A lawmaker seeks harsher punishments against foreigners that work illegaly in the Philippines.
Bicol Saro Partytlist Rep. Brian Yamsuan pushes for the passage of House Bill No. 1279 that will increase the fine and the length of imprisonment imposed on illegal foreign workers.
"We certainly welcome foreign nationals in our country if they have valid employment permits (EPs) and if they do not compete with our equally, and at most times better-skilled workforce," Yamsuan said on Tuesday, June 11, in a statement.
"But we should draw the line when it comes to foreigners who not only work here illegally, but also pose a threat to the peace and order in our communities," he stressed.
Yamsuan made the call after authorities apprehended 37 Chinese national for allegedly running illicit retail and restaurant operations in Parañaque City.
HB 1279 proposes six years of imprisonment, and a fine worth not less than Php 50,000 to foreign nationals who have EPs but transfer to another job or employer without the approval of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Under HB 1279, which seeks to ammend the Labor Code of the Philippines, the employers of said foreign nationals will also face the same penalty.
The said foreign nationals will also face deportation after serving their sentence.
Meanwhile, any employer, attorney-in-fact, or duly authorized representativae of the employer who illegaly hires any non-resident foreign national will receive a fine of up to Php 200,000.
The bill also authorizes the DOLE secretary to suspend or order the closure of the business of any erring employer for repeated violations.
HB 1270 also imposes a fine of Php 50,000 to any foreign worker without a valid EP for evey year or fraction of their violation.
