Around 300 former employees of New City Commercial Corp. (NCCC) in the Davao area are seeking the release of their remaining separation benefits following the company's closure of several retail outlets across Mindanao and Palawan.
The workers, who were retrenched effective June 8, 2026, said they had received only one installment of their separation pay despite an agreed payment schedule.
NCCC streamlines retail operations
NCCC announced in June 2026 that it would close selected department stores, supermarkets, hardware outlets and HB1 pharmacies as part of a broader effort to streamline its retail operations and focus investments on key locations.
The affected branches included its Lupon outlets in Davao Oriental, Choice Mart stores in Kapalong and Catalunan Grande, Supermarket Bolton in Davao City, and Supermarket Malvar in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, along with several HB1 pharmacies.
The closures were scheduled between June 30 and July 31. NCCC said it would continue operating its remaining stores and serving communities across Mindanao and Palawan.
Workers question delayed payments
During a September 16 consultation with Davao City Councilor Pamela Librado-Morata, former inventory clerk Anna Liza Tigol said around 300 employees from different branches were affected by the retrenchment.
She said workers were expecting installment payments every 15th and 30th of the month but received only one payment on July 24. The succeeding payments scheduled for August and September 15 were not released.
Workers also questioned the quitclaim documents they were reportedly asked to sign before receiving partial payments. They raised concerns over May and June contributions to the Social Security System, Pag-IBIG Fund and PhilHealth that were allegedly missing from their records.
In a public statement, NCCC said it understood the difficulties faced by displaced employees and remained committed to fulfilling its obligations. The company also said it was open to dialogue and continued working through the established process for releasing payments.
City Council to take up workers' concerns
Librado-Morata said her office would pursue the concerns through the City Council and coordinate with relevant government agencies for possible assistance.
Labor advocates in Southern Mindanao have also urged the Department of Labor and Employment to help ensure that affected employees receive their outstanding benefits.
Workers, meanwhile, are seeking clearer communication from management and a definite timeline for the release of their remaining separation pay.
