THE EMPLOYEES' COMPENSATION COMMISSION

Brief History
Legal Mandate
Powers and Functions
New ECC in a Capsule
Vision
Mission
Strategic Goals
Corporate Values Statements
Programs and Descriptions
Organizational Structure

Brief History

The ECC is a government corporation. It is attached to the Department of Labor and Employment for policy coordination and guidance.

It is a quasi-judicial corporate entity created to implement the Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP). The ECP provides a package of benefits for public and private sector employees and their dependents in the event of work-connected contingencies such as sickness, injury, disability or death.

As implementor of the Employees Compensation Program, ECC is mandated by law to provide meaningful and appropriate compensation to workers. Its main functions are:

To formulate policies and guidelines for the improvement of the employees' compensation program;
To review and decide on appeal all EC claims disapproved by the Systems; and
To initiate policies and programs toward adequate occupational health and safety and accident prevention in the working environment

Legal Mandate

The ECC was created in November 1, 1974 by virtue of PD 442 or the Labor Code of the Philippines. It, however, become fully operational with the issuance of PD 626 which took effect January 1, 1975.

Powers and Functions

Under P.D. 626, the ECC has the following powers and functions:

To assess and fix a rate of contributions from all employers;
To determine the rate of contribution payable by an employer whose records show a high frequency of work accidents or occupational disease due to failure by the said employer to observe adequate measures;
To approve rules and regulations governing the processing of claims and the settlement of disputes prescribed by the System;
To initiate, rationalize and coordinate the policies of the Employees Compensation Program;
To initiate policies and programs toward adequate occupational health and safety and accident prevention in the working environment, rehabilitation and other related programs and activities, and to appropriate funds therefore;
To make necessary actuarial studies and calculations concerning the grant of constant help and income benefits for permanent disability or death, and the rationalization of the benefits for permanent disability and death with benefits payable by the System for similar contingencies;
To upgrade benefits and add new ones subject to approval of the President of the Philippines;
To determine and approve additional occupational diseases and work-related illnesses with specific criteria based on peculiar hazards of employment; and
To review and decide appealed cases. Go Top

New ECC In a Capsule

Our Vision

A nationally-acclaimed institution in social security promotion that is in full control of the Employees’ Compensation Program, managing a sound, strong, and wisely invested State Insurance Fund and delivering promptly, effectively and efficiently to the Filipino worker a comprehensive package of services and benefits for work-connected contingencies through pro-active, humane and dynamic policies, programs and activities.

Our Mission

The ECC champions the welfare of the Filipino worker.

Its mission is to:

Build and sustain among employees and employers a culture of safety and healthful environment in the workplace;
Ensure at all times that workers are informed of their rights, benefits and privileges under the Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP);
Develop and implement innovative policies, programs and projects that meet the needs of workers with work-connected contingencies;
Promptly and fairly resolve all cases brought before it
Restore dignity and self-esteem among occupationally disabled workers; and
Safeguard the integrity of the State Insurance Fund.

Strategic Goals

To prevent the occurrence of work-connected contingencies among workers; and
To promptly provide workers and their dependents with meaningful benefits and other curative and rehabilitative services in the event of work-connected contingencies.

Corporate Values Statements

We at the ECC are God-loving, dedicated and steadfast professionals and public servants.

We stand for transparency, efficiency and effectiveness in our office operations.

We deal with our clients and other publics with utmost courtesy, patience and compassion.

We deliver excellent services promptly and fairly to all.

Most of all, we are honest, industrious and committed to our work and to the Filipino worker.

Programs, Projects and Activities

The Programs, Projects and Activities (PPAs) of the ECC are classified into five (5) Program Areas (PAs). Below are the brief description of these PAs and PPAs:

PA # 1. POLICY FORMULATION

The continuing review and updating of policies, programs and projects under implementation is what makes ECC services more meaningful to its clients. This is a continuing concern and the important things done in this regard are the following:

1. EC Database Build-up Program

The objective is to maintain an updated database that will provide all the necessary data/information needed in support of policy formulation, effective planning, PPA review and improvement and the day-to-day decision making.

