DOLE completes probe of Kentex fire

MANILA, Philippines - Whether or not Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) officials are liable for a fire that gutted a slipper factory and resulted in the death of 73 persons will be known next week.

“Investigation is complete and all the evidence and information gathered are now under evaluation. The committee tasked to conduct the investigation will submit their recommendation to me by next week,” Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said yesterday.

On Thursday, the Department of Justice (DOJ) ordered Valenzuela Mayor Rexlon Gatchalian and five other city officials to undergo preliminary investigation in connection with the Kentex incident.

The DOJ also asked the DOLE to look into the possible liability of certain labor officials for issuing a certificate of compliance to Kentex prior to the fire.

DOLE said the investigation will determine the possible accountability of and sanctions against labor inspector Joseph Vedasto, who recommended the issuance of certificate of compliance to Kentex, and two other labor officials.

The DOLE maintained that Kentex complied with general labor standards and occupational safety and health regulations during the inspection conducted in March 2014. – Mayen Jaymalin