DOLE orders work stoppage on Skyway extension project after girder accident

The Department of Labor and Employment on Monday ordered a work stoppage on the Skyway extension project to make way for the investigation following Saturday's deadly accident involving a steel girder.

In a virtual press briefing, DOLE spokesperson Rolly Francia said the order by DOLE-National Capital Region covers the entire stretch of the project, or from Susana Heights in Muntinlupa City to Sucat in Parañaque.

“Ang pagpapahinto po ng constrctution ay piinag-utos upang mabigyang daan ang imbestigasyon upang malaman kung may mga violation na nagawa o na-commit sa construction site at upang alamin din ano ang hawak na lisensya ng mga contractors at subcontractors at kung may paglabag sa labor and safety standards,” Francia said.

Francia said the order, which was issued to the contractor EEI Corp. and its subcontractors, initially covers only the site of the accident in Muntinlupa City.

“Both the northbound and southbound leading to Susana Heights kaya ayon ‘yong hinihintay nating bagong order this afternoon,” he said.

Francia said the suspension will last until it is lifted by the regional office and until the investigation on the incident is completed.

At the Laging Handa briefing on Monday, Occupational Safety and Health Center (OSHC) Executive Director Noel Binag said the law (Republic Act 11058) holds the project owner, main contractor and subcontractor liable “for any accident that happens in the workplace.”

“Nakikita po natin na sa ating video that there was no crowd control during the actual operation ng ating crane. So, wala po tayong nakikitang parang mga traffic enforcer, mga signages, wala man lang nagsabi na hindi muna puwedeng dumaan,” Binag said.

“In this situation, I believe they were not able to assess the situation on the ground, that’s why they were not able to anticipate the hazards that are potentially harmful to our workers,” he added.

In an interview on Super Radyo dzBB, Binag also said that the work stoppage will likely be lifted soon if authorities find no irregularities.

“Ito naman ay madalian lang siguro para masiguro lang na ang kanilang proseso, ang kanilang method sa paggawa ng tulay ay ayon sa ating standard at kapag nakita nila na walang presence of imminent danger ay maaaring mag-re-resume na rin sila,” he said.

The OSHC is an attached agency of DOLE.

On Saturday, one person died and four others were hurt after a steel bar from the ongoing project fell on six vehicles in Muntinlupa City. The accident occurred on East Service Road.

The incident pushed back the completion of the project to February 2021.

San Miguel Corp. president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang also issued a personal apology for the incident and promised to give assistance to the victims.

The extension project was initially scheduled to be completed by December this year, adding two northbound lanes and three southbound lanes.

It will have a direct connection to Skyway 1, 2, and 3, and allow motorists from the south to head to Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Makati, Manila, San Juan, Quezon City, and the North Luzon Expressway without having to pass by Alabang and EDSA. — with Julia Mari Ornedo/KBK/RSJ/BM, GMA News