Following the deadly collapse of a building under construction in Angeles City, Pampanga, Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino lamented the low number of labor inspectors in Central Luzon. In a radio interview, Tolentino stated that there are fewer than 50 labor inspectors based in Region III.
Current Inspector Numbers
"When we visited Region 3, we were told that there were only 38 labor inspectors, but they actually go around inspecting 7,000 establishments, including government constructions," Tolentino said. This situation mirrors the challenges faced by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) across the country. He added, "Our inspectors in the 17 regional offices are only at 477. How can they carry out the work as labor inspectors?"
Challenges and Proposed Solutions
Tolentino emphasized the inadequacy of the current workforce: "There are really too few of them. It is really not possible. This is sad. The 477 cannot do that." To address the shortage, the DOLE has requested assistance from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda). "From the Tesda side, they committed to provide 200 young people, who we will train to become labor inspectors," Tolentino explained.
Additionally, the department plans to seek additional funding from Congress for the salaries of these new inspectors. "We need congressional support here because it has a salary component," Tolentino noted.
Background of the Incident
Last week, a nine-story condotel building under construction in Angeles City collapsed, resulting in six confirmed deaths and several missing individuals. DOLE had previously identified several occupational safety and health standards violations at the construction site. The incident has underscored the urgent need for more rigorous enforcement of labor and safety regulations.
