MANILA — The nine-story building that collapsed in Angeles City, Pampanga — killing at least four people and leaving several others missing — had previously been slapped with a work stoppage order by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) due to serious safety violations at the construction site.
DOLE Region 3 director Geraldine Panlilio disclosed that the agency ordered the temporary closure of the project in September 2025 after labor inspectors uncovered multiple violations involving worker safety, lack of protective equipment, and non-compliance with mandatory labor standards by contractor Golden Years Construction and Steelworks.
The revelation came as authorities intensified their investigation into the deadly collapse that raised questions about construction safety compliance and labor protection in the country.
Panlilio said DOLE initially received reports that workers at the site were allegedly not provided mandatory benefits such as Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG coverage.
When labor inspectors attempted to inspect the site, they were reportedly barred from entering.
“Denied access kami kaya nga agad namin sila pinasara kasi we are looking into the workers’ safety,” Panlilio said.
Despite being denied entry, inspectors conducted a plain-view inspection and found numerous violations of Occupational Safety and Health Standards.
“Walang safety belt, walang lifeline. Nakita na walang personal protective equipment, walang hard hats, walang mga boots, walang safety officer on site, walang accommodation,” Panlilio added.
The labor official said inspectors also found problems involving the building’s scaffolding and electrical systems.
“May problema din sa scaffolding, so pinaayos din namin yun. Yung part ng electrical, mayroon din kami nakita, pinaayos din namin ’yon kasi kami naman ang nagbibigay ng electrical permit for the building,” she said.
According to Panlilio, the contractor later complied with the corrective measures required by DOLE after about a month, prompting the agency to lift the work stoppage order.
She added that only nine construction workers were listed in the company’s construction safety program at the time of inspection.
Following Sunday’s tragedy, DOLE Region 3 deployed labor inspectors anew to determine whether the contractor fully complied with occupational safety and health regulations and whether affected workers were properly covered by social protection programs.
“Titingnan kung ito ba ay na-enroll na, naging covered na ba ng SSS at saka ng Employees’ Compensation Commission? Because they will be able to avail of the benefits under the SSS and ECC,” Panlilio said.
DOLE also said it is prepared to extend emergency employment and livelihood assistance to the affected workers and their families.
Authorities earlier confirmed that at least four people died in the collapse while search and rescue operations continue for several missing workers./PN
