SSS to run after delinquent employers on Labor Day

CEBU, Philippines — To celebrate Labor Day on May 1, 2024, the Social Security System (SSS) will push for the social security protection of Filipino workers nationwide by calling on business establishments to religiously remit their workers’ contributions.

SSS Executive Vice President for Branch Operations Sector Voltaire P. Agas announced that SSS will issue violation notices to delinquent employers across the country in a synchronous Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) operation to remind them of the legal consequences of not remitting their employees’ contributions.

Agas added that this event is dubbed as “Alay ng SSS para sa mga Manggagawa – Serbisyong Mapagkakatiwalaan at Proteksyong Maaasahan.” The nationwide campaign will be done today, April 30, 2024.

“We want to assure our members that SSS will take action and penalize employers who fail to register their employees or have not deducted and remitted their contributions,” Agas said in a statement.

Agas affirmed SSS’ commitment to ensuring that all Filipinos in the labor force have access to social security benefits in emergencies.

He said that the SSS President and Chief Executive Office (PCEO) have always prioritized the welfare of the Filipino workers by ensuring that they are able to avail of the various social security protection benefits provided by the state pension fund.

One of these measures, Agas said, is to see to it that employers are up-to-date in remitting premium contributions collected from workers.

Agas said that they have implemented new programs to reach out to workers in the informal economy, especially in the rural areas and those belonging to the grassroots by encouraging them to enroll in the SSS so all Filipinos will get social security coverage.

According to  Agas, SSS members would be entitled to social security benefits such as sickness, maternity, disability, unemployment, retirement, funeral, and death benefits.

He added that the SSS also offers a Voluntary Provident Fund Program also known as the WISP Plus to SSS members to increase their retirement pension in addition to the benefits they receive under the regular social security program.

“Members can contribute as little as P500 per payment under the WISP Plus whenever they want. The members’ pooled contributions under WISP Plus will generate investment earnings, which will be credited to their accounts tax-free,” he added.

The WISP and WISP Plus aim to supplement a member’s savings in addition to the retirement he/she can get from the regular social security program. — (FREEMAN)