ASIDE from overseas jobs, illegal recruiters are also targeting local employment opportunities.
This was the warning issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to the public, saying illegal recruitment and human trafficking activities for local jobs are also being conducted by unscrupulous individuals.
“This is to remind the public that any recruitment activities to be undertaken by a non-licensee or non-holder of authority shall be deemed illegal and punishable by a fine or imprisonment, or both at the discretion of the court,” the agency said in its Labor Advisory No. 16-2023.
It said such illegal recruitment activities are usually conducted physically or through social media and other online platforms.
DOLE urged the public to report any illegal recruitment activities in the country.
“Any suspicious, unlawful, or illegal transaction involving recruitment activities should be reported to the DOLE through its regional offices or to the proper authorities,” said DOLE.
The Department urged jobseekers to engage only with the Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs), PhilJobNet, and licensed private employment agencies (PEAs).
“The public is advised to apply for jobs offered by legitimate employers,” said DOLE.
Based on the May 2023 Labor Force Survey (LFS), there are an estimated 2.17 million unemployed Filipinos.
The latest LFS also indicated there are some 5.66 million underemployed Filipinos.
