Labor dep’t readies stiffer penalties against illegal recruiters

MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has warned illegal recruiters against stiffer penalties under the amended provisions of Republic Act No. 8042.

“The express provisions of Republic Act No. 10022 articulating the new penalties for acts of illegal recruitment provides specific sanctions for such violations, which are stiffer, both in civil and criminal liabilities aspect,” said Labor Undersecretary Danilo Cruz.

“Illegal recruitment violation carries the penalty of imprisonment of up to 20 years and civil liability of up to P2 million in fines,” he added.

Cruz said the tougher penalties are intended to curb illegal activities relating to recruitment and placement of workers.

He said some of the persistent illegal recruitment violations include cases of misrepresentation, violation of employment contracts, violation of contractual obligation to employees, excessive collection of processing fees and documentation expenses and unauthorized operation of recruitment and placement agency.—Tina G. Santos