Baguio City – Following the directive of the newly-appointed Social Security System (SSS) President and Chief Executive Officer Michael G. Regino, SSS Baguio branch issued written orders to 14 employers who violated the mandatory provisions of the Social Security Act of 2018 during the Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) Campaign.
Five of these employers failed to register their businesses to SSS while the remaining nine did not produce documents as proof of SSS membership and contribution payments of their employees.
“Registration of business to SSS and production of employment documents are among the legal obligations commonly neglected by employers. These derelictions of their duties deprive their workers from receiving their SSS benefits and loan privileges. It’s about time to break that bad habit and compel them to act as responsible employers,” Regino said.
Under Republic Act 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018, employers are mandated to register their businesses to 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.
Employers who received the written order were given 15 days to report to SSS Baguio and settle their obligations. Otherwise, SSS will be compelled to take legal actions against them.
“To all employers who are yet to register their businesses to SSS or financially challenged to cope with their SSS obligations, come and see us and we will assist you with your concerns. Let us reciprocate your workers’ hardships and sacrifices through providing them social security protection,” Regino said.
SSS is currently offering Pandemic Relief Restructuring Programs (PRRP) to all delinquent employers.
PRRP 2 offers condonation of penalties for past-due social security contributions as of March 2020 thru one-time payment or installment term up to 24 months. PRRP 3 is an Enhanced Installment Payment Program which offers flexible payment terms ranging from nine to sixty months depending on the total amount of obligation
Likewise, SSS Vice President for Luzon North 1 Division Ceasar Saludo reminded all employed members of their rights and responsibilities.
“Employees should regularly check their SSS contributions through the My.SSS Portal to confirm if the paid contributions were already posted in our system. In case they observed irregularities in their contribution and loan records, members can file a complaint to SSS Baguio so that they can be assisted by the said office,” Saludo said.
The RACE Campaign started in 2017 to instill awareness on employers’ obligation and employees’ right to social security benefits; and intensify employer compliance through increased coverage and collection. SSS Luzon Operations Group, SSS Baguio’s Accounts Management Team and Luzon North Division’s Legal Cluster led this year’s second operation.**