difference shall not be availed of as additional expenses in the following years.

"(j) In domestic or foreign mutual funds in existence for at least three (3) years; Provided, That such investments shall not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the Investment Reserve Fund: Provided, further, That investments in foreign mutual funds shall not exceed one percent (1%) of the Investment Reserve Fund in the first year which shall be increased by one percent (1%) for each succeeding year, but in no case shall it exceed seven and one-half percent (7.5%) of the Investment Reserve Fund;

Video case study featuring the results of a field-retrofit of the BioFit mobile folding table adjustable torsion cap on out-of-warranty, 13-year old cafeteria tables at Powell Elementary School in North Baltimore, Ohio.

"(d) The last complete record of monthly contributions paid by the employer or the average of the monthly contributions paid during the past three (3) years as of the date of filing of the action for collection shall be presumed to be the monthly contributions payable by and due from the employer to the SSS for each of the unpaid month, unless contradicted and overcome by other evidence: Provided, That the SSS shall not be barred from determining and collecting the true and correct contributions due the SSS even after full payment pursuant to this paragraph, nor shall the employer be relieved of his liability under Section Twenty-eight of this Act.

"SEC. 26-A. Fund Managers. - As part of its investment operations, the SSS may appoint local or, in the absence thereof, foreign fund managers to manage the Investment Reserve Fund, as it may deem appropriate.

"SEC. 26. Investment of Reserve Funds. - All revenues of the SSS that are not needed to meet the current administrative and operational expenses incidental to the carrying out of this Act shall be accumulated in a fund to be known as the "Reserve Fund." Such portions of the Reserve Fund as are not needed to meet the current benefit obligations thereof shall be known as the "Investment Reserve Fund" which the Commission shall manage and invest with the skill, care, prudence and diligence necessary under the circumstances then prevailing that a prudent man acting in like capacity and familiar with such matters would exercise in the conduct of an enterprise of a like character and with similar aims. Pursuant thereto, and in line with the basic principles of safety, good yield and liquidity, the Commission shall invest the funds to earn an annual income not less than the average rates of treasury bills or any other acceptable market yield indicator in any or in all of the following:

"(i) In preferred or common shares of stocks listed or about to be listed in the stock exchange or options or warrants to such stocks or, subject to prior approval of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, such other risk management instruments of any prime or solvent corporation or financial institution created or existing under the laws of the Philippines with proven track record of profitability over the last three (3) years and payment of dividends at least once over the same period: Provided, That such investments shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the Investment Reserve Fund;

"SEC. 14. Sickness Benefit. - (a) A member who has paid at least three (3) monthly contributions in the twelve-month period immediately preceding the semester of sickness or injury and is confined therefor for more than three (3) days in a hospital or elsewhere with the approval of the SSS, shall, for each day of compensable confinement or a fraction thereof, be paid by his employer, or the SSS, if such person is unemployed or self-employed, a daily sickness benefit equivalent to ninety percent (90%) of his average daily salary credit, subject to the following conditions:

"(g) The percentage degree of disability which is equivalent to the ratio that the designated number of months of compensability bears to seventy-five (75), rounded to the next higher integer, shall not be additive for distinct, separate and unrelated permanent partial disabilities, but shall be additive for deteriorating and related permanent partial disabilities to a maximum of one hundred percent (100%), in which case, the member shall be deemed as permanently totally disabled.

The proprietary, patent-pending BioFit adjustable torsion cap enables users to reset the torque level of the company's mobile folding tables lift assist devices to the original specifications. This helps ensure the safe and easy folding and unfolding and subsequently allows schools to save money by prolonging the useful life of the table.

"SEC. 11. Effect of Separation from Employment. - When an employee under compulsory coverage is separated from employment, his employer's contribution on his account and his obligation to pay contributions arising from that employment shall cease at the end of the month of separation, but said employee shall be credited with all contributions paid on his behalf and entitled to benefits according to the provisions of this Act. He may, however, continue to pay the total contributions to maintain his right to full benefit.

