Jackson Lim, owner of a collapsed building in Balibago, Angeles City, has filed a Motion for Reconsideration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). He contests the agency's directive to pay over P11 million in unpaid wages and administrative fines.
Background of the Case
On June 16, 2026, DOLE mandated Lim and Golden Years Construction and Steelworks Corporation to compensate 57 workers for unpaid wages amounting to P1,102,798.50. This wage dispute stems from a work stoppage that occurred between September 27 and October 24, 2025.
In addition to the wage payments, they were ordered to pay administrative fines totaling P10,324,000 for violating Occupational Safety and Health Standards.
Despite the ruling, regional director Geraldine M. Panlilio noted that Golden Years had made significant corrections, including improving safety measures and compensating workers.
The contractor had already corrected the violations.
Geraldine M. Panlilio, DOLE III Regional Director
Lim's lawyer, Willy Rivera, argues that the decision was reached without proper notice or opportunity for Lim to defend himself. Rivera claims that the affected workers were employed by the contractor, not Lim directly, casting doubt on the employer-employee relationship.
- Lim seeks to vacate the order due to lack of due process.
- Rivera questions the evidence supporting the wage claims.
Rivera is advocating for a reconsideration of the DOLE's ruling, emphasizing the need for transparency in the investigative process.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case highlights ongoing concerns regarding labor practices and safety compliance in the construction industry.