Solon hits DOJ for clearing DILG, BFP, DOLE over Kentex fire

MANILA, Philippines — A party list congressman on Saturday scored the recommendation of the Department of Justice (DOJ) on the Kentex fire tragedy, claiming it is "obviously" politicized.

Anakpawis partylist Rep. Fernando Hicap also questioned by the DOJ excluded the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) from accountability.

During the congressional inquiry last May, labor law compliance officer from DOLE admitted issuance of certificate of compliance to Kentex Manufacturing on September 2014 amid obvious fire and safety hazard existed at its factory in Valenzuela.

 "The DOJ is acquitting agencies...though it is clear that if only they properly did their mandate, the deaths of many workers could be avoided," said Hicap, who filed a House resolution to investigate the fire tragedy.

Justice For Kentex Victims, a group of the victims' families and Kilusang Mayo Uno, said the BFP, which is under DILG did not issue a Fire Safety Inspection Certificate for 2014 and 2015 but did nothing to close down or stop the operation of the factory.

Hicap also hit DOLE for allowing the subcontractor operations of CJC Manpower Agency which is neither registered at the Securities and Exchange Commission nor DOLE.

DOLE recorded only 46 workers while it actually operates on 200 workers, Hicap added.

"The twin criminal negligence of DOLE and BFP led to the deaths of Kentex workers, the DOJ should include them to be charged,"  Hicap said.

He said the clearing of the government agencies, including DILG, is to insulate Secretary Mar Roxas who wishes to be the presidential bet of the administration bloc, the Liberal Party.