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Showing posts with label Sec. Bello. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 06, 2017

OFW IDs To Be Financed By OWWA

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A big budget chunk amounting to P50 million has been allocated by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) for the printing of the OFW ID card.

In an interview, Silvestre Bello III, Labor and Employment Secretary and chairman of the OWWA Board of Trustees, disclosed they made the decision through the issuance of a board resolution last week after considering other sources of funding for the project.

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Bello noted there were some companies, which volunteered to pay for the printing of the ID.

A big budget chunk amounting to P50 million has been allocated by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) for the printing of the OFW ID card. In an interview, Silvestre Bello III, Labor and Employment Secretary and chairman of the OWWA Board of Trustees, disclosed they made the decision through the issuance of a board resolution last week after considering other sources of funding for the project. Sponsored Links Bello noted there were some companies, which volunteered to pay for the printing of the ID. “But we decided for OWWA to shoulder the printing…we are wary that some (companies) might pay for it (ID) but might ask something in return,” Bello said. Aside from private companies, DOLE earlier said they are also looking at private recruiters and foreign employers to pay for the OFW ID. DOLE later scrapped the proposal due to opposition from the recruitment industry. Bello stressed the OFW ID will remain free for its intended beneficiaries except if they would want it delivered to their homes. “If they would want it delivered, they would have to pay for the delivery cost. Otherwise they could claim in OWWA,” Bello said. DOLE earlier said it is targeting to start the printing and distribution of the OFW ID this week in time for the return of OFWs for the Christmas holidays. However, DOLE was unable to meet its tentative deadline for the release of the OFW ID, which was supposed to be on Wednesday, due to the delay in the release of its guidelines. Labor undersecretary Bernard Olalia earlier said they are still waiting for the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to sign the necessary memorandum of agreement (MOA) before they could issue the guidelines. The guidelines will contain the issuance and application process for the OFW ID. The OFW ID will allow OFWs to use the integrated DOLE System or iDOLE systems to help ease their deployment processing. Source: Manila Bulletin Advertisement Read More: ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO

Aside from private companies, DOLE earlier said they are also looking at private recruiters and foreign employers to pay for the OFW ID.

DOLE later scrapped the proposal due to opposition from the recruitment industry.

Bello stressed the OFW ID will remain free for its intended beneficiaries except if they would want it delivered to their homes.

“If they would want it delivered, they would have to pay for the delivery cost. Otherwise they could claim in OWWA,” Bello said.

DOLE earlier said it is targeting to start the printing and distribution of the OFW ID this week in time for the return of OFWs for the Christmas holidays.

However, DOLE was unable to meet its tentative deadline for the release of the OFW ID, which was supposed to be on Wednesday, due to the delay in the release of its guidelines.

Labor undersecretary Bernard Olalia earlier said they are still waiting for the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to sign the necessary memorandum of agreement (MOA) before they could issue the guidelines.

The guidelines will contain the issuance and application process for the OFW ID.

The OFW ID will allow OFWs to use the integrated DOLE System or iDOLE systems to help ease their deployment processing.
Source: Manila Bulletin

big budget chunk amounting to P50 million has been allocated by the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) for the printing of the OFW ID card. In an interview, Silvestre Bello III, Labor and Employment Secretary and chairman of the OWWA Board of Trustees, disclosed they made the decision through the issuance of a board resolution last week after considering other sources of funding for the project. Sponsored Links Bello noted there were some companies, which volunteered to pay for the printing of the ID. “But we decided for OWWA to shoulder the printing…we are wary that some (companies) might pay for it (ID) but might ask something in return,” Bello said. Aside from private companies, DOLE earlier said they are also looking at private recruiters and foreign employers to pay for the OFW ID. DOLE later scrapped the proposal due to opposition from the recruitment industry. Bello stressed the OFW ID will remain free for its intended beneficiaries except if they would want it delivered to their homes. “If they would want it delivered, they would have to pay for the delivery cost. Otherwise they could claim in OWWA,” Bello said. DOLE earlier said it is targeting to start the printing and distribution of the OFW ID this week in time for the return of OFWs for the Christmas holidays. However, DOLE was unable to meet its tentative deadline for the release of the OFW ID, which was supposed to be on Wednesday, due to the delay in the release of its guidelines. Labor undersecretary Bernard Olalia earlier said they are still waiting for the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to sign the necessary memorandum of agreement (MOA) before they could issue the guidelines. The guidelines will contain the issuance and application process for the OFW ID. The OFW ID will allow OFWs to use the integrated DOLE System or iDOLE systems to help ease their deployment processing. Source: Manila Bulletin Advertisement Read More: ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO

