Rolando Ledesma Macasaet, former President and CEO of the Philippines’ Social Security System (SSS), officially stepped down from his role on October 6, 2024. After nearly two years of service at the helm of the state-run pension fund, his departure was met with acknowledgment of his contributions to expanding social security benefits to Filipinos. However, the SSS did not disclose the reason for his resignation nor announce his successor.
Leading SSS Expansion
Macasaet, who previously led the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), began his tenure as SSS President on January 5, 2023. His leadership focused on extending social security coverage to remote and underserved communities, ensuring that vulnerable workers, such as job order employees, contract service workers, and barangay workers, were able to access SSS benefits. Under his administration, over 500,000 workers in these categories became eligible for social security, marking a significant milestone in SSS’s outreach initiatives.
During his time at SSS, Macasaet also served as Vice Chairperson of the Social Security Commission, the policy-making body of the pension fund. His dedication to improving the reach and efficiency of the SSS was highlighted through numerous programs aimed at bringing pension services closer to local communities.
Stakeholder Engagement
One of Macasaet’s most recognized efforts was his commitment to listening to the needs of SSS members and employers. Through initiatives such as the Stakeholders’ Forum, he ensured that feedback from the public played a role in shaping the policies of the pension system. The SSS praised him for his ability to gather input from those directly affected by the system, which, in turn, helped foster stronger engagement and support for the institution’s programs.
“Macasaet stood out for his willingness to listen,” SSS noted in a statement. His inclusive approach to policy-making was seen as a way to ensure that the pension system remained responsive to the actual needs of its members.
Political Aspirations in 2025
Following his resignation, Macasaet is preparing to transition into politics. The SSS-GSIS Pensyonado party-list announced that he will be running for a seat in the House of Representatives in the May 2025 elections. According to the party-list’s spokesperson, Fercival Yutan, Macasaet’s background as the former head of both SSS and GSIS positions him well to address the limitations of these two key pension institutions through legislative representation.
“As a former chief of both SSS and GSIS, and as a pensioner himself, Macasaet understands the limitations of these institutions—limitations that he hopes to address through legislative representation,” Yutan stated. Macasaet’s expertise in pension fund management, coupled with his personal experience as a pensioner, will likely be central to his platform as he seeks to influence policies that could further strengthen social security in the Philippines.
His resignation marks the end of a pivotal chapter in his career in public service, but signals the beginning of a new role in the country’s political landscape. His advocacy for expanding pension benefits and ensuring fair representation for pensioners is expected to be a central focus of his campaign.
With Macasaet stepping down, the SSS faces the task of appointing a successor who can continue his efforts to improve the pension system, particularly in expanding coverage and strengthening engagement with members across the country.
FAQs
When did Rolando Macasaet resign from SSS?
October 6, 2024.
How long was Macasaet the head of SSS?
He led the SSS from January 2023 to October 2024.
What were Macasaet’s major accomplishments at SSS?
He expanded social security to over 500,000 vulnerable workers.
Why did Macasaet resign from SSS?
No official reason was disclosed for his resignation.
What are Macasaet’s plans after SSS?
He will run for a seat in the 2025 elections under the SSS-GSIS Pensyonado party-list.
