By: Lilibeth A. French

The Social Security System encouraged employers here to avail of the condonation program it is offering which will end on September 6, 2019.

The Contribution Penalty Condonation Program was opened by SSS as provided by Republic Act 11199 (Social Security Act of 2018) which took effect on March 5, 2019.

It is intended for delinquent employers to allow them to settle their unpaid social security contributions without penalties.

Initially, SSS-Iloilo Branch Senior Communications Officer Amiel Genova said the program is only until September 1 but it was extended until September 6, six months after the effectivity of RA 11199.

“We encouraged employers to grab this opportunity to avoid incurring penalties of at least three percent per month,” said Genova.

He advised employers who would like to avail of the program to visit the Account Management Section of any SSS branch for assessment of their delinquency.

As of August 14, 2019, some 1,676 employers in Panay Island have already availed of the program.

Genova said once the program is closed on September 6, account officers of SSS will start forwarding bills to employers who failed to remit their contributions with corresponding penalties.

He also called on employees to regularly check if their SSS contributions are paid by their employers.

Non-remittance of their contributions may result to disapproval of their loan applications for failing to meet the required minimum number of monthly contributions, according to Genova. (PIA)