Newly appointed Acting Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino said he received reports that the permits issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for the collapsed building in Angeles City had already been canceled.
According to Tolentino, the tragedy highlights the importance of strengthening occupational safety standards, particularly in workplaces and construction sites.
He stressed that the protection of every worker must always be upheld and remains among the agency’s top priorities while balancing the interests of both labor and management.
Because of this, he emphasized the need for stricter monitoring and enforcement to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
Aside from safety reforms, Tolentino also underscored broader labor priorities, including strengthening the education-to-employment pipeline and preparing Filipino workers for emerging industries and evolving technologies.
He also floated the possibility of creating a Labor Attorney’s Office that would provide free legal assistance to workers who cannot afford private lawyers.
Tolentino assured the public that the agency would continue building a “future-ready workforce” capable of adapting to changing demands and technological developments.
(PHOTO COURTESY: Francis Tolentino | Facebook)
