TWO employers convicted for non-compliance to Social Security Law were arrested in separate operations recently.
Authorities arrested Antonio Perlas, owner of Red Lion Pub, in Barangay Tuding, Itogon, Benguet, on July 31, and Larry Ferrer, owner of Ads Central, in Alaminos, Pangasinan on August 26.
Perlas was sentenced to six years in prison and pay his obligations amounting to over P16.8 million after failing to remit the employee's and employer's share of contributions.
Ferrer's case was provisionally dismissed back on August 2015 after proposing pay to SSS in installment his employees' contributions that he
failed to remit, including penalties for late payments.
His case was revived in January 27,2017 after failing to pay penalties amounting to P40,172.04.
Although he remained at large during the trial, Baguio RTC Branch 7 found
Ferrer guilty for violation of Sec. 22 (a), in relation to Sec. 22 (d) and 28 (e) of Republic Act 8282. He will serve a sentence of six years and one day up to a maximum of eight years in prison and pay his SSS obligation plus three percent monthly interest accumulated since August 19, 2015.
The penalties could have been condoned through the SSS' Contribution Penalty Condonation Program for Employers had Ferrer availed of the program.
Aurora Ignacio, SSS president and CEO, reiterated their message to all other delinquent employers that they will not be excused from the law.
"Any minor or major violation against the SS Law has corresponding legal repercussions as it deprives private-sector workers of social security benefits due to them," added Ignacio.
Ignacio also expressed her gratitude to the Baguio RTC Branch 7, the Philippine National Police, and the National Bureau of Investigation for their continuous efforts in support of SSS programs to guarantee that justice is served to violators of the SS Law even with the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) situation.
She added that the SSS, for its part, will continuously uphold every worker's right to social security so that they may avail of the benefits and loans it provides.
For complaints regarding non-remittance, non-reporting, and other related concerns, members are encouraged to contact the SSS branch nearest to their employer's business address.
Telephone numbers of SSS branches may be accessed through the branch directory at www.sss.gov.ph or the "SSS Branches" tab on the SSS Mobile App.
For more information, follow the official SSS Facebook page at the "Philippine Social Security System," Instagram Account at "Mysssph," or Twitter Feed at "PHLSSS." (SunStar Baguio)