The Labor Department revealed that more than 6,600 foreign employees are working illegally in the country.
The Chinese workers are being employed by 177 Philippine offshore gaming operations (POGO).
During the budget hearing for the Labor Department’s proposed Php14.4 billion budget, labor officials said that 8,321 foreign workers don’t have work permits in June.
“The DOLE-NCR summoned the concerned employers and since, there have been 1,693 who have secured AEP,” DOLE said.
After the meeting, illegal workers are brought down to 6,678.
Senator Joel Villanueva said he is not happy with the updates given by labor officials.
“That is just unacceptable. And this is just for the POGO service providers, not including the 60 POGO businesses in the country. We are already losing P2 billion pesos a month according to the Finance department,” Villanueva said
.
“Itong DILG and BIR, kung gaano kasigasig na i-close down ‘yung STL ang bilis bilis. Itong mga ito, tatlong taon na hindi nagbabayad ng buwis pero namamayagpag pa rin,” Villanueva added.
He added that the Immigration Bureau should no longer have the power to issue Special Working Permits which sometimes higher than DOLE’s Alien Employment Permits.
“Kinukwestiyon pa rin ho natin ito dahil naniniwala tayo na hindi parte ng charter ng BI ang pag-iissue ng SWP,” Villanueva said.
