MANILA – The Social Security System (SSS) of the Philippines has vowed to go after any employer who does not remit their workers’ contributions religiously.

Voltaire P. Agas, SSS Executive Vice President for Branch Operations Sector, reminded businesses in the country that they will be issued violation notices and face legal consequences if they fail to remit their employees’ contributions.

“We want to assure our members that SSS will take action and penalize employers who fail to register their employees or have not deducted and remitted their contributions,” Agas said.

In the same statement, the SSS official reminded Filipinos of the agency’s commitment to provide them with access to social security benefits in emergencies.

Agas also echoed the sentiment of SSS President and CEO Rolando L. Macasaet of prioritising the welfare of workers by providing them with various social security protection benefits through the state pension fund. This includes making sure that employers are up-to-date in remitting the premium contributions that they collect from their workers.

Earlier in April, Macasaet warned employers about not remitting workers’ contributions.

“Non-remittance of SSS premiums is a criminal offense that violates Republic Act No. 11199,” the SSS chief said.

Under Philippine law, any employer who fails to register their employees or has not deducted and remitted their contributions to SSS will be fined PHP5,000 (about USD 87) to PHP20,000 (about USD 350). They will also face imprisonment ranging from six years and one day to 12 years.

Providing social security benefits to all Filipinos

As part of their initiative of better contribution remittance, the SSS has adopted new programs to reach out to Filipinos working in the informal economy. The agency is paying close attention to workers in rural areas and those that belong to the grassroots.

Agas said they want workers belonging to these sectors to enroll in the SSS so that all Filipinos will receive social security coverage.

All SSS members are entitled to various social security benefits including:

● Sickness
● Maternity
● Disability
● Unemployment
● Retirement
● Funeral
● Death

SSS members can also take part in the agency’s Worker’s Investment and Savings Program (WISP) Plus, which increases the retirement pensions that they can receive. Agas said this is given in addition to the benefits that members already receive through the regular social security program.

“Members can contribute as little as P500 per payment under the WISP Plus whenever they want,” Agas said.

“The members’ pooled contributions under WISP Plus will generate investment earnings, which will be credited to their accounts tax-free.”

As of May 2021, there are 40.52 million SSS members in the Philippines. Of these, 3.36 million (about 8.3%) are self-employed, while 5.07 million (12.5%) are voluntary members.