Question & AnswerQ&A (POEA GOVERNING BOARD Resolution NO. 05, S. OF 2007)
The primary objective is to implement a program providing assistance to victims and witnesses of illegal recruitment cases to encourage their active cooperation in prosecuting illegal recruiters.
The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) is mandated to provide free legal assistance to victims of illegal recruitment.
Section 13 of Republic Act No. 8042, or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act.
They often desist due to accepting small settlements for civil claims, employment restrictions, financial constraints, and difficulty attending investigations or court proceedings.
The resolution provides an incentive program that gives priority for overseas employment to victims and witnesses who actively cooperate in prosecutions.
Funds will be sourced from the regular budget of the POEA.
The POEA Governing Board approves the program and the guidelines to implement the program.
Challenges include difficulty attending investigations or court proceedings due to employment restrictions or financial constraints and inability to pay required docket fees resulting in dismissal of cases.
It serves as an incentive to encourage victims and witnesses to actively participate in legal proceedings against illegal recruiters, thus helping in the prosecution efforts.
By providing legal assistance, addressing financial and procedural obstacles, and incentivizing cooperation, the resolution enhances measures to prosecute illegal recruiters effectively.