THE SOCIAL Security System (SSS) Davao Branch has taken further steps to ensure compliance among delinquent Davao business owners through the conduct of the Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) Campaign.
Mary Ellen A. Estoque, SSS vice president for Mindanao South 1 Division, led the issuance of violation notices to delinquent employers due to their non-registration of businesses, non-reporting of employees, and non-remittance of their contributions.
“Davao branch identified employers who are not compliant with key requirements such as SSS registration, employee reporting, and contribution remittance. Although stern warnings were earlier issued, they are given another 15 days to fulfill their obligations by availing the Contribution Penalty Condonation and Installment Payment programs that will help them gradually settle their delinquencies and penalties,” Estoque said.
Estoque explained that employers’ failure to fulfill legal obligations under Republic Act 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018 is punishable with a fine of P5,000 to P20,000 and jail time ranging from six years and one day.
“We don’t mean to harass the entrepreneurs. This campaign is designed to educate and assist employers in meeting their legal obligations, and ultimately protecting their employees’ right to social security protection,” she noted.
Since January 2024, the SSS Davao Branch has referred 18 establishments for legal action due to violations of the Social Security Act of 2018. From January to September 2024, SSS Davao has already conducted eight RACE operations with initial collections amounting to over P22 million.
