SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union – The Social Security System (SSS) urged all private employers in the province to fulfill their legal obligations under Republic Act 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018 during the Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) Campaign.
During the RACE Campaign, SSS La Union issued written orders to five employers in the municipalities of Luna and Balaoan who failed to register their business to SSS.
Five employers in the same municipalities also received the same order for failure to produce employment records for inspection.
Under Republic Act 11199, employers are mandated to register their businesses with SSS and remit their employees’ contributions regularly. They are also required to produce and update employment records such as payrolls and contribution and loan collection lists.
“Non-registration of business to SSS and non-production of employment records are major violations of employers which deprive employees from their social security benefits and loan privileges. They must pay their contribution delinquencies so that their workers will regain active SSS membership,” said SSS Vice President for Luzon North 1 Division Cesar P. Saludo.
To aid the affected employers with their unpaid contributions, SSS offered the Enhanced Installment Payment Program under its Pandemic Relief and Restructuring Program. It is an installment payment scheme wherein employers may pay their delinquencies through installment basis, ranging from nine to 60 months, depending on the delinquency amount.
“We consider employers as our partners in providing social security benefits to the members. Since we also acknowledge their financial struggles during the pandemic, we are giving them a chance to settle their obligations and save them from distress,” VP Saludo said.
Employers subjected to RACE were given 15 days to respond to the written order by visiting SSS La Union branch. Otherwise, SSS will be compelled to pursue legal actions against them.
SSS La Union Branch Head Francisco Pentecostes pointed out that employed members should also be responsible in checking the status of their SSS contribution and records through their My.SSS Accounts.
“This online platform was created to give our members comfortable, fast, and safe transactions with us. Should they see any discrepancies or any problem with their records, they can just visit us in our branch, and we will be ready to assist them. They should not be afraid to assert their right to social security because they are being protected by the law,” Pentecostes said.
Pentecostes concludes that employees should be keen on their social security contributions. To be covered in SSS is not only a protection for them but also it is their right.
