The Regional Trial Court (RTC) has dismissed the appeal filed by Arne Aballe Sarsalejo, owner of Sarsalejo Security Agency, thereby affirming the initial conviction rendered by the Municipal Trial Court (MTC) for violating the Social Security System (SSS) Law.

The case stems from an earlier ruling by MTC Branch 1 in Mandaue City on January 9, 2025, which found Sarsalejo guilty of failing to remit SSS contributions for one of his security guards.

In a decision dated August 12, 2025, Judge Fruto Teodorico III of RTC Branch 86 in Mandaue City dismissed Sarsalejo's appeal, reinforcing the lower court’s verdict.

Sarsalejo had sought to overturn the MTC ruling after a complainant withdrew their private complaint; however, the RTC clarified that withdrawal of a private complaint does not absolve a defendant of criminal liability in cases involving violations of public laws such as those governing the SSS.

Legal observers note that Sarsalejo Security Agency faces multiple related cases concerning similar alleged violations of SSS regulations, with further proceedings anticipated in the coming months.