SSS Oroquieta explains RACE program a ‘stern warning’ to employers

by Jasper Marie O. Rucat

“We are giving them a stern warning should they fail to comply with the requirements or fail to pay the contributions, they will face legal obligations,” said Simon Jude Obut, Social Security System (SSS) Oroquieta branch head.

In Let’s Talk MisOcc, virtual media forum or e-Talakayan of the Philippine Information Agency Misamis Occidental, Obut said that in the Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) program, SSS top officials will visit employers and remind them on their liability, on their obligation related to the payment of their contribution for their employees.

“Dili man gyud nato malikayan, naa man gyud atong employers nga naka experience og financial setback, so dili sila kabayad on time sailang mga contribution,” he said.

(It cannot be avoided there are employers who have experienced financial setback, so they cannot pay on time for their contribution)

But not paying SSS contributions is a criminal liability, Obut said.

RACE may be a shock to members but SSS is giving employers the benefit to settle their obligations. They are given options such as through an installment proposal or condonation restructuring program.

This is to avoid jeopardizing benefits of the member, Obut said.

The negative effect on employees if their contribution is not paid or remitted by their employer is that they will not be able to avail of services from SSS. As to contribution, it is currently 60% employer and 40% employee.

As to benefits, SSS offers medical and non-medical benefits to members.

Under the medical benefits are sickness, maternity, disability and for non-medical benefits, retirement, death, funeral and unemployment benefits.

Other than that, Obut shared SSS also has loan privileges for members to meet their short term credits. (JMOR/PIA10)