THE Social Security System (SSS) has warned the close to 6,000 employers in Benguet who are delinquent in remitting the contributions and loans of their employees to settle their obligations to avoid penalties.

In a press conference Wednesday, SSS-Baguio-Benguet chief Nancy Umoso said 5,737 of the more than 14,000 employers covered by the pension fund have gaps or months wherein premiums have not been paid.

She said 705 delinquent employers and 1,872 other non-paying member-employers have been issued billing notices calling for them to comply with their obligations within 30 days.

The Social Security Act imposes a fine of not more than P5,000 and a prison term of up to 12 years for employers who do not deduct contributions from the employees' compensation or remit the contributions to the SSS. (Giovani Joy Fontanilla)