By Marita Moaje
MANILA – A security guard of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) assigned inside the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in Mandaluyong City was arrested in an entrapment operation on Tuesday for illegally offering expedited government services in exchange for money.
The DMW said in a news release that the suspect offered to fast-track a Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) appointment and certificate in exchange for PHP35,000 per applicant.
PDOS is a free mandatory requirement for first-time overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
The DMW said the suspect was apprehended by the Migrant Workers Operation Bureau (MWPB) of the DMW in coordination with the Mandaluyong City police.
Two direct-hire OFWs from Calaca, Batangas, who secured jobs as domestic workers for a royal family in Bahrain, reported the suspect.
They were inquiring about the PDOS process at the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration office on the second floor when the suspect approached them.
There, Villagracia allegedly approached them and offered to arrange a faster PDOS appointment for a fee.
Doubting his offer, the victims took Villagracia’s contact number and verified with the DMW Information Center, where they learned that PDOS is completely free.
Villagracia is facing fixing charges under Section 21(h) of Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, as well as for estafa.
DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac has ordered a thorough investigation to determine if Villagracia had accomplices.
“Para sa mga fixer, hindi namin kayo hahayaan na manlamang sa ating mga kababayan na nagnanais magtrabaho sa ibang bansa. Itigil na ninyo ang inyong mga gawain, kung hindi ay tiyak na makakasuhan at mahahatulan ng pagkabilanggo (We will not allow fixers to take advantage of our hardworking OFWs. Stop your illegal activities or face charges and get imprisoned),” Cacdac warned.
He also reminded all OFWs to transact only with DMW employees.
For verified information on DMW processes and requirements, the public is encouraged to visit the official DMW website dmw.gov.ph or call the 24/7 DMW hotline (02) 8722-1144 or 8722-1155. (PNA)
