This apparent work suspension starts Monday, Sept. 8, with an officer-in-charge set to take over, an insider said.
While other details were not immediately available, the move comes amid complaints that surfaced on Reddit alleging a toxic workplace culture at Smart since Martirez assumed the role one year ago.
The Reddit thread titled “Toxic Smart?” has drawn over 300 comments from employees and their colleagues alleging a difficult and hostile environment at the company.
Smart’s Human Resources (HR) department had been investigating complaints even before the issue emerged online. The formal probe could last up to 30 days.
Martirez rejoined Smart as COO in September last year, nearly two decades after his stint in the early 2000s when the company was the dominant telco.
His return was part of efforts to reclaim market leadership from rival Globe Telecom.