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Wednesday, November 22, 2017

2 POEA Officials Fired Over OEC Corruption, Illegal Recruitment

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In the height of investigation against corrupt POEA officials who are allegedly involved in illegal activities which prompted DOLE to suspend the issuance of Overseas Employment Certificates (OEC) for new applicants and direct hires, two POEA officials has been removed from their posts after being involved in illegal processing of OEC and illegal recruitment.

According to Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), aside from revamp, they already fired two officials who's names were not disclosed.

DOLE Usec. Dominador say said that depending on the extent of their liability, the officials will face either administrative or criminal charges which will surely go down to removal from service.

The purge doesn't go only with high ranking officials of the POEA. All security guards and janitors will be replaced for their alleged involvement in illegal recruitment.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Tuesday said around 40 security guards and 40 janitors of the POEA act as bagmen and messengers in illegal recruitment schemes.

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Meanwhile, the suspension of issuance of OEC's is still in effect due to reports that some POEA officials are conspiring with illegal recruiters and collect large sum of money amounting up to P250,000 from their fraudulent undertakings.

In spite of the existing suspension, the long queues of applicants in recruitment agencies are still on.

DOLE said that they will lift the suspension once they are through with the investigation. The DOLE order also states that the suspension could also be extended depending on the progress of the investigation.

DOLE expects that the investigation to be completed on December 1. The suspension of issuance of OEC will be lifted as soon as it is done.

Initial estimate of the POEA shows that there are about 5,000 new OEC applications everyday and it is expected that the number of OFWs who will be affected by the suspension will be around 75,000 during the 15-day suspension.

Source: ABS-CBN

In the height of investigation against corrupt officials who are allegedly involved in illegal activities which prompted DOLE to suspend the issuance of Overseas Employment Certificates (OEC) for new applicants and direct hires, two POEA officials has been removed from their posts after being involved in illegal processing of OEC and illegal recruitment. According to Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), aside from revamp, they already fired two officials who's names were not disclosed. DOLE Usec. Dominador say said that depending on the extent of their liability, the officials will face either administrative or criminal charges which will surely go down to removal from service. Sponsored Links Meanwhile, the suspension of issuance of OEC's is still in effect due to reports that some POEA officials are conspiring with illegal recruiters and collect large sum of money amounting up to P250,000 from their fraudulent undertakings. In spite of the existing suspension, the long queues of applicants in recruitment agencies are still on. DOLE said that they will lift the suspension once they are through with the investigation. The DOLE order also states that the suspension could also be extended depending on the progress of the investigation. DOLE expects that the investigation to be completed on December 1. The suspension of issuance of OEC will be lifted as soon as it is done. Initial estimate of the POEA shows that there are about 5,000 new OEC applications everyday and it is expected that the number of OFWs who will be affected by the suspension will be around 75,000 during the 15-day suspension. Source: ABS-CBN Advertisement Read More: ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO

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Friday, November 17, 2017

News: DOLE To Give iDOLE Cards For OFWS Who Will Come Home This December; DOLE/POEA Admits Interlinking Databases For iDOLE Card Is Complicated

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The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) admitted it is having a hard time developing the OFW ID card or the iDOLE which is supposed to replace the Overseas Employment Certificates (OECs), which is required to allow Filipinos to work abroad.

Olalia said the POEA cannot speed up the implementation of the OFW ID without sacrificing some of its security measures.

“If we neglect them, there will be many bogus entries. That is what we are avoiding. We don’t want to be put to shame,” Olalia said.

