As authorities shift from search and rescue to retrieval and clearing in the rubble of the unfinished nine-story hotel in Angeles City, Pampanga that collapsed on May 24, a labor NGO called on the national government to conduct an impartial investigation into the tragedy.

The Center for Trade Union and Human Rights (CTUHR) said that the building collapse, which left four people dead and 17 missing, most of whom are construction workers, indicates many anomalies that show a lack of respect for the country’s laws and ultimately workers’ and human lives.

“Why did the structure collapse despite securing a building permit years ago? Why did construction proceed despite orders from the Labor Department to stop? And why did the authorities give up so soon on recovering the bodies of the workers who were buried?” asked Kamz Deligente, CTUHR executive director.

Deligente cited news reports that say that Malabon-based Golden Years Construction and Steelworks, the contractor for the building, secured a building permit in 2023 and started construction in 2024.

“At the very least, Golden Years Construction and Steelworks should be held liable for the death of so many workers. Government officials who colluded with the company, or turned a blind eye to irregularities in this building should also be held accountable,” Deligente said.

News reports also say in 2025, the Central Luzon office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) ordered a stop to the construction due to multiple violations of workplace safety and failure to provide mandatory benefits to workers.

“Workers’ lives are valuable, and we mourn the death of 17 people in this preventable tragedy. We are calling on the national government to investigate the revolting anomalies that have been exposed in this building’s collapse,” Deligente added.

CTUHR called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and newly appointed DOLE Secretary Francis Tolentino to make firm statements on the issue that they will hold those responsible for the tragedy accountable and ensure justice and compensation for the workers’ families.

“The disrespect for workers’ rights and workers’ lives extends to the disrespect for everyone’s lives. If building permits cannot ensure the health and safety of workers, they cannot ensure the health and safety of residents of buildings or clients of businesses in these buildings, either” said Deligente.

The labor NGO expressed support for initiatives, including that of Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan, to conduct investigations into the building collapse to create laws and policies that will prevent a similar tragedy in the future.