The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is fining the owner and contractor of an Angeles City condominium project more than P11 million following a building collapse on May 24 that killed 30 people. Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino announced that building owner Ernest Jackson Lim and Golden Years Construction and Steel Works Corp. were found liable for violating labor and occupational safety standards, as construction continued despite a previous work stoppage order.
Why the government is imposing fines
Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino stated that the investigation into the collapse at Barangay Balibago uncovered two primary violations. The agencies assessed a fine of P1,102,798.50 for labor standard violations and P10,324,000 for occupational safety and health standard failures. According to Tolentino, the site owners failed to provide personal protective equipment, lacked a permit for the construction lifter, and submitted invalid certificates for safety officers and first-aid personnel. Additionally, the department found that workers were not paid correct wages, including compensation for work on rest days and holidays.
What happened at the construction site
The nine-story condominium project collapsed onto a nearby hotel before dawn on May 24, trapping workers who were asleep at the site. While officials estimated that up to 70 people were employed at the project, the death toll reached 30, with at least 26 other workers rescued. Records from DOLE regional officer Geraldine Panlilio indicate that the site had previously been shut down in September 2025 due to poor conditions, including a lack of safety gear and signage. Although construction resumed after the contractor reportedly complied with safety requirements, Tolentino noted that work continued during a subsequent stoppage order, exposing personnel to significant danger.
Possible next steps for accountability
The investigation into the disaster is likely to expand into criminal proceedings. Secretary Tolentino confirmed that DOLE will endorse its case records to the National Bureau of Investigation and the Angeles City local government to pursue criminal actions. Simultaneously, the Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives is seeking an inquiry into the incident, with some lawmakers pushing for legislation to criminalize violations of the Occupational Safety and Health Standards Act (Republic Act No. 11058). Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin II has also formed a task force to investigate the collapse, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government has launched a separate probe. Internally, DOLE is initiating administrative proceedings against regional officials and labor inspectors regarding gaps in the enforcement of labor laws.