2. Research Program in Support of Policy and Programs Development

This involves the conduct of necessary researches or the compilation of results of studies (local and international) presently available for use in support of policy formulation or program development/improvement.

3. Continuing Review of Policies, Rules and Regulations

This involves the conduct of a continuous review of policies, rules and regulations on the ECP for the purpose of making them relevant and effective.

4. ECP Implementation Review to Identify Gaps Requiring Legislative Agenda

This involves a continuing review and analysis of the implementation of the Employees Compensation given the changing conditions over time to see whether the ECP as defined in PD 626 is still effective and relevant or whether there are new concerns that need to be address but only through legislation.

5. State Insurance Fund Monitoring

The objective is to continuously monitor the status of the State Insurance Fund and do an in-depth analysis of the disbursements of both Systems to meet the compensatory requirements of victims of work contingencies. The aim is to sustain the viability of the SIF so it can serve its purpose for all time.

PA # 2. APPEALED CLAIMS RESOLUTION

One of the reasons for being of the Employees Compensation Program is the EC Claims disposition. It focuses on the need to ensure the prompt and expeditious settlement of all EC claims whether filed at the Systems or on appeal at the Commission. The noteworthy programs and activities in this regard are the following:

1. Roundtable Discussions with EC Claims Processors of SSS and GSIS

This is a continuing activity designed to achieve a uniform and effective implementation of the Rules and Procedures in the Filing and Disposition of EC Claims whether it be by the SSS or by the GSIS central office or their branch offices. The objective is to ensure that EC claimants are served promptly, efficiently and effectively.

2. Appealed Case Evaluation/Adjudication

This involves the evaluation and adjudication of all EC claims elevated to the Commission after denial by the System. A system of monitoring/tracking every action taken on the case has been installed to ensure prompt disposition of appealed EC claims.

3. EC Case Digests and Precedent Setting Decisions Monitoring

The Supreme Court decisions forms part of the Law of the Land. When cases are elevated to the Supreme Court for resolution, the Court, in a way, enforces the strong arm of the law to achieve peace, tranquility and order in the society. Thus, the main objective of compiling case digests of leading EC case decisions is to have a precedents setting decision that will guide the legal and medical officers of the ECC, the GSIS and the SSS in arriving at a most objective decision on every case handled by them.

4. Templating Program

The objective is to ensure that claimants and the layman-reader of the decision on EC claims would easily understand the conclusion on whether the disease is work-connected or not. This is achieved by describing occupational diseases and their etiology in layman’s terms. The simplified presentation of how a particular disease is acquired will be templated and distributed to all SSS/GSIS claims processors nationwide so they can use these templates when they write decisions.

PA # 3. REHABILITATION PROGRAM

The rehabilitation of the occupationally disabled workers (ODWs) gives new hope and bring life to our ODWs. Its primary objectives is to bring back the ODWs into the economic mainstream as productive members of society. The following are the projects in this regards:

1. ECC-QRT Program

This program aims to provide immediate assistance to workers or their families in the event of major work accidents or outbreak of occupational diseases. The ECC intervention includes psycho-social counseling services, medical help and assistance in the filing of the necessary claims with the System.

2. KaGaBay Program

“Katulong at Gabay sa Manggagawang May Kapansanan” (KaGaBay) is a special assistance program to Occupationally-disabled workers (ODWs) aimed at facilitating their re-integration into the economic mainstream as productive members of our society. It provides vocational skills and entrepreneurial training and other assistance that will allow ODWs to find employment/self-employment or to set-up a micro-enterprise or home-based business.

3. ODW Friendly Employer Award

This project gives recognition to private and public sector employers who have committed themselves to provide employment, job retention and return-to-work opportunities to ODWs and enable the latter to become productive members of society once again.

