LEGAZPI CITY—The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has enforced on five Manila-based businesses with operations in Bicol region to settle money claims by its employees for unfair labor practices that included underpayment of wages, non-payment of benefits/overtime pay, and for illegal dismissal of workers.

DOLE Bicol regional director Ernesto Bihis said that DOLE Bicol has already issued enforcement orders and writs of execution to the five companies that are operating in the region, for the settlement of money claims by workers amounting to some P6.04 million.

Bihis said that DOLE has stepped up its assistance to workers with the appointment of mediator-arbiters in its regional offices all over the country to facilitate payment of money claims by workers.

“We sent execution orders to the sheriff in the National Capital Region who in turn serve it to the concerned business establishments,” Bihis said.

The P6.04 million claims ranges from a high of P4.53 million and the lowest at P 65,520, according to Bihis.

“Actually we already levied some properties amounting to about P 1 million with the proceeds already given to the employees concerned.”

Bihis said DOLE Bicol has collected and sequestered some P2.1 million from the P6.04 million money claim, and these were already released to 100 workers who are qualified to receive them.

He said the DOLE has some P4 million left to enforce. “All garnished and levied assets of the five companies will be given to the affected employees,“ Bihis assured.