TO minimize delays in the construction of the Skyway Extension project, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Tuesday reduced the scope of the work stoppage order (WSO) it issued against EEI Corporation.
Instead of covering the entire Skyway Extension Project, Sucat Alabang Viaduct, the WSO will now just apply over the site where the construction-related accident involving EEI Corporation happened during the weekend.
“This Office recognizes the utmost national importance underlying the said skyway extension project. Equally acknowledged is the fact that the suspension of the said project in the unaffected areas will cause prejudice to the employees assigned/deployed thereat whose livelihood heavily depends on the said project’s continued operation,” Bello said in a two-page order.
San Miguel Corp. (SMC), which is in charge of the project, earlier said the completion of Skyway Extension will be delayed from December 2020 to February 2021 due to the accident.
Last Saturday, a crane of EEI tilted and hit a steel girder, causing it to fall and hit several passing vehicles along East Service Road in Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa City.
The incident led to the death of one person and injuries to six others.
In a letter it sent to DOLE on Monday, EEI maintained that the incident was an isolated case and that it strictly complies with safety protocols.
EEI said it is now conducting its own investigation on the incident.
Representatives of the contractor met with labor officials on Tuesday at DOLE-National Capital Region’s Muntaparlas Field Office in Las Piñas City.
DOLE spokesman Rolly Francia said another meeting between DOLE-NCR and EEI is scheduled since there still several issues regarding the incident, which still needs to be addressed.
He earlier said the WSO will likely remain in effect until completes it probe on EEI’s “presumptive negligence.”