"SEC. 27. Records and Reports. - The SSS President shall keep and cause to keep records of operations of the funds of the SSS and of disbursements thereof and all accounts of payments made out of said funds. During the month of January of each year, the SSS President shall prepare for submission to the President of the Philippines and to Congress of the Philippines a report of operations of the SSS during the preceding year, including statistical data on the number of persons covered and benefited, their occupations and employment status, the duration and amount of benefits paid, the finances of the SSS at the close of the said year, and recommendations. He shall also cause to be published in two (2) newspapers of general circulation in the Philippines a synopsis of the annual report, showing in particular the status of the finances of the SSS and the benefits administered.

"SEC. 24-A. Report and Registration of the Self-Employed Member. - Each covered self-employed person shall, within thirty (30) days from the first day he started the practice of his profession or business operations register and report to the SSS his name, age, civil status, and occupation, average monthly net income and his dependents.

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"(i) For the purpose of adjudicating retirement, death and permanent total disability pension benefits, contributions shall be deemed paid for the months during which the member received partial disability pension: Provided, That such contributions shall be based on his last contribution prior to his disability.

"(b) The compensable confinement shall begin on the first day of sickness, and the payment of such allowances shall be promptly made by the employer every regular payday or on the fifteenth and last day of each month, and similarly in the case of direct payment by the SSS, for as long as such allowances are due and payable: Provided, That such allowance shall begin only after all sick leaves of absence with full pay to the credit of the employee member shall have been exhausted.

Manufacturer and designer of ergonomic seating, mobile folding tables and furniture accessories. Products include upholstered and non-upholstered chairs and stools, mobile folding tables and benches, carts, footrests, book trucks and custom seating solutions. Products are suitable for public areas, patient admitting, nurses' stations, surgery and recovery room, administration, office, lab/X-ray/pharmacy and exam room, clean room, static control, classroom, library, dining hall, break room, cafeteria and hospitality applications as well as manufacturing, food processing, assembly and other industrial environments. Industries served include healthcare, bio-science, education, laboratory, technology, industrial, office and custom workspaces. Meets EPA standards. Thirteen year warranty on nearly all products. Seating products are USGBC LEED compliant; tables are UL Greenguard Gold certified for low emission of volatile organic compounds.

"The SSS may also require each employer to submit, with respect to the persons in his employ, reports needed for the effective administration of this Act.

"(u) Fixed charges - Recurring expense such as amortization of debt discount or rentals for leased properties, including interest on funded and unfunded debt.

"(iii) Two percent (2%) of the average monthly salary credit for each credited year of service in excess of ten (10) years; or

"SEC. 20. Government Contribution. - As the contribution of the Government to the operation of the SSS, Congress shall annually appropriate out of any funds in the National Treasury not otherwise appropriated, the necessary sum or sums to meet the estimated expenses of the SSS for each ensuing year. In addition to this contribution, Congress shall appropriate from time to time such sum or sums as may be needed to assure the maintenance of an adequate working balance of the funds of the SSS as disclosed by suitable periodic actuarial studies to be made of the operations of the SSS.

