CITY OF TABUK (PIA) — The Social Security System (SSS) made its services more accessible to Tabukeños with the conduct of the National SSS Registration Day at the Dagupan Public Market on July 15.
The activity which was led by the SSS Tuguegarao Branch served over 100 individuals who came to register, inquire, update their information, and avail of online services, among others. The event was also a venue to promote the advantages of being an SSS member.
“It raises awareness on the importance of social security benefits sa ating mga members and future members and especially those who are not yet registered,” said Pepito Simbra Jr., head of the SSS Tabuk Service Office.
Simbra highlighted the broad coverage of the social insurance program under which members can avail of sickness, maternity, retirement, disability, death, and unemployment benefits.
Angelique Songyo of Barangay Appas appreciated the National SSS Registration Day as she enjoyed a faster transaction than usual.
“Maganda kasi mas lumapit na kesa kung pumunta kasi kami duon sa Bulanao, andaming pila. Dito na-avail talaga agad,” Songyo said.
Songyo, who is a teacher, shared she had signed up to the SSS for the benefits and the reliability of the agency’s services.
“Andaming benefits katulad ng maternity benefits and kapag need mo talaga malalapitan mo sila agad,” she said.
[There are many benefits like maternity benefits, and if you need you can go to them immediately.]
Part of the Registration Day was the conduct of RACE or Run After Contribution Evaders activity where SSS served show cause orders to nine out of the 11 delinquent employers in Tabuk.
Three of the establishments were closed during the operation, and are scheduled for another visit. Among the establishments visited were food houses, retail stores, a bread station, a clinic, a general merchandise store, a water station, and a grilling store. The common violation is failure to register their employees with the SSS.
“Kailangan nilang mag-comply within 15 days kasi kapag hindi sila nag-comply, nire-refer po natin sila sa tinatawag nating EDMD or Employer’s Delinquency Monitoring Department natin na magi-issue na rin ng demand letter. Kapag hindi na sila nakapag-comply dun sa demand letter, magfa-file na tayo ng legal case,” said Jennivie B. Tollo, accounts management section acting head.
[They have to comply within 15 days because if they will not comply, we refer them to what we call the EDMD or Employer’s Delinquency Monitoring Department that will issue demand letter. If they fail to comply with the demand letter, a legal case will be filed.]
Under the SSS law, employers must report their employees for SSS coverage within 30 days from their first work day. Employers who fail to register their employees and remit monthly contributions will be penalized with a fine of P5,000 to P20,000 and face imprisonment ranging from six years and one day to 12 years.
The SSS regularly conducts the RACE campaign to instill awareness among employers of their legal obligations and ensure that employees get their social security benefits. (IOS-PIA CAR, Kalinga)
