In a bid to extend protection to workers in the private sector especially in these times of challenges, a team from the Social Security System (SSS) visited Bohol business establishments found to have not complied with their obligations under the Social Security Law.
No less than Atty. Alberto Montalbo, SSS Visayas Acting Vice President along with a team of from the agency’s legal department, conducted an inspection of firms located in Tagbilaran City’s main business district to hand out orders to explain to the SSS why they have been remiss in paying for their workers’ contributions, as mandated by law.
The team implemented the Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) program. They visited six establishments and the firms are mandated to explain within 15 days why they shall not be held legally accountable for non payment of their workers’ contributions even if the business owners have already collected the workers’ contribution share.
The SSS RACE team visited an outsourcing company, a water refilling station, a beauty and wellness center, a cellphone repair shop, a food shack and a car repair company which have been found to be remiss of their obligations to the SSS.
Moreover, SSS Bohol’s Dioscoro Madanguit said that the program used to be known as the SSS Shame campaign, and even mandates the posting of the notice of violations and padlocking establishments found to have deficiencies with the said agency.
SSS President and Chief Executive Officer, Michael G. Regino said that the campaign was modified to allow businesses to avail themselves of remedies to address their deficiencies to the SSS.
“We would like to remind our employers to be mindful of their legal obligations under the Social Security Law such as remittance of contributions. It should be remitted as they fall due so that their employees will qualify to avail of the SSS benefits and loan privileges,” Montalbo said.
SSS Bohol Field Office chief Engr. Alieta Basubas explained that the six firms have been found to be remiss of their duties, even before the pandemic started and that they have been informed of their deficiencies.
Some of them promised to update their records, but then stopped paying again, Basubas added.
“We would also like to apprise our employers that they can request for a seminar with their account officers to keep them abreast of their legal obligations.” Montalbo quipped.
SSS is currently offering condonation programs for delinquent employers.
These are the PRRP 2: Condonation of Penalties on SS contributions which will run until May 19, 2022; and PPRP 3: Enhanced Installment Payment Program which is open for applicants until November 21, 2022.
Delinquent employers are advised to coordinate with their respective Account Officers to avail themselves of these programs.
Employers who were subjected to RACE were given a reminder to settle within 15 days from receipt thereof; otherwise, SSS will be constrained to take legal actions against the responsible officers of the company for violation of the SS Law.
“We encourage our media partners and stakeholders here in Bohol to disseminate the information on the ongoing condonation programs of SSS,” Basubas said.
On the other hand, delinquent employers are welcome to avail themselves of the ongoing condonation programs offered by SSS,” Montalbo concluded.