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (September 27, 2018) BioFit Engineered Products, a globally recognized manufacturer of ergonomic seating solutions, recently launched a fully revamped online seating configurator and released two redesigned catalogs for its full and quick-ship product lines, respectively. The new “mychair” configurator enables BioFit website visitors to design and request quotes on models that meet their requirements from BioFit’s full MVMT and Foundation seating lines. The latest version of the full line seating catalog delivers a refreshed aesthetic and is designed to better convey product specifications, while the updated Quick Ship Program catalog introduces the company’s new next-day ship (NDS) and two-day ship (2DS) offerings. BioFit was at the forefront of digital innovation within the seating industry with the introduction of the “Build-You-Own-Chair” (BYOC) application − the market’s first online configurator – nearly 15 years ago. The BYOC featured select quick-ship models from the company’s Foundation seating line. In 2015, BioFit launched the first iteration of the mychair configurator, allowing users to digitally construct and request quotes on models from the MVMT seating line, which was introduced just prior to the initial mychair release. The new mychair configurator includes standard and optional components for the full MVMT and Foundation seating lines, delivering a comprehensive product offering and significantly enhanced visualization capabilities compared to its predecessor and the BYOC. mychair allows visitors to select chair or stool components based on workspace and performance needs and see how the resulting configurations look. Once a model is configured, the user can download a specification sheet and request a quote. On the launch, BioFit’s Director of Sales and Marketing, LouAnn Evans, remarked: “Continual innovation in support of our customers is paramount at BioFit. The enhanced mychair configurator gives customers a fast and easy means to construct and request pricing on the exact seating model that meets their specific needs, right from their cellphone.” BioFit also released two redesigned seating catalogs in recent weeks: a full line catalog and Quick Ship Program catalog. The company’s new full line seating catalog includes models from its premier MVMT line, the collaborative bimos by BioFit Collection, and diverse Foundation line, and features an entirely new look and reorganization of information intended to facilitate use. The Quick Ship Program catalog is highlighted by BioFit’s new NDS offering and an updated 2DS – formerly “Ship Now!” product selection. The program enables customers, including those with even the most specialized workplace requirements, to receive seating that fits their needs within one business day of order receipt. Both seating catalogs, along with BioFit table and cart catalogs and architectural symbols, are available for download at no cost from the company’s online storefront, biofit.info. Ohio-based BioFit Engineered Products designs and manufacturers LEED-compliant ergonomic chairs and stools, GREENGUARD-certified cafeteria tables, carts and accessories for healthcare, laboratory, technology, office, education and industrial environments as well as custom applications. BioFit strives to improve the workplace experience through innovation, ergonomic performance and reliability. For more information, visit www.biofit.com or call 800.597.0246.

This video provides and overview of the bimos by BioFit Collection, an innovative ergonomic seating series collaboratively developed by two of the biggest names in critical performance workplace seating -- BioFit and Bimos.

"(d) Execution of Decisions. - The Commission may, motu proprio or on motion of any interested party, issue a writ of execution to enforce any of its decisions or awards, after it has become final and executory, in the same manner as the decision of the Regional Trial Court by directing the city or provincial sheriff or the sheriff whom it may appoint to enforce such final decision or execute such writ; and any person who shall fail or refuse to comply with such decision, award or writ, after being required to do so shall, upon application by the Commission pursuant to Rule 71 of the Rules of Court, be punished for contempt.

"SEC. 24. Employment Records and Reports. - (a) Each employer shall immediately report to the SSS the names, ages, civil status, occupations, salaries and dependents of all his employees who are subject to compulsory coverage: Provided, That if an employee subject to compulsory coverage should die or become sick or disabled or reach the age of sixty (60) without the SSS having previously received any report or written communication about him from his employer, the said employer shall pay to the SSS damages equivalent to the benefits to which said employee member would have been entitled had his name been reported on time by the employer to the SSS, except that in case of pension benefits, the employer shall be liable to pay the SSS damages equivalent to the accumulated pension due as of the date of settlement of the claim or to the five (5) years' pension, including dependents' pension: Provided, further, That if the contingency occurs within thirty (30) days from the date of employment, the employer shall be relieved of his liability for damages: Provided, further, That any person or entity engaging the services of an independent contractor shall be subsidiarily liable with such contractor for any civil liability incurred by the latter under this Act: Provided, finally, That the same person or entity engaging the services of an independent contractor shall require such contractor to post a surety bond to guarantee the payment of the worker's benefits.

"(1) To adopt, amend and rescind, subject to the approval of the President of the Philippines, such rules and regulations as may be necessary to carry out the provisions and purposes of this Act;

"(b) The remittance of such contributions by the employer shall be supported by a quarterly collection list to be submitted to the SSS at the end of each calendar quarter indicating the correct ID number of the employer, the correct names and the SSS numbers of the employees and the total contributions paid for their account during the quarter.

"(f) If the disability is permanent total and such disability occurs after thirty-six (36) monthly contributions have been paid prior to the semester of disability, the benefit shall be the monthly pension for permanent total disability payable not longer than the period designated in the following schedule:

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"Unless otherwise specified herein, all provisions of this Act applicable to covered employees shall also be applicable to the covered self-employed persons.

