By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Social Security System (SSS) in Bacolod issued show cause orders to several firms in Bacolod City and in two cities in Negros Occidental for non-remittance of contributions.

Dr. Lilani Benedian, SSS Vice President for Visayas West 1 Division, said the visits they have made are “friendly” and they are only reminding the employers to settle their accounts.

One of the employers was informed yesterday of the procedures to settle unpaid SSS contributions.

Benedian said they are offering options on how they could settle their delinquencies with the agency’s condonation program.

“In the settlement [of unpaid contribution], it is not really automatic full payment, but we offer them the opportunity to pay in installments,” Benedian said.

Meanwhile, Atty. Jul Davi Saez, SSS Operations Legal Department, did not provide the exact number of contribution evaders in Negros Occidental who have failed to comply.

Saez said the SSS Run After Contribution Evaders team gives opportunities to firms to settle their delinquencies.

She said some have ignored the issued show cause orders and they have no other option but to enforce the law by filing a criminal case.

Based on Republic Act 11199, otherwise known as the Social Security Act of 2018, non-remittance of contributions is a criminal offense.

If found guilty, the contribution evader could face a six to 12-year jail sentence and fines of up to P20,000 or both./DGB, WDJ