Criminal raps eyed vs labor execs in sex-for-flight

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Justice (DOJ) will look into the possible criminal liability of labor officials tagged in the “sex-for-flight” scheme that reportedly victimized distressed Filipino workers in the Middle East.

Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said they have submitted to the DOJ testimonies and documents gathered by the DOLE fact-finding committee tasked to investigate the allegations. “The DOJ will evaluate the documents and determine whether criminal cases can be filed,” Baldoz said.

She gave assurance that DOLE officials are ready to appear should Congress summon them to shed light on the case and other sex-related controversies. 

She said the agency would also make available for the Senate and House probe the DOLE officials tagged in the complaint. 

Baldoz said the DOLE team, created after three female overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Saudi Arabia accused a Riyadh-based assistant labor attaché of forcing them to engage in the sex trade, is wrapping up its probe and is set to submit the report in the next few days.      

Several labor officials and staff in various Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLOs) in the Middle East were also accused of committing similar sex offenses.

Baldoz said a hearing would be conducted by a special panel should the DOJ determine a prima facie case exists against the accused labor officials.

If proven guilty, the accused will be meted penalties ranging from suspension to dismissal from service.

The labor chief gave assurance that no whitewash or delay in the investigation would happen as she noted that DOLE is adhering to the rules on due process, allowing the investigating panel to complete its task within three months.

She said DOLE and concerned officials of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) are set to discuss improvements in the system to prevent a repeat of the controversy or any other offenses. 

Among these improvements are coordination between the Philippine embassy or consulate and POLO, management of Filipino Workers Resource Centers, and selection and training of personnel to be posted overseas.        

Meanwhile. Sen. Teofisto Guingona III assured the public that government officials accused of involvement in the “sex-for-flight” scheme would be held accountable in the Senate probe.

Like Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, Guingona expressed concern over the plight of OFWs who suffered abuses at the hands of some labor attaches.                 

“To many of our OFWs, the Philippine embassy is a refuge and source of strength and courage, knowing the government is always within reach in a foreign land with foreign culture,” he said.

As chairman of the Blue Ribbon committee, Guingona said the Senate is bound by duty to shed light on the matter and hold accountable those who would be found guilty of violating the law and of betraying public trust.      

At the start of the 16th Congress, Estrada urged the Senate to investigate the “sex-for-flight” scandal so Congress can institutionalize measures that would ensure the competency of the officers and staff of the OFW welfare centers and shelter houses in protecting migrant workers.