The Department of Labor and Employment on Wednesday issued an order asking the contractor and sub-contractors of the Skyway Extension Project to pay the corresponding administrative fine.

This is in relation to the accident that occurred on November 21, 2020 at the north-bound Skyway Extension Project in Muntinlupa City.

The DOLE - National Capital Region (NCR) imposed the administrative fines against contractor, EEI Corporation, and subcontractors Mayon Machinery Rentrade Inc and Bauer Foundations Philippines Inc. after they were found to be noncompliant to existing occupational safety and health (OSH) standards.

"Respondent EEI Corporation (Skyway Extension Project) and/or Roberto Jose L. Castillo, and its subcontractors Mayon Machinery Rentrade and Bauer Foundations Philippines, Inc are hereby ordered to pay jointly and severally, the administrative fine in the total amount of P170,000 for every day of non compliance, from the receipt of this order until the violations are fully rectified," read the order.

"Likewise, respondent Mayon Machinery Rentrade, Inc  is hereby ordered to pay the administrative fine of P80,000 for every day of non-compliance, from the receipt of this Order until the violations are fully rectified," it further read.

"Further, respondent Bauer Foundations Philippines, Inc is hereby ordered to pay the administrative fine of P130,000 for every day of non-compliance, from the receipt of this Order until the violations are fully rectified," read the order.

Based on the Order, EEI Corporation was ordered to pay the fine due to violations of submission of reportorial requirements; death, serious injury or illness; and lack of third party inspection certificate.

Mayon Machinery, on the other hand, was ordered to pay a fine due to violations to OSH standards; and in safety guidelines and procedures on crane operations while Bauer Foundations was asked to pay for violating additional fire extinguisher requirements; safety signages; directional signages; and proof of clear access for workers and employees.

"(The law) provides that any willful failure or refusal of an employer, contractor, or subcontractor to comply with OSH standards or with a compliance order issued by the Secretary of Labor and Employment or his/her authorized representative shall be penalized of administrative fines," read the order of DOLE-NCR Regional Director Atty. Sarah Mirasol.

"In view of the non-compliance and despite the opportunities to rectify deficiencies, this Office finds that such failure to comply is willful and intentional. Hence, the imposition of administrative fine is proper," it further read.

Meanwhile, DOLE Spokesman Rolly Francia said the Work Stoppage Order (WSO) issued last month against the affected area of the Skyway Extension Project remains in effect. 

"The order is silent on the lifting of the WSO. It means that the WSO stays until such time that the compliance is met. They first have to comply with the order and pay their penalties," he said in an online forum.

One person died and at least six others injured when a crane used in the Skyway Extension Project in Muntinlupa City tilted and fell.