The Social Security System (SSS) in Bacolod City aims to collect P2.87 million in contribution delinquencies from 14 non-compliant employers in three cities on Negros Island, its report yesterday showed.

The amount, which includes penalties, was determined after its personnel conducted another round of visits as part of the Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) campaign in Negros Occidental’s cities of San Carlos and Sagay, and Negros Oriental’s Canlaon City on February 15 and 16.

In a statement, Lilani Benedian, Vice President for SSS Visayas West 1 Division, said written orders for the non-remittance of contributions and non-submission of the monthly collection list have been served to 14 employers by their branches in San Carlos and Sagay.

“They were given 15 days to respond to the written notice by visiting SSS San Carlos or Sagay branch for settlement of their delinquencies,” she added.

Employers are mandated by Social Security law to register their businesses and report for coverage all their employees, regardless of the status of their employment, as well as deduct from the salaries of their employees their share in the monthly contribution.

They should also pay their share of SS contributions, including Employee’s Compensation, and remit these regularly to the SSS through accredited payment channels.

“These are the legal obligations of employers as mandated by Republic Act 11199 or Social Security Act of 2018. We remain firm in our stand in prioritizing the welfare of our employee-members by conducting personal visits to these employers and helping them settle their contribution delinquency,” Benedian said.

Non-compliant employers can avail of the penalty condonation program, which offers flexible payment terms ranging from 12 months to 48 months, depending on the assessed amount, and waives accumulated penalties after payment has been completed.

In this installment mode, employers are required to pay a downpayment of not less than five percent of the total amount of delinquency. (PNA)