APO execs set to file libel case vs union

MANILA, Philippines - Officials of APO Unit Production are set to file a libel case against their union that accused APO executives of reportedly using sales specialists as their dummies to collect commissions.

The APO labor union earlier filed plunder charges against APO officers led by former communications secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. and six others before the Office of the Ombudsman.

APO is a government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC) that enters into printing contracts with other government agencies.

“We, members of the Board of Trustees and officers of APO Production Unit, Inc., vehemently deny the P191-million plunder case brought by the APO Union against us with the Office of the Ombudsman,” APO executives said in a statement.

“We are aggrieved by this charge against our persons and families. While we have yet to receive a copy of the complaint, we stand ready to face the charge and present documents that will disprove this alleged plunder. All our actions have been above board and we have nothing to hide,” they added.

In earlier reports, Conrado Molina, president of the APO labor union, said, “Accordingly, for the year 2015 alone, the total amount sacked by respondents in the guise of sales commissions was P70,103,077.02, an aggregate amount already qualified for plunder pursuant to Republic Act No. 7080.”

Also named in the complaint were Milagros Alora, Armando Dimacurot Jr., Jaime Aldaba, Olivia Marcelo, Gerardo Sevilla, Dominic Tajon and 11 “John Does,” referring to the unidentified sales specialists.