By Mariela Angella Oladive
A total of 12 business establishments in Iloilo City were issued notices of violation following the Social Security System (SSS) Visayas West 2 Division’s annual Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) operation on February 19.
Vice President Bernardo B. Dofitas led the RACE team, which focused on six businesses in Molo and another six in central Iloilo, where the city’s two account monitoring sections are situated.
These establishments, mainly from the food, hotel, and travel sectors, were identified as having estimated delinquency obligations totaling P5.4 million.
“For these estimated P5.4 million, it is a running balance that increases monthly, which is why it needs to be settled promptly,” Dofitas explained, emphasizing that the campaign is in accordance with Republic Act No. 11199, or the Social Security Act of 2018, which requires employers to remit SSS contributions on time.
The team leader highlighted the importance of fulfilling these obligations to safeguard the benefits and rights of employees.
The operation, in collaboration with the legal department, marked a strategic shift, as Dofitas pointed out.
Moving away from confrontational methods, the team has adopted a community-based, diplomatic strategy.
Dofitas noted that since the activity’s inception around 2017, there has been a transition from an enforcement-heavy initiative akin to tokhang, which included visits to residences or business premises with the Philippine National Police (PNP).
In the past, employers received show cause orders; now, they are presented with notices of violation.
Employers are given a 15-day window to rectify and settle their infractions with the SSS, failing which additional measures will be pursued.
“The SSS is offering them an opportunity to resolve their delinquency through installment payments. We will clarify their violations for them and allow them to enter into a dialogue with us to present their side,” Dofitas said.
Before this operation in the city, similar activities were carried out in Kalibo and Roxas starting in January, as part of the SSS’s nationwide campaign.
