A Philippine legislator is pushing for a bill that would impose stricter penalties on illegal foreign workers, aiming to protect Filipino jobs and deter unlawful activities.
A legislator has reiterated his call for Congress to approve House Bill 1279, which imposes harsher penalties—including up to six years of imprisonment—on illegal foreign workers to deter their involvement in unlawful activities and protect jobs for Filipinos. Bicol Saro Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan renewed his call following reports confirming the presence of Chinese nationals illegally working in mining sites in Eastern Samar and Camarines Norte.
The measure—HB 1279—would also help deter “guerilla” Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) from thriving in the country, Yamsuan said. Besides jail terms, HB 1279 also provides for a substantial increase on the fine imposed on foreigners found to be illegally working here—from the current P10,000 to P50,000 for every year, or a fraction thereof, of unlawful employment. Under the bill, employers who hire foreigners to work illegally in the country face fines of up to P200,000 and the possible suspension or closure of their businesses. “The measure aims not only to protect job opportunities for Filipinos but could also serve as a deterrent to make illegal foreign workers think twice before deciding to take part in unlawful activities here,” said Yamsuan, who co-authored HB 1279. “Foreign workers are certainly welcome if they are here legally and do not take jobs meant for Filipinos. But if they are involved in any unlawful activity, such as illegal mining and rogue POGO operations, they should be made to face the consequences of their actions before they are deported,” he added. Yamsuan pointed out that the illegal mining operations uncovered in the town of Paracale in Camarines Norte and Homonhon Island in Eastern Samar may be “small-scale” at this time, but even the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has expressed concern over the possibility that foreign workers could be illegally working in other mining sites all over the countr
ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION FOREIGN WORKERS PHILIPPINE LABOR MINING POGO
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