KALIBO, Aklan (PIA) — The Social Security System West Visayas 2 Division continues to deliver its commitment to protect its members in the province of Aklan as it strengthens its campaign against delinquent employers.
The SSS VW 2 Division and SSS-Kalibo recently conducted its first Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) activity for the second semester this 2024 in Aklan, particularly in Boracay Island in Malay town.
The RACE Team led by SSS Commissioner Jose C. Julio and SSS VW 2 Division Acting VP Angelo Blancaver visited nine business establishments on the Island including bars, restaurants, diving school, spa, minimart, cooking service, and clothing retail shop.
According to Senior Communications Analyst Amiel Genova, approximately P1.4 million is expected to be collected from the nine employers who failed to remit their obligations, affecting about 124 employees in Boracay.
During the RACE activity, the said employers were served a Notice of Violation, giving them 15 days to coordinate with the SSS Kalibo branch and settle their obligations.
“Aside from the issuance of Notice of Violation, the activity also became a venue for the agency to personally visit the employers and explain to them the purpose of RACE, as well as to remind them of their obligations as provided by RA 11199 or the SSS Law,” Genova said in an interview.
Genova mentioned that as provided by the SSS Law, once an employer starts a business with even just one employee, it should be reported and registered with the SSS for coverage.
He also said that SSS acknowledged employers as their partners and that the RACE operation is not an antagonistic approach but a sort of a reminder to them of their responsibilities as the benefits and welfare of their employees also rely on the remittances of their obligations.
“The SSS has programs being offered to the employers such as the condonation program or installment scheme so that it will not be so heavy or burdensome for them to pay their obligations,” Genova explained.
However, Genova reminded employers not to take for granted the RACE operation as they could be subjected to legal remedies such as filing of civil and criminal cases.
In the province of Aklan, he confirmed that there are some employers, previously subjected to RACE, that are now facing legal means.
He also added that there are some that are already endorsed to the SSS Legal Department for the filing of cases.
Meanwhile, Genova reminded the public that the office of SSS is always open and ready to answer queries as well as to provide support and assistance.
He also urged employers to religiously remit their employees’ contributions as well as loan payments to ensure the coverage and availment of the different SSS benefits. (AGP/SQP/PIA-Aklan)
