The Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is strengthening its screening procedures for foreign employees applying for Alien Employment Permits (AEPs).
This follows an investigation into illegal offshore gaming organizations (POGOs) in the Philippines that found overseas employees using false or improper documents.
Philippine Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said, "We are strengthening the review, not just the document inspection. The regional offices are conducting inspections, especially in the Metro Manila area where AEP applications are concentrated."
The move is intended to prevent foreign employees from taking jobs from skilled Filipino workers.
To reform the AEP issuance process, DOLE is collaborating with other agencies such as the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
For licensed Internet Gaming Licensees (IGL), PAGCOR now prohibits working from home in an effort to curb illegal activities. DOLE will conduct inspections to ensure compliance.
The launch described above reflects the Philippines’ determination to control the online gaming market and protect Filipino workers.
