PNoy to review DOLE decision on PAL layoff

President Benigno Aquino III will review the decision of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) allowing the Philippine Airlines (PAL), the country’s flag-carrier, to lay off over 2,000 of its workers. In a text message to reporters on Tuesday, Aquino, however, said he had just returned to the country last Sunday from Vietnam and has yet to go over some of the reports that were submitted to him. He also said he respects the employees’ move to bring the matter to the courts. “They, I understand, went to the Court of Appeals. If they did, we respect the division of powers enshrined in the Constitution," the President said.

Also in the day, the workers affected by the planned layoffs staged a rally at the Mendiola Bridge near Malacañang. The marchers included members of the PAL Employees' Association (PALEA), Koalisyon Kontra Kontraktwalisasyon and Partido ng Manggagawa. Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said the layoff was lawful, reasonable and done “in good faith and was in accordance both with the CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) and the Labor Code." Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said they support DOLE’s decision and encouraged PAL employees to make a legal appeal. “As long as any decision of quasi-judicial agency under the executive is resolved based on the issue and the evidence pleaded, that’s okay with us," she said. - KBK, GMANews.TV