The crackdown against delinquent employers continues as the Social Security System (SSS), in cooperation with Philippine National Police (PNP), served warrants of arrest to a doctor-owner of a dermatology clinic and a president of a shipping company due to non-payment and non-remittance of SSS contributions, a violation of the Social Security Act of 1997.
First in line during the issuance of warrants of arrest last February 2 was Dr. Joel C. Mendez, owner of the Weigh Less Center located at Farmer’s Plaza in Cubao, convicted by the Regional Trial Court of Quezon City and sentenced to a jail term of six years and one day as minimum to seven years as maximum.
Based on the decision, Mendez has a total delinquency of P1,865,657.50 representing unpaid contributions from October 2011 to January 2013 with an interest of three percent per month from July 2015 until full payment.
The PNP went to Mendez’s residence in Barangay Talipapa, Quezon City to serve the warrant of arrest but he was not at home. The house helpers said that Mendez now lives in the province.
On the same day, a warrant of arrest was supposed to be served on Peter Nicholas M. Toundjis II, President of Niovis Shipping Co. F.A./ El Greco Ship Manning and Management Corporation due to non-payment and non-remittance of SSS contributions. The accused was sentenced to a jail term of six years and one day, and ordered to pay the collectible delinquency and penalties worth P324,122.64. However, Toundjis’ sister claimed that he no longer resides at their registered address at La Vista Subdivision, Quezon City.
SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Dooc has appealed for public assistance to help locate Mendez and Toundjis II.
“They must face the full force of the law. This will serve a strong warning that SSS shall be unrelenting and determined in running after abusive employers who flout the law at the expense of their hapless employees who are our members,” the SSS head said.
Dooc said that SSS will continue its crackdown among delinquent employers and the serving of warrants of arrest will be done regularly with the PNP.