SSS launches ‘Oplan Tokhang’against erring business establishments

OWNERS WHO DON’T REMIT CONTRIBUTIONS

Ted Cordero/VDS, GMA News, April 21, 2017

The Social Security System (SSS) has launched a campaign against employers who do not remit employees’ monthly contributions to the pension fund, according to a report by GMA News’ Ivan Mayrina on “Balitanghali” Friday.

The SSS named its campaign RACE or Run After Contribution Evaders, its own version of the Philippine National Police’s “Oplan Tokhang.”

The RACE campaign does not target drug suspects, but erring business owners who do not register or remit their workers’ SSS contributions.

“Re-remind lang ho natin ‘yan, gentle reminder. Pero kung ‘di makikinig, then the full force of the law will come in,” SSS Chairman Amado Valdez said during an inspection of stalls at the Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan City.

During the inspection, many stalls were closed, but one establishment was served with a show cause order.

According to the SSS, the Hezekiah Toy Store was not registered and, as a result, its staff do not have benefits from pension fund.

“He has to talk with is and settle ‘yung kanyang responsibility because 12 years din yung imprisonment niyan,” Valdez said.

During the inspection, authorities found that many establishments in the chopping center are updated in their contributions.

But many workers employed by the stores are not registered with the pension fund.

Even non-permanent employees must be registered by their employers, the SSS noted.

“Nag-va-violate na po ang employer niyo niyan ‘pag hindi kayo ni-register. Dapat siya ang mag-register sa inyo,” Valdez said.

According to the SSS, authorities will continue inspecting business establishments nationwide as part of efforts to increase employees’ awareness of their rights. The pension fund also wants to expand its roster of members and increase its contribution base. —