This has reference to Ms. Mayen Jaymalin’s article, entitled: “Pinoy seamen face unemployment, group says” which was featured in your Metro Section on 6 December 2014. The article contained a statement of United Filipino Seafarers (UFS) official Benjamin Lorque, that foreign shipping companies were outraged by a Decision rendered by the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) requiring the payment of $250,000 to a Filipino seaman who accidentally lost a fingernail at work. This decision allegedly prompted the foreign principal to employ other nationalities resulting to the displacement of 300 Filipino seafarers.
Contrary to what was stated in the article, the Decision being referred to by Mr. Lorque was not rendered by the NLRC. Upon verification, the Decision was rendered in the case, entitled: “Voluntary Arbitration Case by and between Renerio N. Villas and C.F. Sharp Crew Management, Inc. and/or General Ore Carrier Corporation XIX, Ltd. (Case Number AC-B09-NCMB-:NCR-93-06-10-13),” by a voluntary arbitration panel under the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB).
Trusting that we have clarified everything. — ELENITA F. CRUZ, Labor Arbiter, Acting Executive Clerk of Court IV