5 Tacloban firms ordered to explain non-remittance of SSS contributions

TACLOBAN CITY –– The Social Security System (SSS) has ordered at least five establishments operating in the city to explain their non-remittance of their workers’ contributions.

The issuance of show-cause order against these establishments is part of the agency’s campaign called ‘Run After Contribution Evaders’ (Race) which aim to ensure that all business establishments should enroll their workers at SSS.

Among the business establishments that received a show cause order was a convenience store.

The manager of the store, who requested anonymity, said they have been remitting the contribution of their 10 workers since they started their operation a year ago.

“It’s the fault of our bookkeeper who failed to submit our contributions on time. We have been following this order,” she said.

SSS senior vice president Helen Solito said they had to run after delinquent business establishments for the benefit of the workers.

The establishments were given 15 days to comply with the order, otherwise, necessary legal actions would be filed against them, she said.

“We don’t want to imprison anyone or close any establishment. But we are after the social protection of the workers. That is why we should help each other,” Solito said.

Solito said the SSS has an ongoing condonation policy for business establishments that have not been remitting the contribution of their workers.

The condonation will end on September 6. The erring establishments will only be required to file the contribution without penalty.

But if these erring establishments would not avail of the condonation, the SSS will file legal action against them. They will also be required to submit the contributions with a penalty.

In Eastern Visayas, Solito said about 1,800 establishments with more than 6,000 workers have availed of the condonation as of July 19.

SSS was able to collect P18 million from them. /lzb