Binay charged with illegal dismissal of 138 workers

MANILA, Philippines - Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay and City Administrator Marjorie de Veyra were charged before Office of the Ombudsman for the dismissal of 138 casual employees of the city government.

Lawyer Andrei Bon Tagum, who represents the workers, said a legal precedent of the complaint is that those who have worked for more than six months are considered regular employees.

In their complaint, the employees of the Makati Anti-Drug Abuse Council (MADAC) and the Makati Action Center (MAC) said they were dismissed from their jobs because of their perceived loyalty to Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado, who is running for mayor against Binay’s son, Councilor Jejomar Erwin Binay Jr.

However, Joey Salgado, Makati Information and Community Relations Division chief, said they have not yet received a copy of the complaint. “But obviously, such complaint is politically motivated,” he said.

The casual workers asked the Office of the Ombudsman to suspend Binay and De Veyra and to institute the appropriate criminal and administrative proceedings against them.

They said they are “victims of collateral damage as a result of the political break-up between Mayor Binay and Vice Mayor Mercado.”

Binay and De Veyra were also accused of violating Republic Act 6713, the Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.