CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – The Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office 3 has summoned construction workers from the collapsed 9-story building in Barangay Balibago, Angeles City on Thursday, a day after imposing a P11.4 million fine on Golden Years Construction and Steelworks Corporation and building owner Ernest Jackson Lim.
According to a construction worker who requested anonymity, the DOLE meeting lasted until the afternoon. The worker said the fine is intended for surviving construction workers and the families of those who died in the incident.
The exact amount each worker or family will receive has not yet been determined, and they are awaiting execution of the imposed fine.
The construction workers are temporarily staying in barracks near the collapsed building site. They said they cannot leave due to lack of funds and want to receive their benefits before returning to their home provinces.
Families of those who died in the collapse have not yet issued statements regarding DOLE’s action.
DOLE Region 3 leadership declined to be interviewed, stating that the Central Office will issue official statements on the matter.
Business losses
Meanwhile, business owners and workers near the collapsed building are voicing complaints about the incident’s impact on their livelihoods.
Jennifer Galicia, a restaurant owner, said the establishment she rents was damaged in the collapse. The structure now has cracks, and she is afraid to reopen for business.
Her business has been suspended, affecting her employees. She also reported being robbed of money, tools, and inventory—including beer and liquor—while the building remained inaccessible during clearing operations.
Dariel Cuarez, an employee at a nearby spa, said their livelihood has also been disrupted. Electricity has not yet been restored to their area, and they hope DOLE will also address their concerns.
Clearing operations continue in the area, and power lines are being repaired.
Golden Years Construction and its lawyers have not yet responded to Punto’s requests for comment on DOLE’s actions as of posting time.