"SEC. 23. Method of Collection and Payment. - The SSS shall require a complete and proper collection and payment of contributions and proper identification of the employer and the employee. Payment may be made in cash, checks, stamps, coupons, tickets, or other reasonable devices that the Commission may adopt.

"(2) To establish a provident fund for the members which will consist of voluntary contributions of employers and/or employees, self-employed and voluntary members and their earnings, for the payment of benefits to such members or their beneficiaries, subject to such rules and regulations as it may promulgate and approved by the President of the Philippines;

"In short and medium term loans to members such as salary, educational, livelihood, marital, calamity and emergency loans: Provided, That not more than thirty five percent (35%) of the Investment Reserve Fund at any time shall be invested for housing purposes: Provided, further, That not more than ten percent (10%) of the Investment Reserve Fund shall be invested in short and medium term loans;

"SEC. 19-A. Contributions of the Self-Employed Member. - The contributions to the SSS of the self-employed member shall be determined in accordance with Section Eighteen of this Act: Provided, That the monthly earnings declared by the self-employed member at the time of his registration with the SSS shall be considered as his monthly compensation and he shall pay both the employer and the employee contributions: Provided, further, That the contributions of self-employed persons earning One thousand pesos (P1,000.00) monthly or below may be reduced by the Commission.

"(2) To require the actuary to submit a valuation report on the SSS benefit program every four (4) years, or more frequently as may be necessary, to undertake the necessary actuarial studies and calculations concerning increases in benefits taking into account inflation and the financial stability of the SSS, and to provide for feasible increases in benefits every four (4) years, including the addition of new ones, under such rules and regulations as the Commission may adopt, subject to the approval of the President of the Philippines: Provided, That the actuarial soundness of the reserve fund shall be guaranteed: Provided, further, That such increases in benefits shall not require any increase in the rate of contribution;

"(4) To approve restructuring proposals for the payment of due but unremitted contributions and unpaid loan amortizations under such terms and conditions as it may prescribe;

"(c) Court Review. - The decision of the Commission upon any disputed matter may be reviewed both upon the law and the facts by the Court of Appeals. For the purpose of such review, the procedure concerning appeals from the Regional Trial Court shall be followed as far as practicable and consistent with the purposes of this Act. Appeal from a decision of the Commission must be taken within fifteen (15) days from notification of such decision. If the decision of the Commission involves only questions of law, the same shall be reviewed by the Supreme Court. No appeal bond shall be required. The case shall be heard in a summary manner, and shall take precedence over all cases, except that in the Supreme Court, criminal cases wherein life imprisonment or death has been imposed by the trial court shall take precedence. No appeal shall act as a supersedeas or a stay of the order of the Commission unless the Commission itself, or the Court of Appeals or the Supreme Court, shall so order.

"(d) Upon the death of the retired member, his primary beneficiaries as of the date of his retirement shall be entitled to receive the monthly pension: Provided, That if he has no primary beneficiaries and he dies within sixty (60) months from the start of his monthly pension, his secondary beneficiaries shall be entitled to a lump sum benefit equivalent to the total monthly pensions corresponding to the balance of the five-year guaranteed period, excluding the dependents' pension.

"SEC. 16. Exemption from Tax, Legal Process and Lien. -- All laws to the contrary notwithstanding, the SSS and all its assets and properties, all contributions collected and all accruals thereto and income or investment earnings therefrom as well as all supplies, equipment, papers or documents shall be exempt from any tax, assessment, fee, charge, or customs or import duty; and all benefit payments made by the SSS shall likewise be exempt from all kinds of taxes, fees or charges, and shall not liable to attachments, garnishments, levy or seizure by or under any legal or equitable process whatsoever, either before or after receipt by the person or persons entitled thereto, except to pay any debt of the member to the SSS. No tax measure of whatever nature enacted shall apply to the SSS, unless it expressly revokes the declared policy of the State in Section 2 hereof granting tax-exemption to the SSS. Any tax assessment imposed against the SSS shall be null and void. (As amended by Sec. 9, P.D. No. 24, S. 1972; and Sec. 14, P. D. No. 735, S. 1975).

