CBCP, solons back OEC processing suspension

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People and several lawmakers are supporting the decision of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to suspend the acceptance and processing of applications for Overseas Employment Certificates (OEC) for all overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

CBCP-ECMI chairman Bishop Ruperto Santos said the temporary suspension is an opportunity to conduct internal cleansing at the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA).

Internal cleansing

“It is opportune for internal cleansing and cleaning at POEA, since illegal human and labor recruitment activities persist. Irregularities exist within so corrupt officials be exposed, prosecuted and severely punished,” he said.

The Balanga prelate urged OFWs to help the DOLE by reporting cases of illegal recruitment.

Report illegal recruitment

“We at CBCP ECMI support and encourage OFWs to come out and denounce those employees who abused their positions, and victimized them,” said Santos.

“And we advise our OFWs not to worry about this suspension, it is only temporary till December 1 and does not include seafarers and OFWs who are vacationing here, and those who have applied for OEC before November 13,” he added.

DOLE order

On Friday, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III ordered anew the suspension of the acceptance and processing of applications for OEC for a period of 15 days while officials look into reports of illegal recruitment activities victimizing OFWs.