Angeles city: The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will provide financial assistance and benefits to qualified victims and beneficiaries affected by the recent building collapse in Angeles City, Pampanga.

According to Philippines News Agency, Labor Secretary Francis Tolentino announced that he has instructed the Employees' Compensation Commission (ECC) to offer Employees' Compensation (EC) assistance to the victims. Under the EC Program, the ECC will deliver PHP15,000 in immediate cash assistance to the qualified beneficiaries of the deceased workers.

The ECC has also been tasked with facilitating the application for the EC funeral benefit worth PHP30,000 through the Social Security System (SSS), in addition to the regular SSS benefits. Qualified beneficiaries, including spouses and minor children of the deceased workers, may also receive EC death pension benefits.

Additionally, qualified injured workers may receive PHP10,000 cash assistance under the EC Program and a disability benefit as determined by SSS.

Tolentino visited the site in Angeles, Pampanga on May 27, where he emphasized the necessity to review DOLE's visitorial powers. He assured affected workers and their families that the DOLE, along with the ECC and partner agencies, is committed to providing immediate assistance and ensuring access to available benefits and support services following the incident. The ECC is an attached agency of the DOLE.