Probe Capitol contractor for labor violations, DOLE-6 urged

By: Gerome Dalipe

THE Department of Labor and Employment (Dole-6) was asked to investigate a contractor of the P400-million redevelopment of the Iloilo Capitol complex for alleged occupational safety rule violations.

Former provincial administrator Manuel Mejorada asked Cyril Ticao, Dole-6 chief, to investigate the “glaring construction and occupational safety violations” committed by the contractor.

“These matters have been posted on social media, but no action has been taken by either the contractor or the owner, and the Iloilo Provincial Government,” read Mejorada’s letter.

The complex improvement has four packages, which include the multilevel parking building in front of the Capitol building up to the Casa Real area adjacent to the Regional Museum and power station.

Former Gov. Arthur Defensor, Sr. said the project was estimated to be completed by June of 2019.

In his letter-complaint, Mejorada said the contractor’s boom crane operates without safety barriers or net.

He noted that heavy loads are hoisted over Muelle Looney Street where thousands of vehicles pass daily.

“This poses danger to the general public,” said Mejorada.

He also said he learned from a reliable source that the management of the construction company does not require visitors to wear hard hats when entering the construction site.

The Provincial Engineering Office had said the redevelopment project is composed of four packages and are being contracted to three companies.

Package 1 is the six-story multilevel parking with a contract amount of P185,196,660 and has an approved budget of P196 million.

Package 2, fronting the capitol building up to the Casa Real has a contract amount of P69,803,507 and an approved budget of P70,212,000.

Package 3, the area adjacent to the Regional Museum has a contract amount of P52,179,000 and an approved budget of P54 million.

On the other hand, Package 4 that covers the power station has a contract amount of P18,883,000 and an approved budget of P20,084,000.