Muntinlupa shuts down insurance firm for worker abuse

MANILA, Philippines - A firm selling health insurance plans was ordered closed by the Muntinlupa City government for reportedly committing unfair labor practices.

Based on a directive by Muntinlupa Mayor Aldrin San Pedro, Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) chief Rodolfo Oliquino said he issued the closure order to Wilson Vicente Cajili of Icon Insurance Consultants following complaints from the firm’s workers.

Oliquino said the firm, located at Unit 1B Manila South Commuter Center in Alabang, is operating without the required business license and permit.

In issuing the closure order, Oliquino also considered the result of an investigation conducted by Rommel Balangue, a BPLO inspector, as well as a complaint filed by Norgene Santos of Parañaque City that reached the office of city administrator Robert Bunye.

Balangue said they inspected the firm last February and found it was recruiting workers without a fixed salary after the recruits paid P300. After the inspection, the firm was ordered not to renew its business permit following complaints from several workers.

Another inspection was conducted last April 15 and the city government learned the firm changed its name to Financial Intelligence Intermediary Inc., reportedly owned by the First Country Group.

Appropriate charges are being readied for filing in court against the company, officials said. – Rhodina Villanueva