BANGUED, Abra (PIA) — The Social Security System (SSS) continues to remind employers of their obligation regarding the registration of their businesses and employees and payment of SSS contributions to ensure the social security protection of their workers.
SSS-Bangued Branch led by Manager Edward Urua along with SSS legal officers visited establishments particularly construction firms, grocery stores, poultry supplies and other businesses in the recently held Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) campaign in the province.
During the ninth RACE campaign in Abra for 2024, the team issued Show Cause orders to 11 non-registered and one non-remitting employer to settle their delinquencies and remit the corresponding monthly contributions of their employees.
One establishment was convinced on-the-spot to register his five employees and pay their monthly dues.
In an interview with SSS lawyer Warden Domingo, he explained that SSS will press charges against employers who do not respond and settle their delinquencies after the issuance of a final demand letter.
“If they’re not complying within 15 days after the demand letter, we will refer them immediately for case filing in violation of the SSS Law or the RA11199,” Domingo said.
“If may nangyari sa mga emplyeado nila, or maaksidente man at nalamang hindi pala sila nagbabayad ng contribution nila, they are liable to pay the damages,” he added.
[If anything happens to their employees, or they meet an accident and it is found out that they have not paid the contributions, they are liable to pay the damages.]
Under Republic Act 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018, employers who have not registered their employees or have not deducted and remitted the monthly contributions of their workers shall be penalized with a fine of P5,000 to P20,000, and face imprisonment ranging from six years and one day to 12 years.
SSS Bangued Branch Manager Edwards Urua said that with the condonation program, erring employers are given a 15-day grace period from the issuance of the notice to settle their contribution delinquencies with SSS
The RACE aims to ensure the social security coverage of members and enhance SSS’ collection efficiency as provided under the SSS law. (CAGT-PIA CAR, Abra).
