Firm owners charged over survey

CEBU, Philippines - Five owners of companies are facing charges for their alleged refusal to provide data to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) – 7 during a 2013 survey.

 “2013 Annual Survey of Philippine Business and Industry is a prepared survey blank form that is annually prepared for fate gathering, so that the Philippine Statistics Office can process them in a way that is useful for economic managers, both in the public and private sectors,” reads the affidavit of Julah Bate, statistical researcher of PSA.

The data PSA wanted to get from the companies was for the 2013 Annual Survey of Philippine Business and Industry (ASPBI).

PSA has filed the case against the owners of Producer Feed Mill Inc. in Mandaue City and Pilipinas Shell, E-Telecare, Golden Buns Corp., and Red Tag, Phils., all in Cebu City.

 Prosecutor Rodulph Joseph Val Carillo agreed with the investigating officer that the owners are liable for violating Republic Act 10625 or the Philippine Statistical Act of 2013.

 “The undersigned agrees with the investigating officer that a preliminary investigation is not a matter of right in the instant complaint. However, it is not for the reason that the case falls under the Rules on Summary Procedure,” Carillo said.

Bate stated the survey form was supposed to be filled out by the concerned officer, director, manager, and/or agent of the corporation and provide the economic data.

 A bail of P2,000 was recommended for the owners’ temporary liberty. — (FREEMAN)