State-run pension fund Social Security System (SSS) welcomes the appointment of (Ret.) Judge Manuel L. Argel, Jr. and Bai Norhata Macatbar-Alonto as the newest members of the Social Security Commission (SSC), the highest policy-making body of the Social Security System.
Argel took his Oath of Office on 24 September 2019 while Alonto took hers last 13 December 2019. They are representing the Employers’ and Workers’ Groups of the SSC, respectively.
Both armed with notable experience in public service, the two commissioners will share in the responsibility of providing policy directions, monitoring and overseeing SSS management actions, among other duties as stated under the Republic Act No. 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018.
Prior to his appointment, Argel practiced law in the private sector for 20 years before being appointed as a Regional Trial Court Judge for Laoag City where he served for another 20 years until his retirement in 2015.
He was accredited as a Voluntary Labor Arbitrator of the National Conciliation and Mediation Board, the arbitration arm of the Department of Labor and Employment, while in private practice in 1995.
Aside from his extensive experience in the judicial branch, Argel has also served the legislative branch when he was elected in 1980 as a member of the Sangguniang Bayan of Vigan.
He was given the Legislator’s Award by the City Government of Vigan in 2008 in recognition of his accomplishments as a former legislator of the city.
Argel holds a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy degree and Bachelor of Laws degree from San Beda University.
On the other hand, Alonto, a degree holder of Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the Philippine Women’s University and Master of Arts in Psychology from the University of the Philippines, began her professional career as a guidance counselor and college instructor for the Mindanao State University.
Before joining the SSS, she served as Presidential Assistant for Muslim Mindanao, Commissioner of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor, Board Member of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Social Fund Board and Bataan Shipyard and Engineering Corporation, and Executive Assistant V and Focal Person for foreign-assisted development programs for the Bangsamoro of the Mindanao Development Authority.
Apart from being a Social Security Commissioner, Alonto is currently the Regional Governor of the National Council of Women in the Philippines.
Argel and Alonto will join Secretary of Finance Carlos G. Dominguez III (Chairperson), SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Aurora C. Ignacio (Vice-Chairperson), Secretary of Labor and Employment Silvestre H. Bello III (ex-officio member), and Commissioners Diana Pardo-Aguilar, Anita Bumpus-Quitain, Michael G. Regino and Ricardo L. Moldez in the SSC.