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The OFW ID is designed allowing its bearer to transact with government and private agencies,such as Pag-IBIG, SSS, and PhilHealth, it can also srve as a debit card and an ATM card for the OFW Bank, as well as a beep card if the bearer use LRT and MRT.

However, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III is still finding a way for a “symbolic distribution” of the OFW IDs to those who will come home for the Christmas season.

He said this means OFWs set to return home to spend the holidays with their families and loved ones will already get their OFW IDs.

The POEA holds the processing of OECs from November 13 until December 1.

The suspension includes all OFWs, including direct hires, except those hired by international organizations, members of the diplomatic corps, and sea-based recruitment agencies.

Source: Malaya

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Friday, November 10, 2017

DOLE Sec. Bello Suspends OEC Issuance For New Application Starting November 13

Department of Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III suspends the issuance of OEC for the new applicants starting November 13 to December 1. This is in respond to persistent reports of illegal recruitment activities and for the protection of the public.

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In Department Order No. 185 dated November 9 signed by Labor Sec. Bello, it is stated that:
"In view of persistent reports of illegal recruitment activities including direct hires, and in order to protect the public from pernicious activities of certain unscrupulous individuals preying on Filipinos desiring to work overseas, the acceptance and processing of all new applications for Overseas Employment Certificate for all Overseas Filipino Workers, including direct hire workers , are hereby suspended."

However, workers who are being hired by international organizations and members of diplomatic corps, royal families and sea-based recruitment agencies are excluded from the suspension.

An investigating team is also on the move to get the root of the said malfeasance and will be submitting their official findings and recommendations.

The suspension will be effective starting November 13 to December 1, 2017 and shall be implemented by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration covering all land-based private recruitment agencies. The suspension can be subjected to extension as required by circumstances.

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Wednesday, August 02, 2017

"No Talks Made With China On Hiring Domestic Workers"--- Bello

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III has denied being in talks with Chinese officials about a plan to hire domestic workers from the Philippines.

In a phone interview with The SUN, a Filipino publication based in Hong Kong, Bello said that he haven't had any talks with Chinese officials regarding this.

