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An HIV-positive hairdresser named Rene Nocos, 48, is now suing celebrity hairstylist Ricky Reyes for discrimination and illegal dismissal.
A report on GMA News’ 24 Oras indicated that Nocos had been working for Reyes for 10 years. He said he had always been treated well but that things changed when he was found to be HIV-positive.
“Nung may tuberculosis ako, pinagpahinga ako ng six months with pay. Okay naman, binigyan pa nga ako ng vitamins. Ito lang nga sa sakit ko na nga e, parang sarado yung isip niya sa sakit na HIV (When I had tuberculoses, they gave me six months off with pay. They even financed my vitamins. But then when I found out about my condition, it seems as if they’re not keen on being considerate to HIV-positive people),” said Nocos.
Reyes has reportedly denied Nocos’ allegations, saying that the company had advised the latter to rest. Moreover, the branch where Nocos worked had reportedly closed. Despite this, Reyes claimed that Nocos still asked for his monthly salary, a request which they refused.
In any case, Nocos has pursued his illegal dismissal against Reyes’ company, citing underpayment of wages and 13th month pay, and non-payment of holiday pay and separation pay. The case has been filed at the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), which has not yet issued a ruling on the matter.
Meanwhile, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) declined to comment on the case.
The Department of Health (DOH), for its part, said that HIV-positive individuals can still report for work, as the condition is not contagious. For more information on how HIV infection happens, check out the infographic (from http://hivconsult.in) below:
Photo: Stock
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