2 Baguio illegal recruiters get life

BAGUIO CITY --  The regional trial court here has sentenced to life imprisonment two employees of an immigration consultancy firm for illegal recruitment, according to the Philippine Overseas Employees Administration (POEA).

Based on the complaints of 41 prospective OFWs, Rodolfo Domingo Jr. and Roliza Batag, employees of Global Consultancy Management Services based in Baguio, collected placement fees ranging from P35,000 to P170,000 for supposed jobs in Canada, Australia and South Korea.

The two offered the complainants employment as domestic helpers in Canada; butchers, factory workers and civil engineers in Australia; and electronic technicians in South Korea, supposedly with salaries ranging from P60,000 to P130,000.

Offering overseas employment in the guise of visa assistance without the necessary license or authority from the POEA constitutes illegal recruitment, the court ruled.