DOLE stops budget hotel demolition

MANILA, Philippines — To protect the lives of other construction workers, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) yesterday stopped the demolition of the collapsed budget hotel in Malate, Manila.

DOLE also ordered Hotel Sogo owner Golden Breeze Realty Inc. and contractor Fabellon Construction and Development Corp. to pay an administrative fine of P100,000.

Labor Undersecretary Benjo Benavidez said the DOLE-National Capital Region (NCR) issued the work stoppage order after finding both the principal and the contractor violated general labor standards as well as occupational safety and health regulations.

He said labor inspectors sent to the site found that there was no safety officer and first aid officer when the accident happened last Monday.

According to Benavidez, the owner and the contractor also failed to notify the DOLE that the demolition would go beyond the two-month period they previously applied for.

“In relation to these violations, the DOLE issued a work stoppage order and set a hearing today for the principal and the contractor to explain their side,” Benavidez said.

Benavidez said if the owner and contractor are found liable, the DOLE will suspend their licenses to operate.