ILOILO: The Social Security System (SSS) has issued notifications to seven businesses in Iloilo, urging them to fulfill their obligations regarding employee contributions. This action is part of the SSS’s Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) initiative, aimed at ensuring compliance with the Social Security Act of 2018.
According to Philippines News Agency, Amiel Genova, a senior communications analyst at SSS Visayas West 2 Division, stated that these businesses, which operate in sectors such as spa, food, laundry, and clinics, have accumulated a total delinquency exceeding PHP489.6 million. The establishments have been given a 15-day window to coordinate with SSS to rectify their records and avoid further legal action.
Genova explained that the SSS provides options for delinquent employers, including an installment program that allows staggered payments and a condonation program that waives penalties for qualified establishments. He emphasized that this notification serves as a final warning before the com
mencement of legal proceedings, which could result in civil and criminal charges. Civil cases would require employers to pay the outstanding contributions, while criminal cases could lead to up to six years of imprisonment.
He further noted that the RACE initiative is ongoing, with 13 activities conducted in Iloilo this year alone. The overarching aim is to reduce delinquency through information dissemination, alongside enforcement actions. Genova highlighted the importance of orientations and the introduction of account officers who can assist employers with compliance-related issues.