MikeLigalig.com

By Kit Bagaipo
The Bohol Chronicle

After almost 12 years of litigation, some 412 former workers of Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction (HHIC) may finally be paid their back wages amounting P66-million.

The National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) in Tagbilaran City has set on June 25 the mandatory pre-conference for the issuance of a writ of execution on the Supreme Court order granting the payment of the workers' claims.

Labor arbiter Fructuoso Villarin IV said the hearing can no longer be postponed as it is mandated by the high tribunal.

He said that of the 412 former Hanjin laborers that were covered with the SC order, some 200 have already submitted their affidavits for quitclaim and release and agreed to settle directly with the management of the South Korean contractor.

There are also 110 laborers who retracted their quitclaims following the high tribunal's ruling. These former Hanjin workers cited that they were deceived and forced to receive the amount of P40,000 after having been threatened that Hanjin might go bankrupt.

I've heared this issue so long ago, some of this workers or laborers are from my place Pilar and nearby barangays of Ubay. My brother was also part of Hanjin before and was even given the task regarding this matter. Not so sure what it was all about then.... but This is a good news for them... Justice for their claims.