(CNN Philippines) — Kentex Manufacturing Corporation, the company that owns the fire-gutted footwear factory in Valenzuela City last May 13 that left 72 people dead, apparently is not paying its workers properly, too.
This was the assessment of the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office 3 (DOLE-RO3) in a report released to the Labor department’s National Capital Region (NCR) office Wednesday (May 20) regarding the information it gathered on Kentex’s main office in Meycauayan, Bulacan.
“They assessed the main office in Meycauayan, and they saw that there was underpayment, deficiencies, [and] non-remittances,” DOLE-NCR regional director Alex Avila said.
Related: Palace: Criminalize job safety violations
Owners again a no-show
For the second time, the owners of Kentex were again a no-show at the mandatory conference held at the DOLE-NCR’s office, and sent its lawyer instead.
Related: Kentex owners could face criminal charges – law expert
Kentex’s lawyer Renato Paraiso belied the allegation that the company is underpaying its workers and is not remitting their SSS contributions and other deductions.
According to Paraiso, all regular employees are paid above minimum wage.
However, when Labor officials asked for documents to prove this, Paraiso could not present any saying it was destroyed during the fire.
Paraiso also claimed that the owners of Kentex were unaware that its subcontractor, CJC Manpower Services, is not registered under the DOLE.
He said the factory’s owners are ready to face all the legal complaints that may be charged against them.
DOLE said it expects Kentex to provide additional documents and information on Friday (May 22).
Financial assistance
Paraiso said Kentex is planning to give additional financial benefits to affected workers and families of the fire victims — on top of the P8,000 salary and P5,000 initial financial assistance provided.
Related: Financial aid for Kentex workers not enough?
The company also assured the families of the fire victims that they will shoulder the cost for the DNA testing of the victims.
Related: Victims’ families complain of poor working conditions
