SSS files charges vs. 4 employers for P15-M unremitted contributions, penalties

The Social Security System (SSS) on Wednesday said it has filed criminal charges against four business establishments for P15 million in unremitted employees’ contributions and penalties, with the agency planning to charge over 600 delinquent employers moving forward.

According to the SSS, it filed separate criminal charges at the Prosecutor’s Office against a restaurant business, a fire extinguisher’s retail-refilling supplier, a BPO service provider, and a car spare parts importer.

The were reported to have deprived some 140 employees of availing SSS benefits or applying for loan programs because of their non-remittance of contributions, as part of the agency’s Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) campaigns.

Assessments made by the agency showed that among the four, the restaurant owner had the highest contribution delinquency, with P11.1-million worth of charges including P4.8 million unpaid workers’ contributions, and P6.4 million in penalties.

“SSS previously visited the four employers during RACE operations to remind them to pay the contribution of their workers. However, they failed to settle their contribution delinquencies despite receiving violation notices from SSS,” president and chief executive officer Rolando Macasaet said.

For his part, SSS vice president for Operations Legal Services Division and RACE Team coordinator Renato Jacinto Cuisia said the four employers were given “multiple opportunities” to settle their contribution delinquencies, but to no avail.

“[T]hey did not cooperate with the SSS and comply with the Social Security Law, leaving SSS with no other recourse but to file a case in court against them,” he said.

Cuisia  also reminded employers that they are mandated to register their businesses with the agency, and report all employees within 30 days from their employment date.

“It is not just a legal obligation, but a moral responsibility of employers to deduct from the employee’s salary the employee’s share in the monthly SSS contribution and, together with the employer’s share, remit it to the SSS,” he said.

Moving forward, the SSS said it is set to charge another 655 delinquent employers for not remitting P257 million in workers’ contributions.

The agency last month said it issued violation notices to over 1,200 delinquent employers across the country, with over P335-million worth of contributions needed to be settled.

Under its mandate, the SSS is tasked to promote social justice and provide protection to members and families against the hazards of disability, sickness, maternity, old age, death, and other contingencies resulting in loss of income or financial burden. — BM, GMA Integrated News