Landco Pacific, a subsidiary of the MVP (Manny V. Pangilinan) Group, assured that employees at Camp John Hay facilities operating in an interim capacity will have working conditions compliant with standards set by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Patrick Gregorio, head of Landco Pacific Corporation, said in an exclusive interview Friday that “we copy-paste their benefits and status and carried them over to our company during the one-year interim management contract we have with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).”

He met with some of the employees on Friday morning for a general assembly, where they were advised to be patient while their job status undergo assessment.

Landco entered into a one-year interim contract -- extendible by another one year -- with the BCDA to manage The Manor Hotel, Forest Lodge and the CAP Cultural and Trade convention center inside Camp John Hay following the government's takeover of 240 hectares of leased property from the former developer.

Gregorio said the DOLE is assisting in the transition to ensure that the workers are protected under Philippine labor laws and standards.

“It should give peace of mind that the MVP company is known for taking care of its employees and that is a capital we always carry with us. Our guidance is to help manage well and that includes improving the lives of the people we work with,” he said.

He pointed out that the takeover took place without operation stoppage in the three facilities.

Meanwhile, guests who have prebooked and prepaid for future accommodation would be unaffected.

Gregorio also clarified that issues on evictions is a task lodged with the court sheriff and they are simply the beneficiary, being the interim management.

PNA PHOTO