Rules on OFW On-Site Complaints and Interrogatories

Aggrieved OFWs working overseas may execute a written and sworn complaint against foreign employers, Philippine recruitment agencies, or fellow OFWs.
Complaints may be filed without prejudice to existing on-site conciliation procedures.

Complaints must be filed with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) that has jurisdiction over the location of the complainant's workplace.

Complaints must be in affidavit form, subscribed and sworn before a Philippine Embassy or Consular official authorized to administer oaths.
Must contain:
1. Name and address of the complainant.
2. Name(s) and address of respondent(s).
3. Sworn statement of facts constituting the violation.
4. Names and addresses of complainant’s witnesses.
5. Specific relief sought.
Must include supporting documents and a certification of non-forum shopping.
POLO is tasked to assist complainants in affidavit preparation and evidence submission.

Upon receiving complaints and supporting evidence, POLO shall endorse properly paginated case records to POEA for appropriate action.
Endorsement must include an endorsement letter with recommendation addressed to the POEA Administrator and a table of contents of all documents.

Upon receipt, POEA will notify respondents and furnish copies of complaint and supporting evidence.
Respondents are directed to file an answer within the period prescribed by applicable rules.

For cases involving complainants or witnesses working overseas, POEA Adjudication Office shall use all reasonable means to ascertain relevant facts.

At any stage before case resolution, POEA Adjudicator may, on own initiative or written request, allow written interrogatories to be answered by on-site complainants and witnesses.
Adjudicator prepares questions and transmits them to POLO for delivery to complainants/witnesses.
POLO makes diligent efforts to ensure responses within 15 calendar days from receipt of interrogatories.
If unanswered after 15 days despite efforts, POLO informs Adjudicator who will proceed based on available evidence.

Upon receipt of answers, Adjudicator furnishes respondents copies and directs filing of comments within 15 calendar days.
Failure to file comments means respondents waive right to comment on the interrogatories.

The Order takes effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.