SSS holds back-to-back RACE Ops in Bacolod

The Social Security System (SSS) held a back-to-back Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) Campaign in Bacolod City last August 4 and 5 to remind all employers of their legal obligations under Republic Act 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018.

The RACE Team headed by SSS Vice President for Visayas West 1 Division Lilani B. Benedian and Operations Legal Department Atty. Eduard Dorsey R. Caratao issued written notices to 12 non-compliant employers for non-reporting of employees, non-remittance of SSS contributions, and non-production of monthly collection list.

The Account Management Sections of SSS Bacolod East and Bacolod Lacson branches are expected to collect P9.4 million worth of contribution delinquency after the operations, which is set to benefit about 257 employees.

“These violations directly affect their workers’ eligibility to social security benefits and loan privileges. That is why we are here to remind them of their legal obligations and help them to comply through our designated Account Officers,” Benedian said.

Employers are mandated by the SSS law to register their businesses and report for coverage all their employees, regardless of the status of their employment; deduct from the salaries of employees their share in the monthly contribution; pay their own share of Social Security contributions including Employee’s Compensation; and remit these regularly to the SSS through accredited payment channels.

Failure or refusal to comply with the provisions of the said law is punishable by a fine of not less than P5,000.00 nor more than P20,000.00, or imprisonment for not less than six years and one day nor more than twelve years, or both, at the discretion of the court.

“For those employers with past-due contributions, they may opt to avail of the Enhanced Installment Payment Program under the Pandemic Relief and Restructuring Program 3 which offers flexible installment terms ranging from nine to 60 months, depending on the delinquency amount,” Benedian added.

All qualified regular and household employers with past-due SS and EC contributions may submit their PRRP 3 application until November 21, 2022. For more information on the PRRP 3, kindly visit the link https://bit.ly/3KAdXiX.

Since March of this year, SSS Visayas West 1 Division has conducted seven RACE operations covering the provinces of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor. To date, the Division has collected an aggregate amount of P1.6 million from 37 delinquent employers subjected to the RACE operations.