Task force gets 2 days to probe Makati construction tragedy

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz on Monday created a task force to look into the construction tragedy in Makati City last week and ordered the group to submit its findings by Wednesday. Baldoz said she expects quick results of the probe on possible violations of labor standards and occupational safety in last week's incident. “I have asked (task force head) Undersecretary Lourdes Trasmonte to create a task force to fast track the investigation of the Eton Residences Greenbelt accident and to submit the results on Wednesday," she said in a news release posted Monday on the government portal. At least 10 construction workers fell several stories to their deaths while an 11th person was injured after the motorized gondola they were riding malfunctioned last January 27. The workers were installing a glass panel on a 39-story residential building being constructed by Eton Properties. On Monday, the Labor Department continued the summary hearing on the labor standards and occupational safety and health standards in last week's incident. Baldoz said part of the duties of the task force involves assessing the compliance of the building owner, contractor, and subcontractors with the health and safety regulations and the laws on the payment of minimum wage, social security contributions, and death benefit claims. “I have also ordered the task force to establish clear action plans on how to make these establishments answerable," she said. Baldoz also ordered Occupational Safety and Health Center executive director Dr. Ma. Teresa Cocueco to see to it that occupational safety and health measures are in place before the building contractor resumes operations. She also ordered DOLE-NCR regional director Raymundo Agravante to fast-track the delivery of DOLE assistance to the families of the victims. This includes the provision of livelihood for the victims' families and scholarships for their children. “It is very clear that these are DOLE responsibilities and I want quick results," she said. She added she had already instructed the DOLE regional directors of Region 3, 4-A, and 4-B to prepare the package of assistance for the victims who came from these regions. – VVP, GMANews.TV