Wife of 'fallen' carpenter claims scant support from husband's company

CEBU, Philippines - The widow of the carpenter who fell from the fifth floor of a building in J. Llorente Street early this month is bent on filing charges against the builder and owner of the structure.

Charlene Comahig, 28, of Napo, Carcar City, alleged that the financial assistance she received is not enough to support her family.

She was also reportedly insulted when the company asked her to sign an affidavit of desistance, which waives her right to file charges in exchange for P10,000. She did not sign the affidavit.

“I realize that the building owner, its officers and managers have exercised due diligence to look after the welfare of their workers and I do not have sufficient evidence to file any civil or criminal charges against them,” the affidavit reportedly reads.

Around 6p.m. last May 7, her husband, Melchor, 30, fell from the fifth floor of the building where he was doing renovation works. He was confined at the Cebu City Medical Center for a few days but he passed away due to the severity of his injuries.

Charlene said the building management paid for her husband’s medical expenses until her husband died. The management also gave their family P7,000 for burial expenses, including a coffin for Melchor.

These reportedly are not enough, she said, because if Melchor was alive, he would have provided for the family. Charlene said the company should, at least, give her three young children scholarships.

A female staff member of the company who requested anonymity said the management has provided for Melchor and his family enough support as far as their resources could provide. She said the company has spent at least P80,000 for Melchor’s medical expenses.

She also said that Melchor was actually no longer on duty when the incident occurred, but the management still chose to extend help to his family. (FREEMAN)