SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union (PIA) — The Social Security System (SSS) La Union Branch reminds workers to regularly check their contribution records as the SSS pursues delinquent employers in the province.
The call was made by SSS La Union Branch Head Francisco Pentecostes, following the conduct of the Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) operation on June 28, to remind employers to settle the contribution of their employees.
The team of SSS conducted a surprise visit to several identified business establishments in San Fernando City, including construction retail chains, convenience store, law firm, and construction company where employers had failed to settle the contributions for a total of 23 affected employees.
The RACE campaign of the agency aims to reiterate to all employers to adhere to their legal obligations strictly and not to compromise their workers’ social security benefits as stipulated in the Republic Act 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018.
The program targets delinquent company owners, who are reminded of the legal consequences of non-compliance and seeks to safeguard the financial well-being of employees in the city.
Pentecostes emphasized that employers should remit their workers’ contributions so they will not deprive their employees of SSS benefits.
“Our members are urged to be responsible for their obligations and regular payment of contributions. Once we find out that employers are not remitting their contributions, we advise them to report it immediately to our branch office [so we can] investigate,” Pentecostes said.
He also underscored the importance of an up-to-date contribution record, as the monthly contributions of SSS members serve as the basis of qualifying for SSS benefits.
Meanwhile, Pentecostes warned delinquent employers sternly, making it clear that the SSS would not hesitate to file charges against them.
“Non-remittance of SSS premiums is a criminal offense that violates RA 11199,” Pentecostes said.
In the said law, employers who fail to register their employees or have not deducted and remitted their contributions to SSS will be penalized with a fine of P5,000 to P20,000 and may face imprisonment from six years and one day to 12 years.
Employers who receive violation notices are given 15 days to coordinate with their respective servicing SSS Branch Office and settle their contribution delinquencies.
The SSS offers the employer various ways of settling their contribution delinquencies, such as the Contribution Penalty Condonation Program wherein computed penalties will be waived upon payment of the accumulated interests and principal amount.
“We also offer them dacion en pago wherein SSS may take hold of any of the employers’ properties as collateral while they are paying obligations,” Pentecostes concluded.
The SSS crackdown against delinquent employers is aimed at showcasing its solidarity with Filipino workers and their rights. (MJTAB/KJCR, PIA La Union)
