SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – The Social Security System (SSS) La Union Branch conducted its regular Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) campaign on March 13, visiting six delinquent employers in San Fernando City.
This monthly initiative aims to ensure employers comply with the Social Security Act of 2018, which guarantees social security benefits for SSS members and their beneficiaries.
The majority of the delinquent establishments visited during the campaign were those that had failed to remit or pay their contributions over an extended period.
"The RACE campaign is crucial in reminding employers of their legal responsibility to contribute to their employees' social security," said SSS La Union Branch Head Francisco Pentecostes.
"Dito sa La Union branch, nagkakaroon ng ganitong programa kung saan ay every month na naka-conduct kasi napakalaki ang naitutulong nito sa pagpapaalala sa mga employers sa mga contribution ng empleyado nila," he said.
(This program, conducted every month, significantly helps ensure employees receive the social security benefits they deserve.)
The recent campaign is expected to collect around P200,000 in contributions from the six visited establishments, primarily food businesses, benefiting 58 employees.
Lawyer Kaira Grace Gallano, legal officer of SSS Luzon North 1 Department, highlighted the legal consequences for non-compliant employers.
Under the law, employers who neglect to register, report, and remit their employee's contributions to the SSS may be fined P5,000 to P20,000 and face imprisonment for a maximum of six years and one day to 12 years.
However, SSS offers solutions for delinquent employers.
They can settle their obligations through installments or the SSS condonation program, which allows for repayment over a modified period.
The SSS La Union encourages all business owners to prioritize the regular remittance of their employees' contributions to avoid penalties and ensure their workers' social security is protected. (JCR/AMB/SGR, PIA La Union)