"(3) One thousand pesos (P1,000.00): Provided, That the monthly pension shall in no case be paid for an aggregate amount of less than sixty (60) months.

"(b) Notwithstanding the preceding paragraph, the minimum pension shall be One thousand two hundred pesos (P1,200.00) for members with at least ten (10) credited years of service and Two thousand four hundred pesos (P2,400.00) for those with twenty (20) credited years of service.

"Any violation of the provisions of this Section shall be punished by a fine of not less than Five hundred pesos (P500.00) nor more than Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00), or imprisonment for not less than six (6) months nor more than one (1) year, or both, at the discretion of the court.

"(5) To authorize cooperatives registered with the cooperative development authority or associations registered with the appropriate government agency to act as collecting agents of the SSS with respect to their members: Provided, That the SSS shall accredit the cooperative or association: Provided, further, That the persons authorized to collect are bonded;

"SEC. 8. Terms Defined. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall, unless the context indicates otherwise, have the following meanings:

"SEC. 11-A. Effect of Interruption of Business or Professional Income. - If the self-employed realizes no income in any given month, he shall not be required to pay contributions for that month. He may, however, be allowed to continue paying contributions under the same rules and regulations applicable to a separated employee member: Provided, That no retroactive payment of contributions shall be allowed other than as prescribed under Section Twenty-two-A hereof.

"(k) In foreign currency deposits or triple "A" foreign currency denominated debts, prime and non-speculative equities, and other Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas approved financial instruments or other assets issued in accordance with the existing laws of the countries where such financial instruments are issued: Provided, That these instruments or assets are listed in bourses of the respective countries where these instruments or assets are issued: Provided, further, That the issuing company has proven track of record of profitability over the last three (3) years and a record of regular dividend pay-out over the same period: Provided, finally, That such investments shall not exceed one percent (1%) of the Investment Reserve Fund in the first year which shall be increased by one percent (1%) for each succeeding year, but in no case shall it exceed seven and one-half percent (7.5%) of the Investment Reserve Fund;

BOWLING GREEN, OHIO (PRWEB) NOVEMBER 12, 2019 - BioFit Engineered Products, a global leader in the design and manufacturer of technical ergonomic seating solutions, announced this week that they offer a comprehensive selection of seating and adjustable footrests compliant with Healthier Hospital Initiative guidelines. Established by Practice Greenhealth, a health care membership organization which provides sustainability solutions, Heathier Hospitals encourages manufacturers to provide information on furniture and fabrics that meet the Healthy Interiors Safer Chemicals Challenge objective of reducing or eliminating harmful chemicals within their products. BioFit products that meet the Healthier Hospitals Initiative (HHI) criteria include a wide selection of upholstered and non-upholstered models from the company’s MVMT and Foundation seating lines as well as two adjustable footrests. Pertinent models represent a cross section of BioFit’s most popular seating series and were chosen to meet the unique requirements of specific healthcare and medical facility workspaces, including examination, laboratory, x-ray, office, registration, nurses’ stations, ER, OR, task, multipurpose and heavy use applications. In addition to meeting HHI guidelines, all models are fully ergonomic and easy to clean, and nearly all are backed by a 13-year warranty. Upholstered models are available in seven selections each from two Stinson HHI-compliant, non-PVC upholstery collections, or, in the customer’s own material. However, customers are responsible for the treatment and chemical content of their own upholsteries to ensure HHI compliance. “Customer and environmental welfare are top priorities at BioFit, which is why we offer products compliant with Healthier Hospitals [HL Healthier Hospitals guidelines,” explained LouAnn Evans, BioFit Vice President of Sales and Marketing. She continued: “From day one, our products have been designed, tested and proven to support user wellbeing through comfort and ergonomics. Today, we’re proud to take this next logical step in providing products that help promote an even higher degree of wellness to our healthcare customers.” Practice Greenhealth is a healthcare membership organization which provides sustainability solutions that benefit patients and employees, communities, financial security, and the environment. In 2012 with the support of 12 sponsoring health systems, Practice Greenhealth launched the Healthier Hospitals Initiative, a three-year initiative available free to any hospital that committed to take on one or more of six challenges to improve sustainability performance. More than 950 hospitals participated from 2012 to 2015. The success, lessons learned, and challenge structure of the Healthier Hospitals Initiative live on in Practice Greenhealth’s programming. Headquartered in Bowling Green, Ohio, BioFit Engineered Products is an industry-leading manufacturer of LEED® certified ergonomic seating, GREENGUARD certified tables, carts, and specialty products for healthcare, laboratory, office, industrial, education, high-tech and custom environments. To learn more about BioFit, visit http://www.biofit.com, call 800-597-0246 or email biofit@biofit.com. Contact Information Mike Moulton Moulton & Associates http://www.moultonassociates.com +1 419-787-7242

