DOLE ‘denounces’ claims it found ABS-CBN compliant with labor laws

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Wednesday denied that it found ABS-CBN Corporation compliant with labor laws and standards.

In a statement, DOLE said it "denounces attempts by lawyers and officials of ABS-CBN to misrepresent its position to deceive members of the House of Representatives in its bid to gain congressional approval for a new franchise."

"We also take strong exceptions to claims that the department has found ABS-CBN compliant with labor laws and standards, and that we approve of the seasonal work status for the broadcast firm’s program employees," it said in a statement.

News reports have said that a DOLE official told a House hearing on Monday said ABS-CBN complied with labor laws and standards in the country.

Instead, DOLE confirmed that ABS-CBN was fully compliant with directives it issued to the network regarding its alleged violations of labor standards and occupational safety.

"The facts bear us out. Our labor inspectors found violations of laws and standards by ABS-CBN. And on account of those findings, the company took steps to correct those infractions," it said.

"It is therefore patently misleading to attribute to us the claim that ABS-CBN is a compliant company. In fact, there are 67 pending cases against the company in the NLRC and the various courts," it added.

DOLE warned that it will not "let it pass." — Joahna Lei Casilao/BM, GMA News