Twenty-eight workers from Hacienda Lolita in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental have filed a labor-related complaint against Confederation of Sugar Producers Associations (CONFED) president Aurelio Gerardo Valderrama Jr., seeking intervention from the Department of Agriculture.

The workers allege decades of unfair labor practices, including underpayment, denial of legally mandated benefits like 13th month pay, carabao share, and social amelioration bonus, as well as restrictions on forming a labor union.

Valderrama's legal counsel denied the allegations, calling them 'false or malicious,' and emphasized willingness to cooperate with the Department of Labor and Employment.

The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between agricultural workers and industry leaders over labor rights and fair compensation in the sugar sector.