UMVA has learned that a devastating building collapse in Angeles City, Pampanga, which claimed the lives of at least 30 people, has led to a massive penalty for the building owner and its contractor.
The Department of Labor and Employment has directed the owner and Golden Years Construction and Steelworks Corp. to pay over P11.4 million in fines and back wages, following a thorough investigation into the May incident.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino signed the June 16 order, citing the alleged non-payment of wages and holiday premiums to 57 workers, a grave exploitation that added insult to the tragedy.
The department imposed a staggering P10.2-million administrative fine for alleged occupational safety violations, including the failure to provide personal protective equipment and the lack of adequate safety personnel, which likely contributed to the catastrophic collapse.
An additional P100,000 penalty was levied for alleged misrepresentation after investigators uncovered a shocking case of deception: the first-aid certificates submitted by the respondents were not authentic, suggesting a culture of dishonesty and neglect.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that the Labor department will forward the investigation findings to concerned government agencies, paving the way for potential criminal and civil charges against those responsible for the tragedy.
The severe penalties and findings have sent a strong message about the importance of workplace safety and accountability, and the need for those in charge to prioritize the well-being of their employees.
The collapse and subsequent investigation have raised questions about the safety protocols in place and the measures taken to prevent such tragedies, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement and greater oversight.
