By Michelle Ducut
The Social Security System (SSS) in Northern Luzon reaffirmed its commitment to protecting private-sector workers’ rights through the continued implementation of the Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) campaign in 2025. Speaking during a press conference in Baguio City on Monday, Atty. Blesselda Acosta, chief legal officer of SSS North Luzon 1, emphasized the campaign’s success in ensuring compliance from employers in 2024, prompting its extension.
Acosta explained that RACE aims to enforce the proper remittance of employee contributions, employer registration, and employee coverage under the SSS. Through this initiative, show-cause orders are issued to non-compliant employers, who are given 15 days to address the violations. In 2024, the campaign saw significant progress within the jurisdiction, with 1,050 non-compliant employers referred to the legal department. Of these, 947 met their obligations after pre-filing conferences, while 45 to 50 cases were pursued in court. Many employers opted to settle their liabilities before or during court proceedings.
The campaign’s goal is not punitive but corrective, as Acosta noted that settlements are accepted at any stage to encourage compliance. This ensures workers’ access to SSS benefits, often denied due to employer negligence in registering employees or remitting their contributions. Violations of the SSS law carry penalties that include fines and imprisonment ranging from six months and one day to ten years.
The RACE campaign yielded substantial achievements in Northern Luzon in 2024. In Baguio City, 14 operations resulted in 132 show-cause orders, the registration of 928 employees, and the collection of PhP8.2 million in arrears. Meanwhile, in La Trinidad, Benguet, 13 operations led to 90 show-cause orders, the registration of 426 employees, and PhP1.8 million in arrears. Dominador Malatag, head of the SSS La Trinidad branch, attributed these successes partly to media coverage, which encouraged voluntary compliance from employers.
Under the law, businesses are required to register with SSS within 30 days of starting operations, and employees must be declared within 30 days of employment. The RACE campaign builds on findings from account officers, who identify unregistered businesses and employees as part of their monitoring efforts.
Acosta highlighted the broad range of benefits available to SSS members, which include multipurpose loans, calamity loans, housing loans, retirement benefits at age 60, and burial and death benefits. Northern Luzon alone has 3.5 million pensioners, including retirees, survivors, and those with disabilities.
The SSS reiterated its preference for amicable resolutions, emphasizing that filing cases against employers remains a last resort. Acosta said the campaign’s primary objective is to protect workers and ensure their rightful access to the security benefits provided by SSS.