After the long line at the SSS office, waiting for their internet connection to get back online so they can validate my account, and several months of waiting... My ID has finally arrived *rejoices*.. Hooray for me! Their system is confusing. Despite the SSS being computerized and being backed up by an enterprise grade database server (Oracle), the implementation is flaky to say the least. I'm thinking along the lines of budget cuts made under the table if you catch my drift. The system is down almost 35% of the time when you try to log on online; and their satellite offices rely a public internet access point with a user login interface to connect to the main servers.

It's very depressing since we, the tax payers, paid for such systems and barely get half of the benefits such systems should provide. They flaunt ads on the e-service of government agencies which are just ruses for personal monetary goals. How do they expect people especially the younger generation to be honest tax payers if we don't see nor feel any incentives from the government?

Another depressing part about the SSS ID adventure I had is getting the prize itself, in this case the ID card. The card is made out of thin PVC plastic with a lousy print job. I get better ID cards from food establishments for free, but with the government I get this sorry excuse of an ID card.

Well, it would be pointless to continue rambling about corruption in the Philippines, at the very least the SSS ID card will serve its purpose as a means of Identification. No matter what angle I look at it, I can look at the glass half full with my previous remark since the contents of the glass barely made a quarter.