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“It appears that Aquino broke his silence on the issue more than two weeks after the factory fire to take a swipe at political adversaries at the local level and whitewash the accountability of Labor Sec. Rosalinda Baldoz and Local Government Sec. Mar Roxas for the factory fire.”
Some survivors said there were victims who were so consumed by fire they just became part of the “debris” that were cleaned out and disposed of in sacks by a crew of “rescue” workers from the city government and firefighters.
For Suprimo Lugana, 19 years old, working at Kentex was just one among a series of non-permanent jobs he had had in his young life; little did he know that it would be his last.
By BENJIE OLIVEROS Bulatlat perspective The general public, even the government, expressed shock over the death of more than 72 workers in a fire that gutted the factory of Kentex, makers of local rubber slippers Havanas. Labor Sec. Rosalinda Baldoz vowed to look...
“Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz has perpetuated a climate of impunity when it comes to compliance with occupational health and safety standards.”
Sixty-nine workers died on the second floor of the building, belying claims by the factory owner and the Labor Department that Kentex complied with labor standards, building, fire and safety requirements.
The workers had nowhere to jump to, and they also could not have escaped the building because of the steel windows, the thick glass, and a layer of 'chicken' wire.
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