RACE CAMPAIGN. Social Security System (SSS) officials visit an establishment during the Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) campaign in Legazpi City, Albay on Friday (March 22, 2024). A total of PHP613,950 is expected to be collected from six delinquent employers visited. (PNA photo by Connie Calipay)
LEGAZPI CITY – The Social Security System (SSS) Bicol reported on Friday that it collected a total of PHP129.28 million in unpaid contributions from delinquent employers in 2023.
In a phone interview, Jeanette Mapa, SSS-Bicol spokesperson, said the eight branches of SSS in the Bicol region employed different approaches and strategies to ensure the collection for the welfare of the affected employees.
"Some of the strategies SSS Bicol conducted to different delinquent employers were providing billing letters, final demand letters, filing of cases, offering of installment plan, visitation, and the Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) campaign," she said.
Mapa cited the effectiveness of the RACE campaign, noting some employers have initiated visiting SSS offices to settle outstanding payments.
SSS-Bicol, Mapa said, will conduct 96 more RACE visits to over 600 delinquent employers who have still not remitted employees' contributions and registration in the Bicol region.
In a separate interview, Elenita Samblero, SSS-Luzon vice president for Bicol, said the SSS is “very much committed” to pursuing employers who do not prioritize the social security of the employees.
"We will continue to conduct activities that will help the employers to clear their records and to instill awareness to them. An employer should have peace of mind in conducting his business. They must pay the right contributions of the employees," she said.
Samblero said SSS officials on Friday visited and issued notices to six delinquent employers -- a hotel, two coffee shops, a pharmacy, a grocery stall, and a fire extinguisher distributor.
She said a total of PHP613,950 is expected to be collected from them. (PNA)