PA #4. ADVOCACY ON EMPLOYEES COMPENSATION PROGRAM

Work Contingency Prevention is necessary if we have to spare the workers and their families from problems and pain that come along with any work connected sickness, injury or death. At the ECC, it is our wish that the workers would rather not avail of the employees compensation benefits, meaning they do not get sick or injured while at work because to do so would mean financial, emotional and psychological costs to the workers and thier families. Besides, the ECC benefits are not that substantial. hence, our focus on work contingency prevention which involve, among others, the following:

1. WCP/ECP Advocacy Program

1.1. Information Materials Development

This project aims to ensure that reader-friendly WCP/ECP materials are continually developed. This involves three important activities, namely: (1) Bi-monthly publication of ECC Reporter designed to inform ECC’s specific publics of the latest on employees’ compensation polices, case decisions, OSH research findings, work contingency prevention, and others; (2) Preparation of weekly press releases; and (3) Development and printing of information materials such as flyers, posters, ads, audio visual presentation materials and other related information.

1.2. Multimedia Information Dissemination

This project is designed to increase public awareness of the Employees Compensation Program (ECP) and Work Contingency Prevention (WCP). This includes publication of press releases in broadsheets, tabloids and regional papers, linkages with radio and TV networks for possible participation in public affairs programs/interviews and distribution of IEC materials to ECC clients.

1.3. WCP/ECP Seminars

This involves the conduct of seminars/lectures on the Employees Compensation Program and Work Contingency Prevention right at the workplaces in coordination with the employers and the employees’ unions. Target participants of WCP/ECP seminars/lectures are rank and file workers, labor union representatives and human resource officers.

1.4 WCP Literature Monitoring and Dissemination

This involves continuing research on effective and economical WCP practices especially in the field of hazard control by companies/business establishments in foreign countries that can be replicated by SMEs in the Philippines. The information gathered are presented in simple easy to understand reading materials for distribution to SMEs all over the country.

1.5 Assistance to DOLE Regional Offices in the NLSEF Implementation

The project aims to provide financial assistance in support of the implementation by the DOLE’s Regional Offices of the National Labor Standards Enforcement Framework (NLSEF). Thru a series of orientation workshops and technical assistance visits (TAVs), employees and employers are made to appreciate better the value of complying with occupational safety and health (OSH) and other labor standards.

2. Industrial Clinic Program

The ICP was established to advocate work-contingency prevention in the workplace. It provides free hazard-based medical examinations to workers of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) who are found exposed to work hazards not just to find out how these hazards are affecting their health but more, to undertake both preventive and remedial actions to mitigate the further incidence of work-connected diseases.

This project is done through linkages with Partner Institutions like: for workplace assessment with BWC doctors and Labor Inspectors and for the medical examinations with accredited industrial clinics.

3. Public Assistance Program

This program is designed to provide assistance/information to walk-in clients on how and where to file EC claim or the follow-up of the status of their claims pending at the SSS or GSIS or at the ECC and related matters.

KRA # 5. SUPPORT SERVICES TO OPERATIONS

The support services to operation are essential if the ECC has to achieve its targets for any given year. The most important programs and activities in this area are the following:

1. Administrative Services

This program covers the efficient and effective delivery of administrative support to operations as in the case management of records; development of effective system of maintaining the personal files/records, issuances of office orders, memorandum and other official reports and communications; the procurement of equipment and office supplies requirements; and other related matters.

2. Financial/Budget Management

Financial management’s objectives are: (1) to improve the financial records and journals reporting system, (2) comply with the requirements of the Commission on Audit and other government agencies like GSIS, BIR, DOF, DBM and DOLE; and (3) the processing of valid/claims/billings/vouchers within the day from receipt of document. The budget management’s objectives are: (1) the preparation of annual ECC Corporate Operating Budget; (2) monitoring loading fund requests; and (3) the submission of ECC fund status report to the DOLE.

3. Human Resource Development

The aim of this program is to provide continuing interventions necessary for the improvement of the capability and competence of the staff to perform their respective duties and responsibilities.

