Newly installed Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino has ordered the one-month suspension of Department of Labor and Employment Central Luzon (DOLE 3) Director Geraldine Panlilio in connection with the collapse of an under-construction building in Angeles City, Pampanga over the weekend.
Work Stoppage Order Issued in 2025
In an interview with reporters, Tolentino said records show that DOLE 3 had issued a work stoppage order in 2025 due to various labor violations, particularly regarding occupational safety and hazard regulations of the construction firm. Among the violations was the requirement that worker barracks should not be located inside the building under construction.
The firm reportedly complied during an inspection, leading to the lifting of the work stoppage order and allowing construction to resume. Tolentino questioned Panlilio about whether follow-up inspections were conducted after the order was lifted.
Need for Regular Inspections
“Perhaps this is one of the policies we need to change: when DOLE conducts an inspection, it should not be a one-time event. It should be regular to ensure compliance with the lifted work stoppage order,” Tolentino said.
The building collapse occurred on Sunday dawn, May 24, 2026, resulting in four confirmed deaths, 16 missing persons, and 26 rescued individuals. Search and rescue operations were officially terminated on Monday evening, May 25, after no signs of life were detected under the debris.
