The Social Security System said Monday that it continues to issue written notices against delinquent employers in Negros Occidental, during its Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) campaign on April 8.
Subjected to the second operations were six non-compliant establishments in the cities of Bago and La Carlota.
An estimated contribution delinquency amounting to P738,397.24, inclusive of penalties, were not remitted by these establishments to the SSS, in clear violation of Republic Act No. 11199, or the Social Security Act of 2018.
“Some of these establishments have been remiss in paying their employees’ contribution for several years now,” SSS vice president for Visayas West 1 Division head, Lilani Benedian, said in a statement, adding that “this deprived their workers from enjoying the benefits and privileges they rightfully deserve.”
Under the Social Security Act of 2018, coverage of all employees, including kasambahays or house helpers not over 60 years of age and their employers, is compulsory on the first day of employment.
Employers are obliged to report their employees within 30 days from date of actual employment, and to remit both the employee and employer share of the monthly contribution within 30 days from the date they became due.
Employers found guilty of violating any of the provisions of RA 11199 shall be punished 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, or both, at the discretion of the court, the SSS said.
The RACE campaign is being implemented nationwide under the direction of SSS president and chief executive officer, Michael Regino, to ensure that all employers are compliant with the law, providing social security protection to all members and their beneficiaries.
Meanwhile, employer representatives were advised to relay the written notice to the business owners with an option to settle their contribution delinquency through the availment of the Pandemic Relief and Restructuring Programs.
The PRRP 2, or Condonation of Penalties on Social Security Contributions Program, is offered to employers with delinquencies from March 2020 and onwards. Qualified employers may pay their contribution delinquencies in full or installment and have their penalties condoned afterwards. Interested applicants may submit their requests until May 19.
Meanwhile, employers who have no means to immediately settle their past-due SS and Employees’ Compensation contributions may avail of the PRRP 3, or the Enhanced Installment Payment Program, which offers flexible payment terms ranging from nine to 60 months, depending on the total amount of delinquency. It will run until November 22, 2022.
Complete details of PRRPs 2 and 3 can be accessed at https://bit.ly/SSSCI2021-015, and https://bit.ly/SSSPRRP3, respectively./NND
