Survivors and kin of victims of the Kentex fire formally launched the group “Justice for Kentex Workers” last May 31 at Mapulang Lupa Multipurpose Hall in Valenzuela City.
The group began discussing the steps leading to the filing of both criminal and administrative charges against those deemed responsible for the tragedy.
On May 13, an estimated 71 workers and one of the factory owners were killed in the worst factory fire in the Philippines. A fire gutted Kentex Manufacturing Corporation, reportedly due to sparks from welding equipment that ignited combustible chemicals stored nearby.
Charges Pile Up
Joseph Pausal of the Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) announced on Sunday’s assembly that criminal charges against the owners of Kentex Manufacturing Corporation will be brought to the Department of Justice and the Office of the Prosecutor in Valenzuela City.
Similar charges will also be filed at the Office of the Ombudsman against the Deparment of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, DOLE-NCR Director Alex Avila,Labor Inspectors and officials of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
Civil cases are also set to be filed at the Regional Trial Court of Valenzuela City for damages incurred due to the fire.
Aquino blames opposition mayor
In a press conference held last Monday, President Benigno Aquino III broke his two-week silence on the issue of Kentex, implying that Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian should be held responsible for the tragedy.
“Yung records na pinakita sa atin, kaya wala silang (Kentex) fire safety inspection certificate (kasi) ginawa ng BFP ang trabaho nila,” said Aquino.
But Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) decried Malacanang’s ‘whitewashing’ of the incident. The progressive labor group insisted that both Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas and DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz must be held responsible. BFP is under the DILG.
The fact-finding team of CTUHR revealed that Kentex Manufacturing Corporation was given a permit after complying with general labor standards and occupational health and safety standards conducted by DOLE in September 2014. BFP also issued a fire safety inspection certification to the factory owners.
KMU further insisted that “Aquino spoke not in the interest of justice but in the interest of politics, especially with the 2016 elections in view.”
Roxas is the apparent standard-bearer of Liberal Party for the 2016 national elections. He was Aquino’s running mate in the 2010 elections, but lost to Jejomar Binay. Gatchalian ran under the National People’s Coalition in the 2013 mayoralty elections.
