SSS RACE campaign records  P2.4 million unpaid contributions

CEBU, Philippines —  The Social Security System (SSS) Visayas Central 1 Division uncovered a total of 21 more delinquent employers in Cebu affecting at least 96 workers of whom contribution status is at stake.

In a three-day Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) campaign conducted by SSS Central 1 (VC 1) Division, headed by Atty. Alberto L. Montalbo in the towns of Naga, Carcar, and Lapu-Lapu City, the team recorded a total of P2.4 million in delinquency by the 21 employers.

“In areas that are miles away from the Cebu business district, economic activities have already bounced back from the financial distress caused by the pandemic. Hence, we conducted the RACE Campaign to remind erring employers of their legal obligations as business owners and help them bring back their good standing status with SSS. This campaign will also ensure that our members in the private sector will be protected in times of contingencies,” Montalbo said in a post-event interview.

The VC1 RACE team issued written notices to eight establishments in Danao City including a school, gasoline station, hardware, catering service provider, convenience store, birthing center, and two general merchandise stores. Likewise, a laundry station, beauty salon, and hardware in Naga City while two pasalubong centers and a dim sum house in Carcar City also received the same notice from the SSS.

The RACE Team also went to an “ukay-ukay” store, beauty salon, general merchandise stores, and restaurants in Lapu-Lapu City.

SSS Visayas Central Legal Department Atty. Ligaya Bato encouraged the employers who were subjected to the operation to cooperate with SSS to avoid the litigation process.

“They were given a 15-day grace period to coordinate with the SSS branch having jurisdiction over their accounts. From there, they have to avail of the contribution penalty condonation program to settle delinquencies through a one-time payment or installment terms ranging from 12 to 48 months, depending on the delinquency amount. If these employers exert no effort to settle their delinquency, we will be compelled to enforce the provisions of the law by initiating the filing of criminal charges against them,” Bato said.

Failure or refusal to comply with the provisions of Republic Act 11199 or Social Security Act of 2018 is punishable by a fine of not less than P5,000 but not more than P20,000 or imprisonment for not less than six years and one day but not more than twelve years, or both, at the discretion of the court.

On the other hand, Montalbo assured SSS members and employers in Cebu province that all SSS branches will assist with the concerns and challenges encountered by members and employers relative to their SSS membership and registration.

“We encourage our members to regularly check their SSS records online. Should they notice any irregularity in their contribution, immediately report the matter to us and we would be willing to act on their complaints so we can compel their employers to remit their contributions to SSS,” noted Montalbo.

 Meanwhile, Montalbo reminded stakeholder employers to be responsible with their obligations, saying “Whenever they receive a notice for coverage, billing letter, or a demand letter from SSS, immediately coordinate with the SSS branch concerned so we can immediately assist them. Note that registration of business and remittance of SSS contributions is an employer obligation under the Social Security Act of 2018.”