SSS’s RACE campaign receives appreciation from employees

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

FOR nearly 14 years, Nancy Concepcion of Balatas, Naga City has been the caretaker of the Firande Square Building in this city owned by the Esplana family.

With 6 kids, the 46-year-old mother is grateful that her employer has judiciously paid her Social Security System (SSS) contribution for the past years.

“Malaking bagay sa amin ang SSS contribution, dahil kampante kami na sa panahon ng pangangailangan, may mga benepisyo kaming maaring makuha. Napapanood ko po yong mga RACE campaign ng SSS sa ibang mga employers na hindi nagbabayad ng kontribusyon ng kanilang mga tauhan. Kaya nagpapasalamat din ako at nakatagpo ako ng employer na sumusunod sa batas,” Nancy said.

(The SSS contribution is a big help to us because we are assured that we can avail of certain benefits in times of need. The SSS RACE campaigns target employers who do not pay their employees’ contributions. That’s why I’m also grateful to have found an employer who abides by the law.)

Things though are different for Tatay Dolfo, an automotive worker in Camarines Sur who requested not to divulge his real name.

“Ma sampulong taon na ako nag ta –trabaho igde. Akala ko lamang nahuhulugan ako ning SSS ta pigbabawasan kami. Naaraaman ko na sana kan may magduman na taga SSS, nadangog ko RACE campaign na nag tatao ning penalidad sa mga employer na dae nagbabayad para sa kontribusyon kan saindang mga empleyado: Tatay Dolfo said in vernacular.

(I have been working here for ten years. I thought I had SSS contributions since this is being deducted from our salary. I only found out when someone from the SSS came by, and I heard about the RACE campaign, which imposes penalties on employers who do not pay the contributions for their employees.)

Both Nancy and Tatay Adolfo praised the SSS Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) Campaign.

Nancy said that the RACE campaign is a way to raise the awareness of the employees while reminding delinquent employers.

Tatay Adolfo was all smiles when his employer said that their premiums would be settled with SSS.

“At least, nawara na so kaba ko. May maasahan ako na so binawas sakuya, mapapakinabangan ko.”

(At least I am now assured that I have something to rely on in times of need.)

SSS Vice President for Luzon Bicol Division Elenita S. Samblero said that through the RACE campaign, employers are reminded of their legal obligations under the SSS law.

Samblero also advised the employees to be vigilant of their rights.

“If members discover discrepancies in their contribution records, do not hesitate to ask their company representatives why their SSS contributions are not updated. Should their employers fail to act on it, we advised them to file a non-remittance complaint to the nearest SSS branch,” Samblero added.

She also urged employed SSS members to regularly monitor their contribution records through their My.SSS account to verify if their Social Security and Employees’ Compensation (EC) contributions are remitted on time.

In a press briefing in Legazpi, Samblero said that 27 of the 54 employers last May, failed to remit the SSS contributions of its 158 employees worth P2.15 million. (With reports from QSAgsao,SSS-LSM/PIA 5)

SSS personnel serve a written notice to employers for their failure to register their business or pay the contributions for their employees. This is in line with SSS campaign to urge 54 erring employers in Bicol to settle over P2-M delinquencies (Photo credit: SSS Luzon Bicol Division)