By Ferdinand Patinio | Philippine News Agency
Newly installed Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Francis Tolentino on Tuesday ordered a one-month preventive suspension of Region 3 (Central Luzon) Director Geraldine Panlilio.
In an interview at the sidelines of the turnover ceremony of the department, Tolentino said the suspension was ordered pending an investigation into the collapse of a nine-story building in Angeles City, Pampanga, over the weekend that killed four people.
“This is very serious—I will place Dir. Panlilio under preventive suspension for one month while the investigation is ongoing,” he said.
Tolentino appointed Assistant Regional Director Alejandro Inza Cruz to replace Panlilio.
“The Assistant Regional Director of Region 3 will take over while the investigation continues to properly investigate why the stoppage order was lifted,” he added.
Tolentino, who reported on his first day as acting secretary of the DOLE on Tuesday, vowed to introduce new policies aimed at protecting workers.
“Coming from the other branch, I am not here to legislate but to implement. First, I intend to create a labor attorney office so that our workers who cannot afford to hire a lawyer can have a free lawyer if they have a future case or a grievance,” he said.
Tolentino said he would put up a 24-hour hotline to cater to the needs of platform or gig workers.
“Those who complain that they are not being given the right salary, the right payment—these are the ones who deliver to us online. I intend to professionalize the labor arbiters group,” he said.
He is looking to have a dialogue with labor groups and the management of companies.
“We will reach out within the next few days to the various labor groups. Maybe not all at once, maybe one by one. I will also talk to management,” Tolentino said.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., appointed Tolentino as the acting DOLE head on Monday. He replaced former Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, who stepped down from the post early this week due to health concerns.
