The labor group Trade Union Congress of the Philippines is calling for congressional investigation over allegations of substituting building materials with substandard and cheaper items in the construction of condominiums and other buildings in Metro Manila.
This puts into doubt the structural integrity of all projects undertaken by a firm particularly in terms of the safety of its building tenants during earthquakes and disasters.
TUCP president and party-list Rep. Raymond Mendoza wants a congressional probe over alleged secret work site deaths, sub-standard construction buildings and other serious violations of general labor and occupational safety and health standards committed by private construction contractor firm Datem Incorporated.
Mendoza said the party-list was looking at reviewing the compliance and enforcement system surrounding the country’s basic Construction Occupational Safety and Health program required by law in every construction project.
The inquiry will also look into helping strengthen the Republic Act 4566, also known as the Contractor’s License Law in ensuring only qualified and reliable contractors are allowed to undertake construction activity in the country with the safety of the public in mind, Mendoza said.
“After hearing serious testimonies and first-hand accounts from construction workers themselves, I have filed a resolution seeking investigation in aid of legislation on alleged incidents of workplace deaths of construction workers kept secret and unreported to the police and to the labor inspectors,” Mendoza said.
According to the workers, there were at least three incidents of Datem Inc. project sites accidents this year where workers’ deaths were not brought to the notice of the Philippine National Police, Department of Labor and Employment, and even to barangay unit which has jurisdiction where the mishap happened.
Mendoza also called on the government’s Department of Labor and Employment and the Philippine Contractors Accreditation Board to exercise their oversight function and find out whether Datem Inc. conforms to the rules and regulations in granting the firm with the accreditation and contractor’s license.
Union members of the Samahan ng mga Construction Workers sa Datem-Associated Labor Unions have alleged rampant violations of general labor standards and non-compliance to construction occupational safety and health standards.
They sought the help of TUCP a few days ago over several instances of deaths and injuries following workplace mishaps happened in several of its projects sites in Metro Manila not reported either to the PNP and the DOLE which has jurisdiction over the location of the incident.
Workers also accused Datem Inc. management of inhumane conditions at their sleeping and resting barracks,purchase of personal protective equipment and boarding fees at the expense of workers, union busting, non-payment of separation pay, illegal dismissal, diminution of benefits, unauthorized salary deductions,forcing them to work even though they are sick.
They were allegedly forced to render overtime work causing high blood pressure and over fatigue.
“Construction workers are very important force in the process of nation-building yet they are the most vulnerable to various forms of abuse and more likely than to die, debilitated and suffer disease from accidents and exposure to hazardous elements and tedious long hours at work compared to other workers. It is unfair and unjust if they are further oppressed like this. It is murder to the highest degree if their deaths were not reported to government authorities,” Mendoza said.