Labor group calls out MMDA for violating safety laws

MANILA, Philippines — Before trumpeting her agency’s accomplishments on social media, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) spokesperson Celine Pialago should first ensure that they were compliant with safety laws.

This was the call of labor group Defend Job Philippines Tuesday after Pialago posted on her Facebook page photos of MMDA personnel clearing clogged drainage systems without the prescribed safety gear.

The group said that Pialago’s photos showed the MMDA was violating certain provisions of the occupational safety and health standards (OSHS) law which requires workers to be provided protective equipment and gear while doing hazardous work.

The MMDA workers clearing the drainage on Escoda corner Benitez Streets in Ermita, Manila, were dressed only in shirts, denim pants and slippers and without masks or gloves.

“The government already has a set of mandatory OSHS rules, regulations and measures in order to eliminate or reduce OSH risks and hazards in workplaces. We hope that Pialago will look into this matter seriously to ensure the safety of MMDA employees in their workplaces,” the group said.

Reached for comment, Pialago replied: “We will look into this again.” —Jovic Yee and Krixia Subingsubing