SSS to go after gondola collapse victims' employers

MANILA, Philippines - The Social Security System (SSS) is preparing charges against employers of the construction workers who died on duty while installing glass windows at a high-rise building in Makati City, an official said yesterday.

SSS vice president for National Capital Region operations Naciancino Monreal said the agency found out that the workers do not have SSS coverage, which is mandatory for all private employees.

“The workers were not reported for SSS coverage, as required by law, and seven of the 11 (workers) did not even have SSS numbers. Under the law, a worker must be reported for SSS coverage within 30 days starting from his or her first day of work,” Monreal said.

He said the employers face prison terms of up to 12 years and a maximum fine of P20,000 for violations of the Social Security Law.

The SSS found that the building contractor for Eton Residences is CE Construction Corp., which in turn commissioned Arlo Aluminum to install the glass windows. Arlo Aluminum contracted a certain Eduardo Pinon to recruit the glass installers. The agency has yet to determine which firm would be held liable.

The construction workers are entitled to a funeral benefit of P20,000 and P10,000 from the Employers Compensation Fund, which provides additional benefits for work-related accidents, Monreal said. Under the law, erring employers would pay the mandated benefits.

He also said the SSS would also demand that the employer remit the workers’ unpaid contributions, including monthly penalties of three percent.