DOLE facilitates payment of Php1.1M money claims

The Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office No. VI through its Capiz Field Office (DOLE RO6-CFO) facilitated the payment of money claims of 342 construction workers amounting to P1,142,640.72 for underpayment of wages, 13th month pay and illegal deductions through online Single Entry Approach (e-SEnA).

The settlement started with the request for assistance filed by workers who were displaced when the construction company they were working with ceased its operations in the municipality of Pontevedra, Capiz.

The distance between the requesting party in Capiz and the responding party in Metro Manila did not deter the SEnA Desk Officer (SEADO) to let the parties settle.

Thanks to the online Single Entry Approach (e-SEnA) which provided a virtual platform for online settlements of labor issues.

“The e-SEnA was developed so that displaced workers and the employers can avail of the services for settlement of labor disputes without leaving their homes,” said Capiz Field Office Head Amalia Judicpa.

Through virtual conferences, SEADO Jahara Suzzane B. Baron assisted the workers and persistently convinced the responding party to settle their obligations. After a series of online meetings, the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office No. VI through its Capiz Field Office (DOLE RO6- CFO) successfully facilitated the release of money claims.

DOLE Regional Office VI Regional Director Cyril L. Ticao expressed satisfaction on the result of the settlement.

“We are glad that another labor issue was resolved peacefully even if the parties were miles apart. The e-SEnA manifests the Department’s determination to continuously promote industrial peace and a healthy relationship in the work place during this pandemic,”  Ticao said.

He also recognized the construction company’s positive response to the request of the workers.

After receiving the money claims, the workers and their families were very grateful for the help extended by DOLE.