SSS Naga kicks-off 2nd RACE drive for delinquent employers

By Zyra D. Ponce

The Social Security System (SSS) Naga Branch has conducted an operation dubbed Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) against erring employers on Monday, May 16, to remind them of their duties and obligations to remit their employees’ contributions to the agency.

The RACE campaign aims to instill awareness and discipline among employers, enhance the collection efficiency and increase the level of compliance of the employers as mandated by Republic Act (RA) 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018.

“Alam naming na we have this pandemic pero kung ang employer ay hindi magbabayad ng kanilang contributions papano naman makakapag avail ng benefits yung member so eto pakikipagtulungan namin,” SSS Vice President for Luzon Bicol Division Elenita Somblero said.

During the field visit to the delinquent employers, the RACE team reminded the owners of five business establishments in Naga and one in Pili, Camarines Sur about their obligations to their employees and the SSS. The agency recorded different violations of the employers, which include the non-production of payroll or any other records of employees and non-remittance of SSS contributions.

Somblero added that RACE is not a shame campaign but an awareness drive to remind the the employers and urge them to settle their SSS legal obligations. She also invited the employers to avail and apply on the programs offered by the agency under the Pandemic Relief and Restructuring Programs (PPRP), which offers installment, loan and penalty condonation programs.

“The employers are given 30 days to report. Meron pong reschedules na mag report within 30 days from first day of employment kahit ilan po ang employee natin and kahit anong status ng employee natin. And after the deadline, that is considered a delinquent employer,” SSS acting head-Bicol Luzon Legal Department Atty. Ma. Charissa Oliver-Velasco said.

In Naga City, based on SSS Naga branch record, there is a total of 12,849 employers, 10 percent of whom are considered delinquent.

“Yun pong non-remittance natin is non-provisionable, so if you are found guilty of violating the SSS law especially non-remittance, ang penalty po diyan ay P5,000 to P20.000 fine and imprisonment of 6 years and one day to 12 years,” Velasco said. She added that employers must not be scared if they received a demand letter, instead they should visit the SSS branch and settle their obligations to prevent the filing of cases against them.