SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) -- The Social Security System (SSS) here reminded employers to regularly settle their contributions on employee premiums to avoid civil and administrative liabilities.
SSS West Visayas Area 2 Vice President lawyer Bernardo Dofitas, Jr. stressed that employers are mandated by Republic Act (R.A.) 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018 to ensure the social security protection of their employees through monthly payment of premiums.
To follow through on businesses with delinquent obligations in the province, SSS Antique branch held this year’s first round of the Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) campaign around the capital town of San Jose de Buenavista.
Six business establishments were issued with a Notice of Violation (NOV) during the RACE, which is the state insurer’s diplomatic approach to ensuring employer’s compliance with the law.
Upon receipt of the NOV, employers have 15 days to appear before any SSS branch to settle their accounts, otherwise, legal actions will be pursued by SSS.
Atty. Dofitas acknowledged that business owners are partners of SSS in achieving social security for employees, hence, their willingness to talk with employers and present them with various payment modalities.
Employers can apply for a contribution penalty condonation, delinquency management, and restructuring program which, if approved, enables them to pay in installments from 12 to 48 months depending on the unpaid amount.
To avoid unnecessary troubles, Atty. Dofitas reiterated that employers should settle their bills on time since their running balance increases monthly and will later on become too large to bear when neglected.
For his part, SSS Antique branch manager Phillip Lucero said that 60-70% of employers in Antique have delinquent obligations, hence his call to no longer wait for the NOV and promptly appear at their office.
Lucero also urged employees to register on the SSS online portal via www.sss.gov.ph and regularly monitor their contribution records, and immediately report discrepancies or unpaid contributions.
To strengthen their initiative against contribution evaders, SSS will hold successive RACE campaigns this year across Antique. (AGP/BPS/PIA Antique)
