SEVERAL BUSINESS GROUPS on Thursday backed government investigations into Philippine Sanjia Steel Corp.’s operations in Misamis Oriental, citing concerns raised by authorities over possible regulatory, environmental, labor and national security issues.
The Federation of Philippine Industries, Management Association of the Philippines, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Institute of Corporate Directors, Philippine Iron and Steel Institute and Global AI Council PH said the allegations surrounding the steel plant warrant a thorough probe.
Sanjia did not immediately reply to an e-mail seeking comment. In May, the company denied allegations involving undocumented foreign workers and said its products are neither substandard nor radiologically contaminated.
Public reports and statements from government agencies have raised serious concerns that merit careful examination under Philippine laws and regulations, the groups said in a joint statement.
They expressed support for investigations being conducted by the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, Department of National Defense, National Bureau of Investigation and Armed Forces of the Philippines.
They urged authorities to establish the facts objectively and take appropriate action if violations are found.
The statement follows a government operation in May at the company’s facility inside the PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental.
Authorities said they found 69 Chinese nationals and one Filipino allegedly working at the plant, prompting separate investigations into possible immigration, labor, environmental and regulatory violations.
Defense officials have also raised concerns about the facility’s proximity to strategic naval infrastructure, including a naval installation and an under-construction Philippine Navy dry dock.
The groups said the case underscores the importance of regulatory compliance, safety standards and effective oversight of industrial facilities, particularly those operating in strategically sensitive locations.
They also called for a review of existing regulations and possible legislative reforms if investigations uncover gaps in enforcement mechanisms. — Mark Joseph M. Sanchez