4. Continuous Service Improvement Program

The aim of this program is the continuous review and improvement of existing work processes/systems and work procedures for the different programs and projects of the Commission for a more effective and efficient public service delivery.

5. Information Systems Strategic Plan Implementation

The Information Systems Strategic Plan (ISSP) serves as the framework for the computerization projects of the ECC. For effective information management, the Plan documents the procedures and the required budget for the acquisition of new information technology (IT) equipment for the establishment of the Local Area Network (LAN) and the upgrading of existing IT resources and IT trainings.

6. Property Management Program

The program aims to make sure that all ECC properties primarily the ECC Building at Buendia Avenue and the 50 hectare property in Tanay, Rizal are properly and effectively utilized.

Organizational Profile

The ECC has two main functional bodies, the Commission Proper and the Secretariat.

Commission Proper

The Employees' Compensation Commission is composed of seven (7) members, five of whom are ex-officio and two who are appointed by the President for a term of six years. The Commission is composed of:

The Secretary of Labor and Employment as Chairman;
The SSS President and Chief Executive Officer;
The GSIS President and General Manager;
The Chairman of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation;
The Executive Director of the ECC;
The Employees' Representative; and
The Employers' Representative.

The ECC Secretariat

The ECC Secretariat is headed by an Executive Director assisted by a Deputy Executive Director. It has five (5) operating Divisions, namely:

Appeals Division;

Work Contingency Prevention and Rehabilitation Division;

Information and Public Assistance Division;

Policy, Programs and Systems Management Division; and

Finance and Administrative Division

The Executive Director and Deputy Executive Director are appointed by the President. They are career officials and members of the Career Executive Service.

Appeals Division

The Appeals Division is task to provide speedy evaluation and adjudication of EC appealed cases. It acts as legal counsel for the ECC and formulates and recommends policies and guidelines in the handling and disposition of appealed cases and other legal or medical matters affecting ECC. It participates in setting guidelines and review of prescribed standard, rules,regulations and existing legislations for a more effective and speedy delivery of EC benefits. It undertakes studies for the improvement of the provisions of the Labor Code on Employees’ Compensation and State Insurance Fund (SIF) and other studies on legal/medical matters to keep management abreast of the latest laws, rules, legal decisions and other judicial developments affecting the agency.

Work Contingency Prevention and Rehabilitation Division

The Work Contingency Prevention and Rehabilitation Division develops and implements programs and services that will promote the prevention of work-related contingencies, the sustenance of safe and healthy work environment, the restoration of the dignity and self-esteem of Occupationally-disabled Workers (ODWs), maintainance of proactive approaches in assisting workers and their families in the event of work-related contingencies.

Information and Public Assistance Division

The Information and Public Assistance Division is task to strategize and implement a comprehensive communication and information program and prepare and develop materials for information dissemination. It coordinates with print, radio and television facilities in the publication and broadcast of ECC materials and programs. It provides assistance to claimants in connection to claims for compensation benefits. It also conducts various seminars and workshops on employees compensation and the sustenance of safe and healthy work environment.

Policy, Programs and Systems Management Division

The Policy, Programs and Systems Management Division (PPSMD) is responsible for providing the agency with timely, accurate and relevant services relative to the conduct of researches/studies on ECP in aid of policy formulation and decision-making. It is tasked to initiate planning and programming agency programs, projects and activities, develop new ones, and monitor performance. It also provides the agency with effective and efficient services relative to the development and management of information systems.

Finance and Administrative Division

The Finance and Administrative Division's (FAD) major thrust is the effective management of the agency's financial transactions, the periodic preparation of various financial reports including annual budget in accordance with the financial plan, and the provision of administrative support services covering the area of human resource development, supply and property management, records system management, building administration and general services.

Organizational Structure

For Inquiries: Contact (632) 899-4251/52
or e-mail at ecc_mail@info.com.ph

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