PHILIPPINE PRES. DUTERTE ADVISED TO LET GO OF LABOR SECRETARY BELLO

Pres. Rody Duterte Urged To Let Go of Bello.. 

To Save DOLE From Further Embarrassment Due To Allege Corruption

Former DOLE Undersecretary for Employment Nicon F. Fameronag, now president of the Lilac Center for Public Interest, a private policy advocacy and research organization, yesterday urged Pres. Rodrigo R. Duterte to immediately remove from his post Department and Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III so as not to derail and delay the government’s labor and employment agenda.

“Because of the very public allegations against Secretary Bello, he has become an albatross around the President’s neck, slowing him down in realizing his campaign vow to write the apocalypse of contractualization,” Fameronag said.

“Mr. President, let go of Secretary Bello so that your warning that you won’t tolerate even a whiff of corruption in your administration will be believable,” Fameronag said.

 According to Recruitment agency  entrepreneur Amanda Araneta alleged that she gave the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) head  a P100,000 gift on his birthday and an expensive celfon. But, Sec. Bello said he asked her Secretary to return the gift immediately.

The former DOLE official said the corruption allegations against Secretary Bello and those of his closest aides, is no longer just a whiff, but is a stinking smell and deafening noise that demoralizes the men and women of the DOLE.

“Under the present situation, the DOLE bureaucracy could not implement labor and employment programs as fast as they could because their leader is under a cloud of suspicion for wrongdoing,” Fameronag said, adding that this could also undermine the President exhortation to Congress to enact a law to end contractualization.

“Right now, Sec. Bello could not possibly shepherd even a DOLE version of a legislative measure against contractualization because he is occupied in parrying the accusations against him. This is energy-sapping, and could divert his attention from DOLE priorities,” he finally said.

PHILIPPINE LABOR REGULARIZED A RECORD OF 321,964 WORKERS TO DATE .. PROHIBITING COMPANIES OF ILLEGAL CONTRACTUALIZATION

Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III Reports To The Nation

 Labor Secretary Bebot Bello 111 delivered his speech, during the 38th Annual General Membership Meeting of the Philippines Association of Service Exporters, Inc. (PASEI) held recently at the New World Manila Bay Hotel. (Original Photo by Teddy Cho)

As President Rodrigo Roa  renders his third State of the Nation Address, we at the Department of Labor and Employment reaffirm our commitment to the reforms initiated by his administration.

For one, we are steadfast in according full protection to workers by ensuring job security pursuant to the directive of the President. We have taken initiatives to pursue effective implementation of the right to security of tenure and eliminate practices that circumvent the law prohibiting illegal contractual arrangements.

From August 2016 to date, a total of 321,964 workers were regularized. Of this total, 202,779 workers were regularized through voluntary regularization while 119,185 were regularized through inspection. We aim to regularize 300,000 employees in 2018, 243,418 of which were already regularized during the first half of the year.

One of our latest labor compliance orders was addressed to Dole Philippines, a multinational fruit manufacturing company. We affirmed the decision of our DOLE regional office directing the foreign food giant to regularize more than 9,000 workers.

So as to guarantee just, simplified, and expeditious resolution of labor issues at the workplace, we promote conciliation-mediation as an effective alternative dispute resolution mechanism in providing labor justice. Through this scheme, a total of around PHP 32.1 billion in monetary award was given to 513,576 workers.

We have established 18 One-Stop Service Centers for OFWs across the country integrating all frontline services of key government agencies for OFWs. Also, we have initially rolled out the iDOLE card for OFWs that will eventually replace the Overseas Employment Certificate and help ease doing business with government.

And in order to strengthen the protection of our migrant workers, we signed Bilateral Labor Agreements with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates and Cambodia. We have likewise repatriated almost 22,000 migrant workers in distress since 2016.

For the welfare needs of vulnerable pensioners, we approved a PhP1,150.00 across the board increase in the monthly pension of Employees’ Compensation (EC) permanent disability pensioners and qualified beneficiaries in the public sector.

