By LESLIE AQUINO
The Department of Labor and Employment is checking the compliance of the Skyway project with labor standards, following an accident at the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 project in Muntinlupa City in which one person was killed and four others were injured Saturday.
“I ordered its inspection to see if it is compliant with occupational safety and health standards,” Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said in an interview Sunday.
“If we find out that they are not compliant, there could be liabilities,” he added.
If found non-compliant, Bello said they will initially ask them to comply.
The Labor chief said the issuance of a work stoppage order is possible when deemed necessary.
Bello is still awaiting the report from their field personnel.
Sen. Joel Villanueva asked the DoLE to dispatch a team of labor inspectors to look into the safety protocols at the Skyway construction site in Muntinlupa.
Villeanueva said he expects labor inspectors to determine any lapses in the workplace safety protocol which could have contributed to the accident.
Head of Skyway concession holder San Miguel Corp. issued an apology to the victims and assured them that the company would make sure all their needs would be taken cared of and more.
SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon S. Ang said that even while project contractor EEI Corp. was the one handling the construction of the project, as project proponent, SMC has a responsibility to take care of the victims.
“Even with a contractor handling construction, ultimately, we are responsible for the welfare of those who were affected. I would like to personally apologize to the victims and their families, as well as to our larger community in Muntinlupa,” Ang said.
