MANILA — The Department of Labor and Employment has ordered the owner and contractor of the collapsed building project in Angeles City to pay more than P11.7 million in labor-related liabilities and administrative fines following an investigation into the deadly incident.
“After conducting an investigation, after constituting a committee, the DOLE found that Jackson Lim and Golden Years Construction and Steelworks Corp. were liable for P1,426,798.50, representing P1,102,798 for labor standards violations, and P10,324,000 as an administrative fine under RA 11058 (Occupational Safety and Health Standards Act), for willful violation of occupational safety and health standards,” said Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino.
DOLE said the investigation revealed that workers continued to perform construction work despite the existence of a DOLE-issued Work Stoppage Order, exposing them to dangerous conditions that could result in serious injury or death.
DOLE likewise found multiple labor standards violations, including non-payment of wages and statutory benefits. Workers were reportedly deprived of proper compensation for work rendered on rest days, Saturdays, and holidays, and were subjected to wage underpayment.
The investigation also uncovered several serious safety violations, including the failure to provide personal protective equipment, secure permits to operate mechanical lifting equipment, deploy required occupational safety and health personnel such as safety officers and first aiders, and provide temporary accommodation for workers.
Further aggravating the violations, the company allegedly submitted fake and invalid certificates for the project’s designated first aider and safety officer.
“They also submitted fake and invalid certificates for the project’s first aider and safety officer,” he said.
In light of these findings, DOLE will endorse the complete case records to the National Bureau of Investigation and the Angeles City local government for appropriate action and, where applicable, the possible filing of criminal charges within their respective jurisdictions.
Meanwhile, the Department also identified gaps in the implementation and enforcement of labor laws during the investigation.
“DOLE found gaps in the implementation of labor laws. Hence, we will continue with the administrative proceedings against an official and certain labor inspectors of DOLE Regional Office III,” Tolentino said
He assured the public that the department would strengthen labor law enforcement and intensify monitoring efforts nationwide to prevent similar incidents, and that it would “be proactive with the regional offices in implementing labor laws to protect workers.” DOLE Press release
The DOLE chief earlier assured that the families of workers who perished in the incident will receive assistance through the Employees’ Compensation Commission, covering funeral expenses and financial assistance, among others, subject to verification of the workers’ registration with the Social Security System.
He also issued a strong reminder to building owners, contractors, and employers nationwide in the wake of the incident.
“Comply with all existing labor standards, occupational safety and health regulations, and make sure that your employees are safe, your structures are safe, and everything will be fine,” warned Tolentino. DOLE Press release
