CinemaBravo

Financial security is a top priority, especially when it comes to understanding your rights as a beneficiary. Many Filipinos may not be fully aware of the legalities surrounding this, making it essential to seek proper guidance.

In a recent episode of CIA with BA, Monina, a Filipino working in Hong Kong, brought up a pressing concern during the show’s Tanong ng Pilipino segment. She wanted to know whether she had the legal right to remove her spouse as a beneficiary.

Her question sparked an important discussion on the regulations governing beneficiaries under the Social Security System (SSS) and PAG-IBIG Fund, shedding light on the policies that affect countless Filipinos.

Monina raised her concern directly, asking, “Pwede po bang tanggalin as beneficiary ang asawa?” (Can a spouse be removed as a beneficiary?)

Responding to her query, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano explained the legalities surrounding beneficiaries in both institutions.

“Dun sa SSS at PAG-IBIG, nasa batas mismo ng SSS na ang beneficiary ay ‘yung asawa. Wala man ‘yan sa batas ng PAG-IBIG, pero both [of them], meron silang rules and regulations.”

(In SSS and PAG-IBIG, the law explicitly states that the spouse is the beneficiary in SSS. While PAG-IBIG may not have the same legal provision, both institutions have their own rules and regulations.)

He clarified that removing a spouse as a beneficiary is not a straightforward process.

“Nakalagay doon na kung papalitan mo na ang spouse mo as beneficiary, kailangan may proof ka na na-dissolve ang inyong marriage o kaya na-annul, o kaya kayo ay nagkaroon ng legal separation, or kung yumao na ‘yung asawa,” he said.

(It states that if you want to replace your spouse as a beneficiary, you must provide proof that your marriage has been dissolved, annulled, legally separated, or that your spouse has passed away.)

Kuya Alan emphasized the rationale behind these regulations, emphasizing that they serve as a form of protection for spouses.

“‘Di mo basta-basta mapapalitan ‘yan [dahil] proteksyon din ‘yan ng mag-asawa,” he noted.

(You can’t just replace it easily because it also serves as protection for married couples.)

The episode once again showcased how ‘CIA with BA’ provides practical legal insights, especially for Filipinos facing complex personal and legal dilemmas.

CIA with BA airs every Sunday at 11:00 p.m. on GMA7, with replays on GTV every Saturday at 10:30 p.m. Carrying on the legacy of the late Senator Rene Cayetano, the program remains dedicated to offering legal guidance and support to those who need it.