The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has upheld the ₱11.49-million liability of Golden Years Construction and Steelworks Corporation and Ernest Jackson Lim over unpaid workers’ benefits and serious occupational safety and health (OSH) violations prior to the collapse of a nine-story building in Angeles City, Pampanga.
The amount includes ₱1.17 million in unpaid wages during the Work Stoppage Order (WSO), underpaid wages, unpaid rest day premium, and holiday pay, as well as ₱10.32 million in administrative fines for OSH violations.
The Resolution, signed by Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino on 17 August 2026, modified DOLE’s 16 June 2026 Order after the Motion for Reconsideration filed by John John Dogos Placidas, Michael Dogos Placidas, and Alfredo Aibis Balute was granted.
It found the workers’ claims meritorious, including their entitlement to rest day premium and unpaid wages during the implementation of the WSO from 16 to 24 October 2025, increasing the monetary award for the affected workers.
DOLE likewise affirmed the ₱10.32 million in administrative fines imposed on the respondents for ongoing OSH violations prior to the building collapse.
The respondents’ claims that they were denied due process were found untenable, as records showed that they were duly notified and given reasonable opportunities to explain their side and present supporting evidence.
A review of the records established several serious OSH violations, including failure to provide personal protective equipment, secure required permits for mechanical lifting equipment, deploy required safety officers and first aiders, and provide temporary accommodation for workers.
The violations were further aggravated by the submission of fake and invalid certificates for the project’s designated first aider and safety officer.
DOLE found that these circumstances showed a pattern of persistent and willful non-compliance with OSH standards, exposing workers to serious injury or death despite prior enforcement action and ample notice of the deficiencies.
The Secretary stressed that compliance with OSH standards is a continuing legal obligation and that employers must maintain safe working conditions throughout their operations. The administrative fines were therefore found fully justified.
The respondents were ordered to pay the monetary award and administrative fines within 10 days from receipt of the Resolution.
DOLE’s continuing efforts to enforce labor laws and hold erring employers accountable are consistent with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s strengthened push to protect workers’ rights and welfare and ensure safer, healthier workplaces. (PR)
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