DOLE Issues Work Stoppage Order on Skyway Extension Project

 The Department of Labor and Employment-National Capital Region (DOLE-NCR) has issued a work stoppage order on the Skyway extension project, pending the occupational and health standards investigation following Saturday's mishap in Muntinlupa City that killed a motorist and injured six others.

DOLE-NCR Director Sarah Buena Mirasol issued the order to Jose Ilagan, the project manager of EEI Corporation/Skyway Extension Project in Muntinlupa City.

"In view of the gravity of the presumptive negligence of the contractors, this Supplemental Work Stoppage order is issued to stop the construction activity not only the affected area but also the entire Skyway Extension Project Sucat Alabang Viaduct as per approved Construction Safety and Health Program, A-1410-0719-NCR-2987," said the order, which takes effect immediately.

On the other hand, Mirasol also directed the contractors and subcontractors of the project to attend a November 24 hearing at MUNTAPARLAS field office 3/F, Valenzuela Building, Alabang-Zapote Road, Pamplona 3, Las Piñas City "to determine the propriety of having this Work Stoppage Order lifted or not".

Likewise, the DOLE-NCR ordered the Technical Services and Support Division-Regulatory (TSSD-Regulatory) personnel and/or Sheriffs to immediately serve and implement the order.

It warned that failure to comply with the order is a criminal offense punishable under Article 288 of the Labor Code of the Philippines, as amended.

On Nov. 21, a steel girder from the ongoing Skyway extension project fell on six vehicles along the East Service Road in Muntinlupa City, killing one and injuring six others.

According to the Department of Public Works and Highways, the project is the extension of the Skyway from Susana Heights on the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) to Sucat and back.

It will connect the SLEX and the Muntinlupa Cavite Expressway (MCX) to the Skyway at Susana Heights bypassing Alabang to make travel from south to north via the Skyway system seamless and much shorter.