Manila: Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Acting Secretary Francis Tolentino on Tuesday ordered a one-month preventive suspension of Region 3 (Central Luzon) Director Geraldine Panlilio. The suspension was issued pending an investigation into the collapse of a nine-story building in Angeles City, Pampanga, over the weekend that resulted in the deaths of four individuals.

According to Philippines News Agency, the preventive suspension was announced during an interview at the sidelines of the department's turnover ceremony. Tolentino emphasized the seriousness of the incident, stating that an order would be issued after lunch, placing Director Panlilio under suspension for one month while the investigation is ongoing. To fill the temporary vacancy, Assistant Regional Director Alejandro Inza Cruz has been appointed to replace Panlilio during the investigation process.

Tolentino, who assumed his role as acting secretary of the DOLE on Tuesday, expressed his commitment to introducing new policies aimed at worker protection. He highlighted his intention to establish a labor attorney office to provide free legal assistance to workers who cannot afford a lawyer for future cases or grievances. Additionally, Tolentino plans to implement a 24-hour hotline to support platform or gig workers facing salary and payment issues, reflecting his aim to professionalize the labor arbiters group.

In his efforts to foster a cooperative environment, Tolentino intends to engage in dialogue with labor groups and company management. He mentioned plans to reach out to various labor groups in the coming days, either individually or collectively, and expressed his intention to communicate with management as well.

The appointment of Tolentino as the acting head of DOLE was made by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday, following the resignation of former Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma due to health concerns earlier this week.