MATI CITY, Davao Oriental (PIA) — The Social Security System office in Mati City, Davao Oriental (SSS-Mati) continues to intensify its efforts to ensure that employers in Davao Oriental comply with their legal obligations under the Social Security Act of 2018 (Republic Act No. 11199) through the Run After Contribution Evaders (R.A.C.E.) campaign.
Recently, SSS-Mati visited ten business establishments in the city that were delinquent in remitting their employees’ SSS contributions. These establishments were served Notices of Violation and given 15 days to rectify their delinquency before further legal action is pursued.
The visited establishments span a range of industries, including manufacturing, hospitality, construction (sand and gravel), food services, beauty and wellness, retail, and woodworking.
SSS Mindanao South Legal Department manager Atty. Chillete B. Bolo-Escovilla reiterated that compliance is mandatory, and employers who fail to act after being flagged and served a Notice of Violation will face legal consequences.
“An employer’s obligation is clearly provided in the law—if the law mandates deductions for SSS, then coverage is compulsory,” she explained.
Bolo-Escovilla added that non-compliant employers may face penalties ranging from P5,000 to P20,000, or imprisonment of six to twelve years, as stipulated under Republic Act 11199.
Meanwhile, SSS-Mati branch head Sharon Porlares said that besides conducting regular RACE campaigns, they will also strengthen efforts to track and identify delinquent employers across the province of Davao Oriental.
At present, SSS-Mati has conducted 19 RACE operations in various areas in the province, including Mati City, Lupon, Banaybanay, Governor Generoso, San Isidro, and Baganga. Through these operations, 215 Notices of Violation have been issued, covering 1,210 employees.
The RACE campaign does not merely aim to go after delinquent employers; it also assists them in fulfilling their obligations to their employees. As a result of these efforts, 63 employers have registered with the SSS, while another 39 have already settled their previously unremitted contributions.
So far, SSS-Mati has collected P3.7 million in partial payments and P1.8 million in full payments from the unremitted contributions of flagged delinquent employers.
For non-compliant employers, despite the notices, SSS-Mati has referred 34 cases to legal action. Of these, seven cases have been filed, six have been settled, and one remains pending in court.
While the SSS remains committed to educating and guiding employers, it underscores that enforcement remains vital to safeguarding the social security rights of Filipino workers. (ASO/PIA Davao Oriental with reports from Mati CIO)