"SEC. 22. Remittance of Contributions. -- (a) The contributions imposed in the preceding Section shall be remitted to the SSS within the first ten (10) days of each calendar month following the month for which they are applicable or within such time as the Commission may prescribe. Every employer required to deduct and to remit such contributions shall be liable for their payment and if any contribution is not paid to the SSS as herein prescribed, he shall pay besides the contribution a penalty thereon of three percent (3%) per month from the date the contribution falls due until paid. If deemed expedient and advisable by the Commission, the collection and remittance of contributions shall be made quarterly or semi-annually in advance, the contributions payable by the employees to be advanced by their respective employers: Provided, That upon separation of an employee, any contribution so paid in advance but not due shall be credited or refunded to his employer.

BioFit Engineered Products, a globally renowned manufacturer of ergonomic seating solutions and mobile folding tables, recently introduced a new adjustable footring for its seating products that is designed to increase ergonomic support for users and facilitate cleanliness in technical work environments. Designated the “AFP adjustable footring,” the component offers an alternative for seating used in today’s specialized work settings over traditional footrings developed decades ago. The AFP adjustable footring is fabricated of a chrome-plated, 22” diameter tubular steel ring with an oval profile, and polished cast-aluminum spokes with a fingertip-control adjustment hub. The diameter is larger than traditional footrings, complementing BioFit seating models such as the MVMT chair, which has an abnormally expansive 2-inch seat slider range. The correlation of the larger footring with the extended slider range allows users to maintain comfortable, ergonomic positioning while conducting specialized tasks. Once adjusted, the footring locks firmly in place, as it is designed to support 350-lb. users and serve as a step up into high-seat-height chair models. The seamless construction and absence of underside reinforcing ribs found on traditional footrings enables faster and more efficient cleaning. The AFP footring does not have a screw-type adjustment knob, eliminating an area historically difficult to clean and prone to dirt and bacteria buildup. Rather, its fingertip-control adjustment hub minimizes dust and grime buildup and takes less time to sanitize to workspace requirements. BioFit President Ed Metzger shared: “With user-wellbeing as our touchstone, we continually look at ways to innovate − and sometimes re-engineer − to make our ergonomic seating better. With the AFP footring, our objective is to transition users from a serviceable, yet outdated part to a component which offers a more complete ergonomic experience and is easier to use and maintain.” The AFP adjustable footring is available on most BioFit MVMT and Foundation line seating models with seat height adjustment ranges greater than 22 inches. BioFit Engineered Products designs and manufacturers LEED-compliant ergonomic seating, GREENGUARD-Gold certified cafeteria tables, carts and accessories for healthcare, laboratory, technology, office, education and industrial environments as well as custom applications. BioFit strives to improve the workplace experience through innovation, ergonomic performance and reliability. For more information, visit www.biofit.com or call 800.597.0246.

