The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has upheld the ₱11.49-million liability of Golden Years Construction and Steelworks Corporation and Ernest Jackson Lim over unpaid worker benefits and serious occupational safety and health (OSH) violations prior to the collapse of a nine-story building in Angeles City, Pampanga.

The liability includes ₱1.17 million in unpaid wages, rest day premiums and holiday pay, and ₱10.32 million in administrative fines for OSH violations.

In a Resolution signed by Labor Secretary Francis N. Tolentino on August 17, 2026, DOLE found workers’ claims meritorious, including unpaid wages during the Work Stoppage Order from October 16 to 24, 2025.

The agency also cited violations including failure to provide personal protective equipment, secure required permits for mechanical lifting equipment, deploy safety officers and first aiders, and provide temporary worker accommodation. Fake and invalid certificates for the designated first aider and safety officer were also cited.

DOLE rejected claims that the respondents were denied due process, noting that they were given opportunities to respond and submit evidence.

The respondents were ordered to pay the monetary award and administrative fines within 10 days of receiving the resolution.