QuestionsQuestions (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 621)
PD 621 vests in the Secretary of Labor general supervision and control over the social amelioration program in the sugar industry and authorizes the issuance of rules for proper and equitable implementation of benefits under prior Sugar Quota Board orders.
PD 621 references the 1970 directive leading to the collection of a stabilization fee per picul of sugar (initially P1.00 in lieu of P3.00) and the Sugar Quota Board Philippine Sugar Orders (PSO No. 3, series 1970-71; PSO No. 4, series 1970-71; and PSO No. 31, series 1971-72) which allocated 90% to sugar workers (as bonuses and/or per employer-labor union agreement) and 10% as working fund of the Sugar Industry Foundation, Inc.
Ninety percent (90%) of the stabilization fee is distributed as bonuses to sugar workers and/or disposed of according to an agreement between the employer and the labor union of employees, while ten percent (10%) forms the working fund of the Sugar Industry Foundation, Inc.
The Secretary of Labor.
To issue necessary rules and regulations for the proper and equitable implementation of the social amelioration program pursuant to the referenced Philippine Sugar Orders.
Verified reports that some sugar farm and mill workers failed to enjoy their legitimate share in the benefits under the social amelioration program.
PD 621 is stated to be issued pending the full implementation of PD 388, including the formal organization of the Philippine Sugar Commission in accordance therewith.
Beginning the crop year 1974-1975.
Any person who willfully refuses upon demand to pay his share of the stabilization fee or the legitimate claim of any worker covered by the decree as determined by the Secretary of Labor.
A fine of not less than P1,000 and not more than P10,000, or imprisonment of not less than one (1) year but not more than five (5) years, or both, at the discretion of the court or military tribunal.
On the guilty officer or officers, as the case may be.
In addition to the prescribed penalty, they shall be deported without further proceedings on the part of the Commission on Immigration and Deportation.
The willful refusal is “upon demand”—meaning payment must be demanded and the refusal must be wilful.
Philippine Sugar Order No. 3 (series 1970-71) dated December 29, 1970; Philippine Sugar Order No. 4 (series 1970-71) dated January 12, 1971; and Philippine Sugar Order No. 31 (series 1971-72) dated December 23, 1971.
As determined by the Secretary of Labor.
It addresses both: it empowers the Secretary of Labor to ensure equitable implementation of the amelioration program (worker benefits) and penalizes refusal to pay the stabilization fee or worker claims.