Our employment facilitation program, through the Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan, mounted 108 job and livelihood events in 2017 where of 384,379 job vacancies from 2,258 employers were offered to 80,592 qualified applicants.  From these undertakings, 9,684 were hired on the spot. Also, 3,680 MSMEs were assisted in the TNK seminars.   Employment facilitation services and livelihood assistance were also provided to some 8,000 victims of the Marawi Siege composed of internally displaced persons (IDPs), dependents of soldiers and policemen

Financial assistance, livelihood and emergency employment were provided to affected workers under the Boracay Emergency Employment Program (BEEP), of which, 1,963 cash cards issued for first Financial Support tranche as of 27 June 2018 with a total amount of PHP 9,529,663.00. Additional 500 cash cards were issued on July 8.  Around  2,960  informal sector workers were provided with emergency employment amounting to PHP 23,166,689.22, and another  PHP 1 million to 339 members of Malay Association of Sailing Boat Owner.

In the face of challenges, we are undaunted and remain committed to endeavor for the realization of decent job for the Filipino workers in an atmosphere of freedom where their rights are respected and welfare upheld. (VerGarciaBlogs)

PASEI MANPOWER PROVIDERS AND OFW's ARE PARTNERS IN NATION BUILDING

Actor and Comedian Arnel Ignacio and now the newly designated OWWA DeputyAdministrator speaks to the crowd the importance of language and unity among OFW's and other stake holders.

Another Milestone For The Philippine Association Of Service Exporters,Inc.., Leading The Way To A Better Philippines For OFW's
By: Ver M. Garcia and Teddy Cho

PASEI BOARD OF DIRECTORS SWORN INTO OFFICE.

The Philippines is the Best Manpower Provider Company in the world  according to Rep. Jesulito Manalo of ANGKLA Party-list. The Service agencies are also the living heroes of today together with the OFW's and they're participant in our Nation building!

As observed by the Reportorial team of  Bloggers Association of the Philippines :

The Philippine Association of Service Exporters, Inc.(PASEI) successfully hurdled an important milestone by launching the 38th Annual General Membership Meeting at the prestigious New World Manila Bay Hotel and holding an official, fair and clean election of the 6 New Board Member candidates namely: 1.) Commodore Oscar T. Garcia, with 77 votes garnered and Rowena M. Paragas, who also garnered 77 votes; 2.) Jamal E. Kanan, 75 votes garnered; 3.) Leslie S. Tan, 70 votes garnered; 4.) Marlon R. Rono, 68 votes garnered; 5.) Erwin R. Relox, 61 votes garnered; 6.) Margie A. Consolacion, 50 votes garnered; not lucky is number 7.) Lea M. Singian, who garnered 38 votes. The election of Board of Directors were manned  by Competent and Professional Election committee members, those are: 1.) Atty. Teresita S. Lora former NLRC Commissioner; 2.) Fe T. Palileo from ECOP (Employers Confederation of the Philippines)/NLRC (National Labor Relations Commission); and 3.) Atty.Marcus Villanueva, President of Pilipinas Global. The total number of votes (516) tallied perfectly with the number of Ballots (86).

The theme of the event "REINTEGRATION OF OFW" which means in layman's term the process of putting back an individual (OFW) back to the mainstream society. Other terms synonymous to reintegration are re-establish, incorporate again, rebuild as before, restore as before and reconstruct.

Respectable Congressmen/ Party-list representative, Hon.'Aniceto "John" D. Bertiz III, of ACTS-OFW and Hon. Jesulito "Jess" A. Manalo of ANGKLA  Party-list gave an inspiring and challenging talks on HB 192, reintegration, gains in migration. investment portfolio of the government, the role and participation of PASEI and other service agencies in nation building and how to handle reverse migration, addressing brain drain locally.



Guest and keynote speaker of the event is Hon. Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III, an undaunted statesmanship remarkably amused the audience on the issue of corruption being hurled at him by an unknown entity.

On the lighter side of the event, Actor and Comedian Arnaldo "Arnel" Ignacio, now Deputy Administrator/of OWWA amused the crowd and gave the audience a testimony of the importance of recognising the importance of working together to overcome the barriers of language and cultural gap. He also stressed the role of having a good relationship with OFW's and service providers. To unite as one and work together for the huge task ahead.

Government and private sponsors were also  given the opportunity to present their oral and video presentation of the world class products and services, from the government side, PhilHealth represented by Mr. Marvy T, Robledo; a message from Usec. Bernard P. Olalia ( POEA Admin.) was given by D.A.Villamor Ventura S. Plan. A prepared speech of Senator Joel Villanueva  addressed to PASEI leadership was read by PASEI Chairman Edwina L. Beech.

Private sponsors from PLDT Global Mr. Francis Oliva gave a power point presentations. JobsAdboard, CCS Pte. Ltd., Singapore supported the event as well. PASEI leadership  was very thankful and acknowledge the support given by the different stakeholders during the event.

