SSS now accepting penalty condonation applications

THE SOCIAL Security System (SSS) has started to accept applications for the condonation of penalties on delinquent contributions following the passage of its amended charter.

In a statement sent on Sunday, the state pension fund urged more than 132,000 delinquent employers to avail of the condonation program as the one-time amnesty is expected to waive about P13.91 billion worth of penalties.

“This is good news for employees of delinquent employers who may soon avail of the condonation program and make themselves compliant with the social security law,” Social Security Commission (SSC) Chairman Carlos G. Dominguez III said on Wednesday following the SSC meeting.

“As much as possible, we want to avoid lengthy judicial processes.”

Delinquent employers may now submit their letters of intent to avail of the condonation program, which will run until Sept. 6, at any SSS branch.

SSS officer-in-charge Aurora C. Ignacio said about P10.66 billion in unpaid premiums based on established collectibles are expected to be collected from the amnesty program.

Mr. Dominguez said close to 1.4 million employees in the private sector will benefit from the condonation program.

“SSS contributions are savings for the future and hardworking Filipino workers deserve to

benefit from the contributions employers are duty-bound to remit throughout their productive years,” he added.

In a February press briefing, resigned SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel F. Dooc said the pension fund will accept applications to condone penalties imposed on employers due to unpaid contributions within six months from the effective date of Social Security Act of 2018.

The new SSS charter took effect on March 5.

The circular approved on Wednesday is covered by Section 31 of the Transitory Clause of Republic Act No. 11199, granting a six-month period for employers with unpaid contributions to file requests for condonation of penalties.

Apart from the condonation of penalties on delinquent contributions, the SSS also launched a loan restructuring program with penalty condonation in April last year to help members who have outstanding short-term obligations, which will run until April 1.

Mr. Dooc filed his voluntary and irrevocable resignation following the effectivity of the amended SSS charter.