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Question
EcoHarvest Cooperative engages a certified agronomist, Marco Dela Cruz, to design and oversee a six-month pest-management program for the cooperative’s farms. The parties sign a written contract labeling Marco as an independent contractor. Marco reports daily to the Agricultural Division Manager, attends daily briefings, follows standard operating procedures, uses the cooperative’s laboratory equipment and facilities, and is evaluated by the Division Manager. The cooperative assigns the specific farms and tasks to Marco, sets his work schedule, and can terminate the arrangement at will. Marco maintains a private consulting practice and may take other paid engagements in the evenings and on weekends. The cooperative has not remitted SSS contributions for Marco and argues that he is not an employee for SSS coverage. Under RA 11199 on Social Security System coverage, answer: (a) Whether Marco is an employee for purposes of SSS coverage; (b) If he is, what are the employer’s and employee’s SSS obligations; if not, why not; (c) What factors would SSS consider in determining Marco's status despite the contract label?