₱11.49M liability upheld over Angeles building collapse

₱11.49 million in worker benefits and occupational safety fines was upheld against the contractor and owner of the nine-story building that collapsed last May in Angeles City, Pampanga, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said August 29.

Golden Years Construction and Steelworks Corporation and owner Ernest Jackson Lim were held liable for ₱1.17 million in unpaid wages and benefits, and ₱10.32 million in administrative fines for Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) violations.

The monetary award covers unpaid wages during the Work Stoppage Order, underpaid wages, rest day premiums, and holiday pay.

Safety Shortfalls

“A review of the records established several serious OSH violations,” the DOLE said.

The violations included failures to provide personal protective equipment, secure permits for mechanical lifting equipment, deploy required safety officers and first aiders, and provide temporary accommodation for workers.

The agency also found fake and invalid certificates for the project’s designated first aider and safety officer.

“A pattern of persistent and willful non-compliance with OSH standards,” the department added.

The building collapsed May 24, killing 30 people and injuring several others.

Labor Liability

The resolution signed by DOLE Secretary Francis Tolentino on August 17 modified the department’s June order after a motion for reconsideration was granted.

The department found the workers’ claims ‘meritorious, including their entitlement to rest day premiums and unpaid wages’ during the implementation of the Work Stoppage Order from October 16 to 24, 2025.

The respondents claimed they were denied due process, but the department said they were “duly notified and given reasonable opportunities to explain their side and present supporting evidence.”

Tolentino said compliance with occupational safety and health standards remains a continuing legal obligation for employers.

“The respondents were ordered to pay the monetary award and administrative fines within 10 days from receipt of the Resolution,” the DOLE added.