G.R. No. L-15045 – 110 Phil. 616 – 1 SCRA 10 – Political Law – Constitutional Law – Powers of the State – Police Power – General Welfare – Catholic Church not exempt from SSS coverage
In 1958, the Archbishop of Manila requested with the Social Security Commission that it be exempted from complying with RA 1161 or the Social Security Law. The Church averred that it should not be considered as an employer as it is not engaged in any business or activity for profit. The SSC denied the Church’s request.
ISSUE: Whether or not the Catholic Church is exempt from the coverage of the Social Security Law.
HELD: No. The Social Security Law is an exercise of police power. It was enacted pursuant to the country’s policy to develop, establish gradually and perfect a social security system which shall be suitable to the needs of the people throughout the Philippines and shall provide protection to employees against the hazards of disability, sickness, old age and death. There is no basis to exempt the Church. In fact, the aim of the law is in line with the Church’s policy to ameliorate living conditions of the working class.
