DOLE suspends OECs foroverseas Filipino workers

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has suspended anew the processing and issuance of overseas employment certificates (OECs) to all overseas Filipino workers for 15 working days, from November 13 to December 1.

The processing of new OECs was suspended "due to persistent reports of illegal recruitment.”

The OEC, a document issued by the POEA to Filipinos working abroad, is proof that the holder is a legitimate overseas worker. OEC holders are also exempted from travel taxes and airport terminal fees when flying to and from the country they work in

The departure of an estimated 75,000 would-be OFWs will be put on hold during this period as DOLE launches an investigation to “cleanse” the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) of employees benefiting from illegal recruitment, according to a GMA Online News report.

"I am creating a team that will conduct an investigation to get to the root of this malfeasance and they will submit their official findings and recommendations," Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said.

It can be recalled that Bello suspended the processing and issuance of OECs early this year due to reported anomalies involving some people at the POEA.

The labor secretary said the government is taking an action against illegal recruitment activities, including direct hires, to protect the public from the pernicious activities of certain unscrupulous individuals preying on OFWs.

Bello said the newest temporary suspension was spurred by persistent reports that 80 to 90 percent of direct hires are victims of illegal recruitment and that some POEA employees earn as much as P250,000 by issuing OECs to illegal recruiters.

All OFWs, including direct hires, are covered by the Department Order No. 185.

However, those hired by international organizations, diplomatic corps, sea-based recruitment agencies, balik-manggagawa or workers on leave, and those whose OECs have already been signed or are in Undersecretary Bernard Olalia and Bello's office are excluded from the suspension.

At the end of the 15 day period, the suspension may be subject to extension as circumstances may require.

Palaubsanon/KBQ