Probe on illegal foreign workers sought

MANILA, Philippines — A lawmaker proposed a congressional inquiry on the illegal entry of foreign workers in the country, arguing that it deprives more Filipinos of needed job opportunities.

Trade Union Congress of the Philippines party-list Rep. Raymond Democrito Mendoza said posts occupied by foreigners are causing displacement of Filipino employees in various fields especially in fishing and construction.

Mendoza cited reports that about 3,000 Chinese nationals work in one multinational corporation engaged in construction projects in Bataan and Batangas without required work permits.

Foreign nationals should obtain Alien Employment Permits from the  Department of Labor and Employment to be allowed to work in the country.

Before foreign workers are allowed to occupy positions in private companies, however, there has to be proof that no Filipino worker is found to have the qualifications for the designation, Mendoza explained.

The lawmaker added that foreign workers in the country have "serious adverse implications" in industries and also in the country's overall employment situation.

According to a recent Social Weather Stations survey, unemployment rate remains at a staggering 27.5 percent or 12.1 million within the period of September to December 2013.

In January, however, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said the government is allowing the entry of foreigners to at least 15 occupations suffering from skills shortage.

Read: Phl opens hard-to-fill jobs to foreign workers

Baldoz cited a need “to liberalize the labor market and allow entry of foreign workers with the required skills so we can fill up those hard-to-fill occupations.”  - Camille Diola