The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is investigating claims about sub-minimum wages from JBC Food Corporation which are linked to the government's apprenticeship program.

In a statement, TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez said his agency has coordinated with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to verify the allegations.

This came after Senator Raffy Tulfo revealed in a privilege speech on Monday that he received information about companies allegedly paying their workers below the minimum wage by citing TESDA’s Apprenticeship Program.

“The unauthorized use of our program’s name to justify paying workers below the minimum wage is unacceptable and contrary to our mandate of promoting fair and ethical skills development,” Benitez said.

“TESDA condemns any misuse of the program and is deeply concerned about the allegations against enterprises, particularly JBC Food Corporation,” he added.

Benitez added that JBC Food Corporation is not included in the list of companies which received TESDA's approval to implement the apprenticeship program.

He said TESDA continues to gather more information about the alleged misuse, in coordination with Senator Tulfo, to ensure the program is not exploited by any employer.

“We are committed to ensuring that our programs are implemented with integrity and in full compliance with labor laws,” Benitez said.

JBC Food Corporation is a snack food company established in 1988. Its partner companies include Republic Biscuit Corporation, Multirich Food Corp., SPI Corporation, and Suncrest Food Corp.