MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Overseas Employment Agency chief Hans Leo Cacdac said that his office did not disregard due process when it  suspended the licenses of overseas recruiters who violated POEA requirements.

“All orders of preventive suspension are issued on the basis of prima facie gross violations of POEA rules and regulations, and to prevent further victimization of OFWs,” Cacdac said on SunStar, in response to ouster calls against him by the disgrunted recruitment agencies.

Among the reasons for blacklisting the agencies include trafficking, excessive placement fees and “deceiving domestic workers.” Several agencies were also reprimanded for not maintaining a Facebook page, a requirement to be in good standing with the POEA, that was introduced and implemented on March 13. (READ: Domestic worker recruiters need a Facebook account – POEA)

The Blas Ople Policy Center, an OFW and human rights advocacy organization, issued a statement on the ouster move against Cacdac.

Susan Ople, the head of the center, said:  “We understand that their business interests are at stake but the clear answer to that would be to seek a dialogue with the POEA and the Secretary of Labor. It is unfortunate to see such blatant resistance to tripartite efforts in favor of safe migration and ethical recruitment policies.”

The POEA cancelled at least 55 recruiters’ licenses in April. Cacdac and the POEA regularly post on Facebook information related to investigations into agencies and if they’ve cancelled any licenses. 

Those in favor of ethical recruitment shouldn’t be afraid, said Carmelita Nuqui of the Philippine Migrant Rights Watch, an OFW-oriented NGO, “Kung may kalokohang ginagawa, talagang aaray dahil tinatamaan sila ng reporma ng POEA at DOLE,” she said.

(Those who are doing something wrong would really complain because they are being hurt by the reforms of the POEA and the Department of Labor.) – Rappler.com