Strictening Enforcement Against unfair Labor Practices in Panglao

Strictening Enforcement Against unfair Labor Practices in Panglao

Laying Down the Law:

The Social Security System (SSS) has kicked things up a notch to safeguard the jobs and benefits of workers on the buzzing resort island of Panglao, Bohol. In a bold move, they've launched a new operation called "Run After Contributions Evaders" (Race), aimed at nabbing businesses that shirk their social security responsibilities[1].

Six businesses in Panglao were recently slapped with stern warnings, urging them to cough up over P1.3 million in unpaid SSS contributions and penalties. The SSS won't rest until these companies play ball, protecting the benefits of their employees in the process[1].

With over 900 employers registered with the SSS in Panglao, a major player in the tourism industry, the SSS has made it clear that they're laughing no more. They're working hand in hand with Panglao's Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) to root out SSS-dodging businesses and ensure their employees are covered[2].

Panglao's BPLO has counted a total of 2,664 registered establishments as of March 2025, a significant chunk of which are in the hospitality sector[3]. The SSS is keeping a close eye on these industries, determined to get erring employers to toe the line[3].

The Race operation has its sights set on more than just the 925 SSS-registered establishments in Panglao. The SSS is eyeing over 1,000 currently non-compliant businesses, pushing them to get their acts together and register their employees for SSS coverage[2]. This is crucial for timely contribution payments, ensuring employees access benefits and loan eligibility[2].

The SSS has been on a roll lately, recording a 218 percent surge in employer registrations at their Tagbilaran Branch since 2022[4]. In just a year, they've averaged 20 new employer registrations per month, covering an average of 76 employees each[4].

The SSS is teaming up with the local government of Panglao to guarantee workers in the area receive their due SSS benefits in a pinch[2]. As of March 2025, the SSS Visayas Central 1 Division has conducted 29 Race operations across Cebu and Bohol, racking up initial collections of P6.6 million[5].

With this focus on compliance, the SSS isaligning with the country's economic growth and development goals, which include ensuring robust labor market conditions and inclusive growth[5]. As tourism continues to boom in Bohol, the SSS is tightening the screws, ensuring workers' rights and benefits are protected[1].

1. The government's Social Security System (SSS) is working in collaboration with Panglao's Business Permits and Licensing Office (BPLO) to register more businesses and prevent evasion, particularly focusing on over 1,000 currently non-compliant businesses.
2. The SSS is aiming to increase the number of registered establishments in Panglao, which currently stands at 925, in order to ensure timely contribution payments and provide employees with benefits and loan eligibility.
3. The local government of Panglao is partnering with the SSS to ensure that workers in the area receive their due benefits promptly, aligned with the country's economic growth and development goals.
4. The SSS has seen a significant increase in employer registrations at their Tagbilaran Branch since 2022, averaging 20 new registrations per month, covering an average of 76 employees each.
5. The SSS's operation called "Run After Contributions Evaders" (Race) has led to initial collections of P6.6 million as a result of 29 operations conducted across Cebu and Bohol, including those on the resort island of Panglao.
6. Businesses in sectors such as hospitality, retail, and finance on Panglao should take note of the SSS's increased focus on compliance, as failure to adhere to the social security requirements may result in penalties and potential loss of employee benefits.

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