The last to present a comprehensive report was no other than Mr. Nicon F. Fameronag, a former Usec. of DOLE and Founder of LILAC Center presented a Labor market  research of the CZECH Republic, a very important scooping on Why  we should send our OFWs in the CZECH Republic but, due to time constraint and information overload, adjournment was proposed properly and was duly seconded. (VerGarciaBlogs)

Photo Gallery Of PASEI Event:

 

Photos by: Teddy Cho


__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Press Statement

Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III Reports To The Nation

July 21, 2018

As President Rodrigo Roa Duterte renders his third State of the Nation Address, we at the Department of Labor and Employment reaffirm our commitment to the reforms initiated by his administration.

For one, we are steadfast in according full protection to workers by ensuring job security pursuant to the directive of the President. We have taken initiatives to pursue effective implementation of the right to security of tenure and eliminate practices that circumvent the law prohibiting illegal contractual arrangements.

From August 2016 to date, a total of 321,964 workers were regularized. Of this total, 202,779 workers were regularized through voluntary regularization while 119,185 were regularized through inspection. We aim to regularize 300,000 employees in 2018, 243,418 of which were already regularized during the first half of the year.

One of our latest labor compliance orders was addressed to Dole Philippines, a multinational fruit manufacturing company. We affirmed the decision of our DOLE regional office directing the foreign food giant to regularize more than 9,000 workers.

So as to guarantee just, simplified, and expeditious resolution of labor issues at the workplace, we promote conciliation-mediation as an effective alternative dispute resolution mechanism in providing labor justice. Through this scheme, a total of around PHP 32.1 billion in monetary award was given to 513,576 workers.

We have established 18 One-Stop Service Centers for OFWs across the country integrating all frontline services of key government agencies for OFWs. Also, we have initially rolled out the iDOLE card for OFWs that will eventually replace the Overseas Employment Certificate and help ease doing business with government.

And in order to strengthen the protection of our migrant workers, we signed Bilateral Labor Agreements with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates and Cambodia. We have likewise repatriated almost 22,000 migrant workers in distress since 2016.

For the welfare needs of vulnerable pensioners, we approved a PhP1,150.00 across the board increase in the monthly pension of Employees’ Compensation (EC) permanent disability pensioners and qualified beneficiaries in the public sector.

Our employment facilitation program, through the Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan, mounted 108 job and livelihood events in 2017 where of 384,379 job vacancies from 2,258 employers were offered to 80,592 qualified applicants.  From these undertakings, 9,684 were hired on the spot. Also, 3,680 MSMEs were assisted in the TNK seminars.   Employment facilitation services and livelihood assistance were also provided to some 8,000 victims of the Marawi Siege composed of internally displaced persons (IDPs), dependents of soldiers and policemen

Financial assistance, livelihood and emergency employment were provided to affected workers under the Boracay Emergency Employment Program (BEEP), of which, 1,963 cash cards issued for first Financial Support tranche as of 27 June 2018 with a total amount of PHP 9,529,663.00. Additional 500 cash cards were issued on July 8.  Around  2,960  informal sector workers were provided with emergency employment amounting to PHP 23,166,689.22, and another  PHP 1 million to 339 members of Malay Association of Sailing Boat Owner.

In the face of challenges, we are undaunted and remain committed to endeavor for the realization of decent job for the Filipino workers in an atmosphere of freedom where their rights are respected and welfare upheld. (VerGarciaBlogs)

PASEI SUCCESSFUL MARKETING MISSION IN EUROPE

PASEI  POST-EUROPE MARKETING MISSION PRESS CONFERENCE AT CENTURY PARK SHERATON

by: Ver Garcia & Teddy Cho

PASEI PRESSCON: In photo, 2nd from left Former DOLE USEC Nicon Fameronag, PASEI President Elsa U. Villa and PRO Raquel Bracero- PASEI. The Philippine Association of Service Exporters, Inc. (PASEI) caring partners of OFWs in Nation building.

Madam ELSA U. VILLA, President of PASEI, Thank all the invited guest from the Board of Directors, Media and the Private sectors who joined the Press conference of the post –Europe Marketing Mission covering the countries of the Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, and Austria from the 5^th to 24^th June 2018.

