By Ivy Tejano
DAVAO CITY – The Social Security System, Davao San Pedro Branch, reported having served violation notices to 96 delinquent and non-registered employers from January to September this year, with unsettled contributions amounting to P12.9 million.
Branch head Maren Eeman Estrella said employees under these firms are directly affected since unpaid remittances deprive them of social security benefits and access to loan programs.
Estrella explained that employers who fail to remit monthly contributions and loan amortizations are given 15 days to comply, either through full payment or by availing of an installment plan.
SSS Mindanao South Legal Department manager and lawyer Chillete Bolo-Escovilla added that accounts of employers who do not settle within the prescribed period are elevated to the legal unit.
“We issue demand letters, giving them another 10 days to settle their contributions. If they still fail to comply, cases will be filed in court,” Escovilla said, encouraging workers to check their contribution records regularly.
According to Estrella, most delinquencies are due to business financial struggles, mismanagement by individuals entrusted with remittances, or sheer negligence.
The San Pedro Branch served 10 notices to Matina and Matina Aplaya employers on September 30, as part of the ongoing Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) program.
Records show that the branch filed eight cases this year involving P12,964,750.28 in unremitted contributions, of which only P4,757,677.81, or 36.70 percent, has been collected.
SSS reiterated its call for delinquent and non-registered employers to coordinate with its branches for settlement to avoid legal action. Three SSS offices cater to members across Davao City, including outlying areas.
