By Ferdinand Patinio | Philippine News Agency
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) ordered the owner and contractor of the collapsed building project in Angeles City, Pampanga to pay over PHP11.7 million in labor-related liabilities and administrative fines.
“The DOLE found that Jackson Lim and Golden Years Construction and Steelworks Corporation were liable of P1,426,798.50, representing P1,102,798 for labor standards violations, and P10,324,000 as an administrative fine under Republic Act No. 11058 for willful violation of occupational safety and health standards,” Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino said during a weekly forum on Wednesday.
He said the probe found out 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.
The agency also 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.
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,” Tolentino added.
The DOLE will endorse the complete case records to the National Bureau of Investigation and the Angeles City local government for appropriate action.