PASEI Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mrs. Edwina Lema- Beech, who is also  the President of MABUHAY PERSONNEL & MANAGEMENT SERVICES,INC. ; Board Director and Treasurer Julie Rose M. Inso, who is also the President of Coreteam Manpower Services, Inc. ;  Board Director and Assistant Treasurer Rowena M. Paragas, who is the Presidentof NYD International Placement Agency, Inc. ; Board of Director and Public Relations Officer Raquel E. Bracero who is the President of Peridot International Resources, Inc. ; and Board of Director Susanna A. Virtus, who is the President of All Seasons Manpower International Services Inc.

The following are the members of the PASEI Mission to Europe: Mr. Kenneth L. Martirez, Vice President , Aram Enterprises , Inc. ; Christina de la Cruz Frey, President and CEO, Chartreuse Prime Recruitment Specialists , Inc., and her Daughter, Zeanne  Michelle DC. Bello, Corporate Secretary and Sales and Marketing Manager; Jovita G. Baltazar, Marketing Consultant, Humanlink  International Manpower Agency; Mary Mei Victorino, President , Mother’s Way  Overseas Manpower Specialists Corporation ; Jenny P. Clavero, President , Mountain Peak International Human Resources Corporation ; Lea M. Singian, President , Provident Overseas Placement Agency; Rose Marie M. Lainez, and Joan H. Lainez,President and CEO and Corporate Secretary, respectively, R.I.S.E. Manpower Services ; Grace C. Woo, President, VALESCO-SMS; Richard A. Bonifacio, General Manager, Venture Management Systems; Marites  Joan G. Quezon, President, JOBS Manila  International, Inc.; Cristina S. Honor, President, Cleopatra  International Placement Agency, Inc.; and Myrna A. Magalong, General Manager, Transnational Services, Inc.

The first goal was to familiarize and get acquainted with the laws, rules, and regulations, as well as the realities in the labor markets of the four countries relative to worker migration  and the second goal ,look for new  employers for skilled OFWs in these four countries.

In setting to accomplish the two goals, the initiatives taken by PASEI then  was to meet with  relevant authorities in both the private and public sectors of the four countries. A coordinated effort  with the Philippine Government officials  through the Philippine consulates and also meetings with employers, recruitment agencies, as well as labor market research and information institutions, with whom PASEI undertook  brainstorming on matters pertaining to the potential Philippines  worker’s migration  framework for legal and ethical recruitment. As of now PASEI is  confident  and believes  that the two goals were achieved during the European Mission.

In the Czech Republic ,the first destination of the mission , the Philippine Embassy officials led by Charge d’ Affaires Jed E. Dayang,  who was very helpful in providing information and tools of assistance relative to the entry of OFW’s to the Czech Republic according to the PASEI group. Through the courtesy of the Philippine Embassy.

 Media personality that covers the PASEI Presscon.

The PASEI took the initiative to discuss with the Philippine government embassies,  met with employers, recruitment agencies, as well as labor market research and information with whom they discussed the Philippine workers migration framework for ethical and legal recruitment.

The Czech Republic was the first stop of the PASEI delegation and met with the Philippine embassy headed by Charge d’ Affaires Jed Dayang who was very cooperative in providing vital information and assistance in connection with the entry of OFW’s to the Czech Republic.

In addition, they met also with the officials of Czech Chamber of Commerce and Idustry, the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Investment and Business Development Agency. Under this project, the Czech Republic has allocated an initial 1,000 jobs for skilled OFW  migrant workers.

The Czech Republic is desirous in absorbing Filipino skilled workers and laid its framework for the entry of Filipino skilled workers in Czechoslovakia. The Czech government needs to know more about the Philippine migrant workers documentation procedures. The Business Development Agency requested the POEA for an official copy of its employment contract and other relevant documents for dissemination to the Czech employers.

It is very important to carry out an effective public information and communication campaign to raise the level of awareness, knowledge and understanding of the Czech companies/employers with regards to the Filipino worker’s migration policies, programs, rights and privileges, the qualities and competencies. PASEI is willing to provide the necessary inputs and recommendations as communicated to the POEA administrator Bernard Olalia. Official and relevant documents were provided thru the Philippine consulate in Prague as requested by the Czech Republic.

Bilateral labor   agreement (BLA) discussions between the Philippines and the Czech Republic including the POEA have been initiated, and by this time the Technical Working Group (TWG) on Czech concerns.

