DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental, May 19 (PIA) -- The Social Security System (SSS) here has rounded out 10 delinquent employers as part of the implementation of its “Run After Contribution Evaders” (RACE) campaign in Dumaguete City and Sibulan town.

The establishments, whose contribution delinquencies totaled of P1.5 million affecting 80 employees of resort, restaurant, salon, gas station, private schools, and corporations.

SSS Vice President for Visayas West 1 Division Dr. Lilani Benedian said this year’s second batches of delinquent establishments are issued notices due to the following violations: non-remittance of contributions, under reporting of employees, and employees were deducted of contributions but failed to remit it to SSS.

After receiving the Show Cause Orders, Benedian said SSS gives delinquent employers 15 days to coordinate with their respective servicing SSS Branch Office in Dumaguete and settle their contribution delinquencies.

“Out of the delinquency of P1.5 million, around P257,000 is the amount of the penalty, however,  we offered to them the contribution’s penalty condonation program, so we can help them possibly reduce the amount of their delinquency by deducting the amount of penalty if they qualify,” said Benedian.

SSS offers payment scheme for delinquent employers of their obligations, either in installment or in full payment so that the benefits due to their employees will be availed when needed.

“Some employers who we were able to talk, were also very happy to be visited by SSS as they were able to learn about the employers’ obligation, about the SSS law per se,” Benedian said.

SSS here has still has a number of delinquent employers that will be visited in the second semester to remind their legal obligations under RA11199.

An employer who fails or refuses to pay contributions of their employees may be penalized by a fine of not less than P5,000 nor more than P20,000 or imprisonment for not less than six years and one day nor more than 12 years. 

Benedian urged employers to voluntarily fulfill their obligations under the SS Law as partners in providing meaningful social security protection to workers. 

The SSS official reiterated that delinquent business employers can apply for the Contribution Penalty Condonation, Delinquency Management and Restructuring Program (CPCoDe MRP) while household employers can avail of the Contribution Penalty Condonation and Restructuring Program (CPCR-P). (JCT/PIA7 Negros Oriental)