Baldoz warns OFWs against fake receipts

MANILA, Philippines - Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz warned the public on Wednesday against groups or individuals issuing fake receipts in places frequented by overseas Filipino workers such as the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration.

The fake receipts were issued by some employees of manning agencies who reported the case to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, OWWA said.

Baldoz also instructed OWWA chief Carmelita Dimzon to publish notices and issue advisory to recruitment and manning agencies to put internal control mechanisms to prevent the illegal practice.

“The public should be well-advised on the matter for the safety of  overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Benefits may be compromised if the OFWs’ names are not registered as OWWA members. OWWA members are assured of the social and protection programs and services offered by the Agency,” Baldoz said.

For her part, Dimzon said OWWA is now coordinating with the National Bureau of Investigation to help investigate all possible sources of fake documents and bring to court those responsible.