DOLE to Offer Financial Assistance to Victims of Angeles City Building Collapse

DOLE Secretary Francis N. Tolentino

DOLE to Offer Financial Assistance to Victims of Angeles City Building Collapse

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | May 29, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – In response to a devastating building collapse in Angeles City that resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries among construction workers, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has initiated a comprehensive response. This includes immediate financial assistance for victims and a thorough investigation into potential safety violations, leading to the preventive suspension of a key regional official.

Acting Secretary Francis N. Tolentino has instructed the Employees’ Compensation Commission (ECC) to promptly provide extensive benefits to all eligible victims and their beneficiaries.

Immediate Financial Relief

Deceased Workers

Beneficiaries of qualified deceased workers will receive PHP 15,000.00 in immediate cash assistance. The ECC will also facilitate a PHP 30,000.00 funeral benefit through the Social Security System (SSS), in addition to regular SSS entitlements. Qualified beneficiaries, including spouses and minor children, are also eligible for death pension benefits.

Injured Workers

Qualified injured workers will receive PHP 10,000.00 cash assistance under the EC Program, along with a disability benefit determined by the SSS.

Secretary Tolentino, who visited the disaster site in Angeles City on May 27, emphasized the urgent need to review DOLE’s visitorial powers to prevent similar tragedies. DOLE, in collaboration with the ECC and partner agencies, assures all affected individuals of immediate assistance and access to available benefits and support services.

Preventive Suspension and Enhanced Oversight

Acting Secretary Tolentino ordered a one-month preventive suspension for Region 3 (Central Luzon) Director Geraldine Panlilio on his first day in office. This decisive action is pending a thorough investigation into the collapse of the nine-story building. Assistant Regional Director Alejandro Inza Cruz has been appointed as the interim replacement.

Tolentino underscored the seriousness of the incident and the necessity of a rigorous investigation, particularly regarding the lifting of a prior work stoppage order at the site. The construction project had previously been subject to a DOLE Region 3 work stoppage order due to documented safety deficiencies, reportedly lifted after the company claimed compliance. Investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding this decision and any potential oversight lapses.

DOLE’s New Leadership Commits to Worker Protection and Reform

Appointed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to succeed former Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, Acting Secretary Tolentino has pledged new policies aimed at enhancing worker protection.

Key initiatives announced include:

Creation of a Labor Attorney Office

To provide free legal representation for workers in grievance or legal cases.

24-Hour Hotline for Gig Workers

To address specific needs and complaints of platform and gig workers regarding fair wages and payments.

Professionalization of Labor Arbiters

Enhancing the expertise and efficiency of the labor arbitration group.

Dialogue with Stakeholders

Plans to engage with various labor groups and company management to foster improved relations and address concerns.

Rising Casualty Count and Ongoing Search Efforts

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Region 3 confirmed that the death toll has tragically risen to five. As of 7:57 AM on May 28, 2026, rescuers retrieved another male victim from the rubble. While five fatalities are confirmed, 15 individuals remain missing, and 26 have been rescued from the nine-story building, which collapsed before dawn on Sunday.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla confirmed that search and rescue operations are continuing for the missing persons, reversing an earlier declaration to shift to search and retrieval after no signs of life were detected.

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