Poland mission produced productive meetings, with the tireless efforts of Ambassador H.E. Patricia Ann V. Paez in arranging the meetings with Poland’s Labor  Inspectorate , Ministry of Foreign Affair’s Economic Cooperation Department, and Warsaw labor office .Several one-on -one meetings with Polish employers and their recruitment agencies arranged by the Philippine embassy.

Poland’s dire need of 100,000 worker’s particularly in the manufacturing, Health and agricultural sectors confirmed owing   to the rapid economic growth and Polish workers migration to other rich  and prosperous Euro Nations like Germany, France and UK.

PASEI proposed and urged DOLE and Foreign Affairs to establish two Philippine Overseas Labor   Offices (POLOs), one in Germany and with options between Czech Republic or Poland in order to secure and  protect the overseas Filipino workers entering the labor  markets of these two countries and to enable and facilitate legitimate employers to recruit OFWs.

OFWs and employers in these countries are clamoring  for the presence of Philippine overseas labor and employment officials to attend to their document processing needs. Right now, verification of employers authentic documents are being done either in the POLOs in MILAN and ROME, Italy , or in Geneva, Switzerland which are very far thus, it takes too long , if not months to process.

A POLO office in Germany, employers and OFWs in Central Europe would be convenient to process to process their documents relative to OFWs hiring according to Mrs, Villa.

Another POLO, either in Prague, Czech Republic, Warsaw, Poland, could take care of OFWs and employers in these countries. Including that of Hungary, Baltic States of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The POLO can also cover other countries in the Baltic Sea Area, wherein  Filipinos  are -present such as: Denmark, Finland, Russia, and Sweden Mrs. Villa avers.

She said that in addition to these countries there are already existing OFWs present in the labor markets of Croatia, Ukraine, Slovakia, Yugoslavia, and Moldavia of which any of the proposed POLOs can cover.

The DOLE and DFA, she explained, would need to assign experienced and qualified personnel to these POLOs and should ask Congress for additional resources for the purpose.

“ The House of Representatives and the Senate should support our recommendation, considering the enormous contribution of OFWs to the Philippine economy.  We should bring within the reach of our OFWs in these countries all available government services,” according to PASEI President, Elsa Villa.

Related to the establishment of POLOs, PASEI supports the initiatives of the Philippine Embassy in Warsaw for the establishment and forging of a bilateral  labor  agreement (BLA) between the Philippines and Poland as a way to fast-track the deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to Poland.

Such a bilateral agreement, PASEI believes is the most immediate and logical step for legal, safe, and ethical migration because Poland is just opening up its labor market to third- country nationals (TCNs) like Filipinos. Poland is an ideal alternative work destination for OFWs because of similarities in both countries religious culture- both being devoutly catholic. But there are differences in Polish and Philippine labor laws that a bilateral labor agreement could address. While Poland like all the Eu member countries, observe the highest labor and human rights standards that  preclude serious welfare problems, there are standards in the existing POEA (Philippines Overseas Employment Administration) rules and regulations that are not aligned with the labor market conditions of Poland. The POEA needs to address the different labor market realities of Poland. Issues like recruitment costs; the issue of joint and several liability; transfer during the employment period; and workers benefits, such as food and accommodation. PASEI seriously hopes to discuss these important issues with POEA.

Connected to these issues mentioned is the reason why Chairman Edwina Lema-Beech, stern warning of OFWs against illegal recruitment for Poland, mentioning that illegal recruitment could take advantage of the fact that Europe is a high-end labor market destination and lure unsuspecting OFWs to illegal human trafficking schemes.

Germany has been known as an alternative OFW destination for OFWs particularly in the healthcare sectors. In Munich, PASEI delegates met with 21 representatives of private and government hospitals, home care facilities for the aged, migrant insurance companies, and clinics under the umbrella of Health Care Bayern, one of Germany’s largest network of organizations in the healthcare sector. All were unanimous in expressing the need to hire and recruit more nurses, physical therapists, and other healthcare workers and the need to fast track the process of hiring more OFWs in the healthcare sector. The meeting between PASEI delegation and Health Care Bayern an opportunity to give a one-on -one presentations of the different services available to the German counterpart.

PASEI delegates were informed by the Philippine Embassy  in Vienna, Austria through Chief of Mission Sulpicio M. Confiado that the new government in Austria is not so keen at the moment to welcome the TNC workers, but encouraged by the fact that the health care sector of Austria is also in need of workers and Filipinos in Austria is estimated to be around 45,000 have been assimilated and are well-liked by the Austrian society. (VerGarciaBlogs)