DOLE orders probe of Valenzuela factory over centavo coin pay, other grievances

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is investigating the factory in Valenzuela City, which paid its worker in centavo coins, for other potential labor issues.

DOLE spokesperson Rolly Francia on Wednesday said Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III has directed the agency’s National Capital Region (NCR) director Sara Buena-Mirasol to look into the odd practice that provoked public outrage.

Russel Mañosa, a former employee of Nexgreen Enterprise, has alleged that the employer paid him P1,056 in five and ten centavo coins to get back at him for complaining about the factory’s unfair labor practices.

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“The investigation will not only deal with the manner by which Mr. Mañosa was given his wage, but the inspector will also look into the complaints of other workers about the unfair labor practices and non-payment of other benefits,” Francia said in an online briefing.

Francia said the DOLE-NCR, which has dispatched its team, is instructed to submit a report as soon as possible after the investigation.