SSS Ozamiz conducts RACE operations in Tangub

by Shaine Mae R. Nagtalon

The Social Security System (SSS) Ozamiz Branch kicked off its 2nd Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) activity in Tangub City, April 27, 2023.

The activity is in coordination with the city government of Tangub, PNP Tangub and City Peace Keepers Asenso Team.

The team, headed by SSS Ozamiz Branch Head Liza J. Lumantas together with Corporate Executive Office II-Account Management Section Fritz V. Mabida and Account Officer Vilma M. Burburan delivered notices to ten employers and reminded them of the obligation of remitting their employees’ contributions.

Ozamiz Branch Head Lisa J. Lumantas shared that the SSS RACE aims to remind delinquent employers of their obligations in paying their employees’ contributions on time in order that the benefits due to their employees will be availed when needed.

“The SSS is not here nga amo mong gulaton (to trouble you). We are here to assist you, to settle your delinquencies and to report your unreported employees para maka-avail pod sila sa (so that they can avail of the) benefits and we are also offering an installment payment para pod dili pod mo bug-atan kaayo pagbayad sa (so that you will not be burdened in paying your obligations to) SSS,” Lumantas said.

Head of the Ozamiz branch warned negligent business owners that they will face legal consequences if they do not comply with the order after the 15-day period.

Meanwhile, Corporate Executive Office II-Account Management Section Fritz V. Mabida said non-remittance of employees’ contribution is tantamount to depriving them of their right to social security and benefits.

“Kaning (This) non-remittance of contribution and non-reporting of employees mag (will) deprive ni sa ilang pag claim sa (them of claiming) benefits and privileges like the benefits of sickness, maternity, disability, funeral, death, retirement and unemployment benefit and sa privileges like sa loan, educational loan and sometimes naa tay calamity loan so kung dili sila mo bayad ana so dili maka-claim atong miyembro nga empleyado especially dili nila i-report (we have calamity loan so if you don't pay them, the member or employee will not be able to claim especially if the employers will not report it),” Mabida explained.

Aside from reminding the employer’s payment obligations, Mabida also explained the SSS contribution and loan penalty condonation program where the due penalties are condoned upon payment of the unpaid obligations during the pandemic period while the obligations before the pandemic can be paid either in full or installment basis.

As to the SSS assessed delinquent employers, Account Officer Vilma M. Burburan said that employers had been assigned to an Accounts Officer based on the area of assignment.

One of the responsibilities of an Accounts Officer is to assess them per system records, their contributions ledgers, and/ or actual payroll audit and headcount of actual employees, annually.

Upon discovery and of delinquency, the accounts officer prepares a statement of account and billing letter and will deliver the same either physically or by any other approved means to the employer. The employer is given thirty days to settle such delinquency.

On the possible legal action against delinquent employers, Account Officer Vilma M. Burburan shared that the Legal action against delinquent employers commences when the Accounts Officer refers the employers file to our Legal Department, after the lapse of 30 days from the date of receipt of the SSS Billing Letter.

"Our Legal Department will send a demand letter to concerned employers giving them another ten days to settle their obligations. And in the absence of settlement, SSS will now file a complaint in the prosecutors office," she said.

A delinquent employer currently experiencing financial difficulties in complying its statutory obligation to remit due contributions including penalties may avail of the Installment Payment Scheme offered by the SSS.

The employer may pay within 24 to 48 months depending on the total amount of obligation. Or, an employer whose financial positions demonstrate a clear inability to pay the assessed delinquency arising from economic crisis, serious business losses or resulting from natural calamity, or man-made disaster without fault on it's part may avail of the Contribution Penalty Condonation, Delinquency Management and Restructuring Program (CPCoDe).

After showing proof of suffering a net loss, employers incurred contribution penalty shall be condoned. The principal amount may be paid in full or installment from 12 to 48 months depending on the total amount of obligation.

This is a nationwide campaign of SSS to raise awareness of our employers, especially the delinquent ones of their obligations under the Social Security Law, by personally visiting them and giving them a chance to settle their delinquencies to avoid adverse legal action. (SMRN/PIA-10/Misamis Occidental)