“I haven’t talked to anyone from China, much less agreed to meet with anyone next month on this,” Secretary Bello said.
He also said that he is not aware that anyone from the Chinese embassy in the Philippines visited his Undersecretary, Dominador Say, disclosing such plan. It is not in his very knowledge that there is a plan for a follow-up meeting next month.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III has denied being in talks with Chinese officials about a plan to hire domestic workers from the Philippines. In a phone interview with The SUN, a Filipino publication based in Hong Kong, Bello said that he haven't had any talks with Chinese officials regarding this. “I haven’t talked to anyone from China, much less agreed to meet with anyone next month on this,” Secretary Bello said. He also said that he is not aware that anyone from the Chinese embassy in the Philippines visited his Undersecretary, Dominador Say, disclosing such plan. It is not in his very knowledge that there is a plan for a follow-up meeting next month. Philippine Ambassador to China Chito Sto. Romana said there had been indications that China plans to open its door to Filipino domestic workers, but, he was not aware about what Undersecretary Say disclosed to various news publications in Manila, including Philippine Star. “I am not in a position to confirm this report in the Philippine Star, talks are still exploratory at this stage, but there are indications that Chinese authorities are interested in opening the door somewhat to Pinoy household service workers (HSW). Shanghai & Guangzhou authorities have recently announced an experiment to grant work visas to Pinoy HSWs, these are pilot projects that could pave the way to more work visas for Pinoy,” Sto. Romana said. The statement from Undersecretary Say recently stirred up confusion even in the news agencies. The Philippine Star quoted Say as saying that the salary to be given was Php100,000 (US$1,980), while on the report published by the Manila Bulletin said that China will be hiring 100,000 workers every month with possible P50,000 salary. Usec. Say later told the South China Morning Post that the reported salary offer was far from accurate. However, he stood by his original statement that he discussed the plan with Chinese embassy officials. Say also said that China wants to hire 100,000 foreign domestic workers, but not all would be Filipinos. Further, he said the scheme will be put in place in five major Chinese cities, including the capital, Beijing, and Shanghai. His statements were immediately dismissed by the acting head of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), further causing confusion. ABS-CBN interview with, Undersecretary Bernardo Olalia said it was not true that there were 100,000 jobs available for Filipino domestic workers in China. The only jobs readily available at the moment are only for teachers and call center agents. These conflicting statements from his two undersecretaries prompted Secretary Bello to schedule a meeting on Aug. 3, to try and sort out the issue. Secretary Bello said that he don't know why his two undersecretaries issued conflicting statements but he reiterated that what was clear was that he had not met with anyone from the Chinese government on the reported plan. Say’s statements caused clamor among domestic workers in Hong Kong, saying that if the reported salary was true, they would prefer working on the mainland. Most domestic workers are known to get between 6,000 and 7,000 yuan a month, which is far higher than the minimum allowable wage of HK$4,310 a month paid to their counterparts in Hong Kong. Guangdong province and Shanghai have recently reportedly allowed foreigners to hire domestic workers from overseas. However, it is not clear how many Filipinos have been hired under this scheme. After the meeting between DOLE officials, the public, especially the OFWs will hopefully be enlightened about the issue. Source: The Sun HK Read More: China's plans to hire Filipino household workers to their five major cities including Beijing and Shanghai, was reported at a local newspaper Philippine Star. it could be a big break for the household workers who are trying their luck in finding greener pastures by working overseas China is offering up to P100,000 a month, or about HK$15,000. The existing minimum allowable wage for a foreign domestic helper in Hong Kong is around HK$4,310 per month. Dominador Say, undersecretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), said that talks are underway with Chinese embassy officials on this possibility. China’s five major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Xiamen will soon be the haven for Filipino domestic workers who are seeking higher income. DOLE is expected to have further negotiations on the launch date with a delegation from China in September. according to Usec Say, Chinese employers favor Filipino domestic workers for their English proficiency, which allows them to teach their employers’ children. Chinese embassy officials also mentioned that improving ties with the leadership of President Rodrigo Duterte has paved the way for the new policy to materialize. There is presently a strict work visa system for foreign workers who want to enter mainland China. But according Usec. Say, China is serious about the proposal. Philippine Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello said an estimated 200,000 Filipino domestic helpers are presently working illegally in China. With a great demand for skilled domestic workers, Filipino OFWs would have an option to apply using legal processes on their desired higher salary for their sector. Source: ejinsight.com, PhilStar Read More: The effectivity of the Nationwide Smoking Ban or E.O. 26 (Providing for the Establishment of Smoke-free Environment in Public and Enclosed Places) started today, July 23, but only a few seems to be aware of it. President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Executive Order 26 with the citizens health in mind. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the executive order is a milestone where the government prioritize public health protection. The smoking ban includes smoking in places such as schools, universities and colleges, playgrounds, restaurants and food preparation areas, basketball courts, stairwells, health centers, clinics, public and private hospitals, hotels, malls, elevators, taxis, buses, public utility jeepneys, ships, tricycles, trains, airplanes, and gas stations which are prone to combustion. The Department of Health urges all the establishments to post "no smoking" signs in compliance with the new executive order. They also appeal to the public to report any violation against the nationwide ban on smoking in public places. Read More: ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS, TYPE KEYWORDS and TITLE OF ARTICLE at the box below Smoking is only allowed in designated smoking areas to be provided by the owner of the establishment. Smoking in private vehicles parked in public areas is also prohibited. What Do You Need To know About The Nationwide Smoking Ban Violators will be fined P500 to P10,000, depending on their number of offenses, while owners of establishments caught violating the EO will face a fine of P5,000 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days. The Department of Health urges all the establishments to post "no smoking" signs in compliance with the new executive order. They also appeal to the public to report any violation against the nationwide ban on smoking in public places. ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO Dominador Say, undersecretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), said that talks are underway with Chinese embassy officials on this possibility. China’s five major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Xiamen will soon be the destinfor Filipino domestic workers who are seeking higher income. The effectivity of the Nationwide Smoking Ban or E.O. 26 (Providing for the Establishment of Smoke-free Environment in Public and Enclosed Places) started today, July 23, but only a few seems to be aware of it. President Rodrigo Duterte signed the Executive Order 26 with the citizens health in mind. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said the executive order is a milestone where the government prioritize public health protection. The smoking ban includes smoking in places such as schools, universities and colleges, playgrounds, restaurants and food preparation areas, basketball courts, stairwells, health centers, clinics, public and private hospitals, hotels, malls, elevators, taxis, buses, public utility jeepneys, ships, tricycles, trains, airplanes, and gas stations which are prone to combustion. The Department of Health urges all the establishments to post "no smoking" signs in compliance with the new executive order. They also appeal to the public to report any violation against the nationwide ban on smoking in public places. Read More: ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS, TYPE KEYWORDS and TITLE OF ARTICLE at the box below Smoking is only allowed in designated smoking areas to be provided by the owner of the establishment. Smoking in private vehicles parked in public areas is also prohibited. What Do You Need To know About The Nationwide Smoking Ban Violators will be fined P500 to P10,000, depending on their number of offenses, while owners of establishments caught violating the EO will face a fine of P5,000 or imprisonment of not more than 30 days. The Department of Health urges all the establishments to post "no smoking" signs in compliance with the new executive order. They also appeal to the public to report any violation against the nationwide ban on smoking in public places. ©2017 THOUGHTSKOTO www.jbsolis.com SEARCH JBSOLIS, TYPE KEYWORDS and TITLE OF ARTICLE at the box below

