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Mayor Vico Sotto sides with arrested workers in labor protest

Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto has expressed disappointment over the detention of some workers of Regent Foods Corp. (RFC) over an ongoing labor dispute.

“To the management of Regent Foods Corporation: These people are not criminals; they do not have the goal of hurting you. They are fighting for what they believe to be just. You can continue with the labor dispute without sending the poor and powerless to jail! I condemn the misuse of your privileged position to suppress the rights of your protesting workers. If you want to have a healthy relationship with our city, I highly suggest you rethink your position,” Sotto said om his Facebook post.

The mayor said he will help the detained workers to post bail next week.

The strike by RFC workers started more than a week ago on Nov. 9.

Sotto said the company hired security personnel to dismiss the labor workers.

At least 22 workers have been arrested. The workers were charged with personal injury, resistance and disobedience, according to reports.

The Pasig mayor also asked RFC management to reconsider its decision.

“In view of the foregoing, I will do everything within my power to help these 23 regain [and] maintain their liberty. Twelve of them have already posted bail (including the tricycle driver, for whom around a dozen of us pooled in money to raise the amount needed). Yesterday, [Saturday] afternoon, I talked to the 11 still inside, and assured them that I will personally make sure they are out on bail by Monday,” Sotto said.

Staff Report

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