In a recent statement, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac expressed strong support for tougher penalties aimed at scammers who target overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Speaking at the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel forum, Cacdac highlighted the severe impact of these fraudulent schemes on the financial and emotional well-being of OFWs and their families.
Cacdac pointed out the alarming number of victims in serious cases, often reaching into the hundreds. He stressed the necessity for more stringent laws to tackle the widespread fraud affecting OFWs. To address this issue, the DMW has collaborated with several government bodies, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Anti-Money Laundering Council, and the Philippine Stock Exchange, to raise awareness and educate OFWs on how to avoid scams and identify legitimate investment opportunities.
The SEC’s ASTIG program, which stands for Anti-Scam and Illegal Taking of Investments Group, is one such initiative. It offers educational webinars to help OFWs safeguard their hard-earned money. Additionally, the DMW supports victims through its AKSYON Fund, which provides legal referrals and financial aid.
Cacdac also mentioned ongoing efforts to resolve specific cases, such as a cargo forwarding scam that impacted over 700 Filipino workers in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. He emphasized the need for penalties that reflect the seriousness of the crimes committed, endorsing a bill proposed by the ACT-CIS party-list that calls for fines up to PHP10 million and life imprisonment for those found guilty.
“These scammers devastate the lives of workers who have made immense sacrifices for their families and our nation,” Cacdac concluded, underscoring the urgency of protecting OFWs from such predatory practices.