Bello clips POEA’s licensing powers

MANILA, Philippines -  Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello has clipped the powers of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), as he took over its licensing functions.

In an administrative order (AO), Bello recalled a 1998 Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) directive authorizing the POEA administrator to act on matters governing overseas employment.

Based on the latest AO, the issuance and renewal of licenses of recruitment agencies and other matters governing overseas employment now requires the labor secretary’s approval.

DOLE said the move was meant to ensure that only legitimate and responsible recruitment agencies can operate and to safeguard the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Under the new order, all processed applications on the issuance and renewal of licenses, authorities to engage in the recruitment and placement of workers for overseas employment, the grant of exemption from the ban on direct hiring, and the grant exemptions from the age requirements for overseas workers shall be forwarded to the Office of the Secretary for approval or denial.