Stricter bill underway vs illegal recruitment, trafficking of OFW; 2 persons conniving now considered a syndicate

Manila, Philippines – Senator Robinhood “Robin” Padilla has introduced Senate Bill 2216 to tighten the screws against illegal recruitment syndicates and trafficking of overseas Filipino workers. The bill aims to amend Art. 38 (b) of the Philippine Labor Code and Section 6 of RA 8042, the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995.

The proposed amendments to the labor code seek to redefine illegal recruitment committed by a syndicate.

Currently, it requires three or more people to carry out the crime. Padilla’s bill however proposes that illegal recruitment “committed by a group of two or more persons conspiring and confederating with one another in carrying out any unlawful or illegal transaction, enterprise, or scheme can also lead to prosecution.”

Should the bill become law, he said, it would represent a significant step towards “safer, fairer and more ethical recruitment practices by protecting Filipino workers against illegal recruitment.”

Padilla hopes the passage of the bill will “help strengthen the protection of Filipino workers, prevent economic sabotage, and promote the country’s economic development.”

The senator affirmed his commitment to safeguard the rights and welfare of Filipino workers. He believes that adapting and responding to the changing landscape of labor migration is key to sustaining this unwavering commitment.