Philippine Ambassador to China Chito Sto. Romana said there had been indications that China plans to open its door to Filipino domestic workers, but, he was not aware about what Undersecretary Say disclosed to various news publications in Manila, including Philippine Star.

“I am not in a position to confirm this report in the Philippine Star, talks are still exploratory at this stage, but there are indications that Chinese authorities are interested in opening the door somewhat to Pinoy household service workers (HSW). Shanghai & Guangzhou authorities have recently announced an experiment to grant work visas to Pinoy HSWs, these are pilot projects that could pave the way to more work visas for Pinoy,” Sto. Romana said.

The statement from Undersecretary Say recently stirred up confusion even in the news agencies.
The Philippine Star quoted Say as saying that the salary to be given was Php100,000 (US$1,980), while on the report published by the Manila Bulletin said that China will be hiring 100,000 workers every month with possible P50,000 salary. Usec. Say later told the South China Morning Post that the reported salary offer was far from accurate.

However, he stood by his original statement that he discussed the plan with Chinese embassy officials.
Say also said that China wants to hire 100,000 foreign domestic workers, but not all would be Filipinos. Further, he said the scheme will be put in place in five major Chinese cities, including the capital, Beijing, and Shanghai.
His statements were immediately dismissed by the acting head of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), further causing confusion.

ABS-CBN interview with, Undersecretary Bernardo Olalia said it was not true that there were 100,000 jobs available for Filipino domestic workers in China. The only jobs readily available at the moment are only for teachers and call center agents.

These conflicting statements from his two undersecretaries prompted Secretary Bello to schedule a meeting on Aug. 3, to try and sort out the issue.
Secretary Bello said that he don't know why his two undersecretaries issued conflicting statements
but he reiterated that what was clear was that he had not met with anyone from the Chinese government on the reported plan.
Say’s statements caused clamor among domestic workers in Hong Kong, saying that if the reported salary was true, they would prefer working on the mainland.

Most domestic workers are known to get between 6,000 and 7,000 yuan a month, which is far higher than the minimum allowable wage of HK$4,310 a month paid to their counterparts in Hong Kong.
Guangdong province and Shanghai have recently reportedly allowed foreigners to hire domestic workers from overseas. However, it is not clear how many Filipinos have been hired under this scheme.
After the meeting between DOLE officials, the public, especially the OFWs will hopefully be enlightened about the issue.
Source: The Sun HK

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