"(3) To maintain a provident fund which consists of contributions made by both the SSS and its officials and employees and their earnings, for the payment of benefits to such officials and employees or their heirs under such terms and conditions as it may prescribe;

"(b) In bonds, securities, promissory notes or other evidence of indebtedness of the Government of the Philippines, or any agencies or instrumentalities to finance domestic infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, ports, telecommunications, and other similar projects: Provided, That the instruments issued by an agency or instrumentality of the government shall be guaranteed by the Government of the Philippines or any government financial institution or acceptable multilateral agency: Provided, further, That the SSS shall have priority over the revenues of the projects: Provided, finally, That such investments shall not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the Investment Reserve Fund;

"(a) In bonds, securities, promissory notes or other evidence of indebtedness of the Government of the Philippines, or in bonds, securities, promissory notes or other evidence of indebtedness to which the full faith, credit and unconditional guarantee of the Government of the Philippines is pledged;

"SEC. 7. Oaths, Witnesses, and Production of Records. - When authorized by the Commission, an official or employee thereof shall have the power to administer oath and affirmation, take depositions, certify to official acts, and issue subpoena and subpoena duces tecum to compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of books, papers, correspondence and other records deemed necessary as evidence in connection with any question arising under this Act. Any case of contumacy shall be dealt with by the Commission in accordance with law.

Section 4. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation whichever comes earlier.

SALARY BRACKET RANGE OF COMPENSATION MONTHLY SALARY CREDIT MONTHLY CONTRIBUTION EMPLOYER EMPLOYEE TOTAL I 1,000.00 - 1,249.99 1000 50.70 33.30 84.00 II 1,250.00 - 1,749.99 1500 76.00 50.00 126.00 III 1,750.00 - 2,249.99 2000 101.30 66.70 168.00 IV 2,250.00 - 2,749.99 2500 126.70 83.30 210.00 V 2,750.00 - 3,249.99 3000 152.00 100.00 252.00 VI 3,250.00 - 3,749.99 3500 177.30 116.70 294.00 VII 3,750.00 - 4,249.99 4000 202.70 133.30 336.00 VIII 4,250.00 - 4,749.99 4500 228.00 150.00 378.00 IX 4,750.00 - 5,249.99 5000 253.30 166.70 420.00 X 5,250.00 - 5,749.99 5500 278.70 183.70 462.40 XI 5,750.00 - 6,249.99 6000 304.00 200.00 504.00 XII 6,250.00 - 6,749.99 6500 329.30 216.78 546.00 XIII 6,750.00 - 7,249.99 7000 354.70 233.30 588.00 XIV 7,250.00 - 7,749.99 7500 380.00 250.00 630.00 XV 7,750.00 - 8.249.99 8000 403.30 266.70 672.00 XVI 8,250.00 - 8,749.99 8500 430.70 283.30 714.00 XVII 8,750.00 - OVER 9000 456.00 300.00 756.00

"(9) To acquire, receive, or hold, by way of purchase, expropriation or otherwise, public or private property for the purpose of undertaking housing projects preferably for the benefit of low-income members and for the maintenance of hospitals and institutions for the sick, aged and disabled, as well as schools for the members and their immediate families;

"(b) The Secretary of Justice shall be the ex-officio counsel of the SSS. He or his representative shall act as legal adviser and counsel thereof.

"(b) The Social Security System. - Subject to the provision of Section four (4), paragraph seven (7) hereof, the SSS shall have the following powers and duties:

"(c) The monthly pension shall be suspended upon the reemployment or resumption of self-employment of a retired member who is less than sixty-five (65) years old. He shall again be subject to Section Eighteen and his employer to Section Nineteen of this Act.

"(m) Average monthly salary credit - The result obtained by dividing the sum of the last sixty (60) monthly salary credits immediately preceding the semester of contingency by sixty (60), or the result obtained by dividing the sum of all the monthly salary credits paid prior to the semester of contingency by the number of monthly contributions paid in the same period, whichever is greater: Provided, That the injury or sickness which caused the disability shall be deemed as the permanent disability for the purpose of computing the average monthly salary credit.

"(d) Employee - Any person who performs services for an employer in which either or both mental or physical efforts are used and who receives compensation for such services, where there is an employer-employee relationship: Provided, That a self-employed person shall be both employee and employer at the same time.