Workers Fight Eviction from Philex

Philex Mining Corporation was awarded the Most Environment- and Children-Friendly Company. Its retrenchment of about 400 workers, however, shows that that its treatment of people under its employ is far from friendly. To force these retrenched workers out of its premises, the company even cut the electric supply from their homes and prevented their children from going to schools within the company compound.

BY NORTHERN DISPATCH
Posted by Bulatlat

BAGUIO CITY — Hundreds of retrenched workers sought to block an eviction order of Philex Mining Corporation (PMC) through a temporary restraining order (TRO).

The petition for a TRO of 72 hours was filed last February 21 at the regional trial court of La Trinidad, Benguet under Judge Fernando Cabato (Branch 62). This aims to prevent the PMC from evicting the retrenched workers from their homes and cutting their electricity and water supply.

According to the workers, PMC started retrenching its workers in 2000. The latest rounds were in August, September and October 2003. Among the 400 retrenched workers were a whole division tasked with environmental concerns.

In their petition, the retrenched workers stated that they filed cases of illegal dismissal against PMC. The labor arbiter’s decision was unfavorable to them, but the complaint was appealed and it is currently pending before the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) in Manila.

This means that the decision of the labor arbiter upholding the legality of the dismissal is not final.

The petition further stressed that PMC’s cutting the residents’ electricity and water supply has caused grave and irreparable damage to the complainants’ families such as their children’s education and their businesses. The forced eviction from their homes would also mean the families’ displacement and disruption of their children’s studies.

Teresita Manzano, one of those affected by the eviction and a former supervisor of the environment division of the company, said, “Most of these retrenched workers and staff had given more than what they have to share to promote the company’s growth and development, for they had dedicatedly served the PMC for more than 35 to 40 years.”

“We are seeking social justice because we are oppressed and helpless,” Manzano lamented during a consultation with the Commission on Human Rights  (CHR). She also criticized the manner of the commission’s officer, a certain Atty. Bilog, who she said became angry with them and did not listen to their complaints.

James Tulipa, spokesperson of Kilusang Mayo Uno-Cordillera (KMU, or May First Movement-Cordillera) said, “The amount of service devoted by the workers of Philex cannot be equaled by any amount of money.” This was in reaction to the company’s argument that the retrenched workers were given their separation pay.  

“The results of these retrenchments are unbelievable,” Tulipa also said. “The PMC stopped the retrenched workers’ children from availing of high school and elementary education in the schools within the company area. Furthermore, the PMC stopped giving business permits to some of the family members of the retrenched workers. Recently, the PMC created an eviction team in charge of cutting electric services to the bunkhouses and cottages of the retrenched workers. The threat of impending water supply cut-off to these houses is anticipated. It is ironic that Philex was awarded the Most Environment and Children Friendly Company in the country.” Bulatlat 

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