Newly appointed Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino has placed the Region III director of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) under one-month preventive suspension.
The move came after the collapse of an under-construction building in Angeles City, which claimed the lives of several individuals.
DOLE Region III Director Geraldine Panlilio was suspended as part of the ongoing investigation to determine the accountability of Labor Department personnel in connection with the incident.
Authorities will also look into why construction continued despite the issuance of a work stoppage order in 2025.
Tolentino said he also wants to determine whether agency personnel carried out all necessary measures to protect the workers.
Meanwhile, although surprised by the decision, Panlilio said she accepts the suspension order.
She added that she would comply with the directive and remains confident that her office was not negligent.
(PHOTO COURTESY: BFP-Central Luzon)
