PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan (PIA) –The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) MIMAROPA recorded 177 complaints resolved through its conciliation-mediation in the first semester of 2024 to avoid further escalation into legal cases.
Assistant Regional Director Nicanor Bon of DOLE MIMAROPA said that only a few complaints progressed to cases in the region through a mediation process dubbed the Single Entry Approach (SEnA). The complaints resolved are 89.85 percent of the 197 total complaints received by the department.
“Ayaw natin na kaso agad. Baka ‘yong hindi pagkakaintindihan kasi hindi alam ‘yong batas, pinapatawag natin ‘yan para pag-usapin,” he said in Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas of the Philippine Information Agency.
From January to June 2024, 13 workers received financial benefits totaling P5.3 million.
In 2023, DOLE resolved 379 complaints out of 424 received, providing approximately P20 million in monetary benefits to 642 workers.
Bon said evidence is needed to prove that the employer is not paying minimum wage or overtime. After receiving the complaint, the department will validate it through an inspection.
“Kailangan may ebidensya ‘yan, hindi naman dahil nagsumbong ay automatic papakinggan. We will also hear the sides,” he said.
Once the Department finds out that there is a violation, DOLE will call the attention of the employer to comply. If the employer fails to comply, it will be discussed in a conference before an issuance order is given.
“Kapag hindi pa rin magbayad, pwede na natin puntahan at kunin ang pambayad sa kanila sa mga ari-arian, sa bank accounts, whatever properties,” he said.
DOLE also conducts an annual inspection of establishments to see their compliance. However, the limited number of inspectors prompted the department to prioritize establishments, particularly those that are small and engage in hazardous occupations. It includes construction, maritime, fishing, and shipping.
In 2023, DOLE MIMAROPA inspected 477 establishments, which equated to a 90.57 percent compliance rate. The monetary award amounting to P6.6 million benefitted 350 workers.
“Ang nakita natin na pagkukulang sa mga benepisyo siguro, standard payment of wages, other wage-related benefits. Basically, peaceful naman sa MIMAROPA, hindi naman masyado ang violations, if ever, minor lang,” Bon said.
Between January and August 2024, DOLE inspected 463 establishments or 93.95 percent of its annual target. The monetary award costs P1.9 million for the benefit of 83 workers. (RG/PIA MIMAROPA-Palawan)
