'Charge erring DOLE employees'

MANILA, Philippines - Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz urged the public yesterday to file complaints against erring employees of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

“The (DOLE’s) Administrative Complaint Committee (ACC) will investigate even anonymous complaints, and if found sufficient, will recommend for preliminary investigation,” she said.

“So, I would encourage those who are engaged in the industry of writing unsigned and anonymous ‘white papers’ to come forward and bring their complaints to the ACC.”

Baldoz assured the public that the DOLE would take swift action and protect complainants against harassment.

The ACC is tasked to complete the investigation of pending cases within 60 days and new cases within a period of 30 days, she added.

Baldoz said the Civil Service Commission had affirmed a DOLE decision dismissing from the service an employee of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, who was found guilty of faking job orders and accepting millions of pesos in bribes.

Several measures have been undertaken to keep DOLE free of graft and corruption, she added.

Baldoz said shortly after assuming office in 2010, she had set in place a reform machinery, with tripartite participation as a main feature, to ensure integrity and efficiency in the delivery of programs and services to the people.

“There is now a National Tripartite Efficiency and Integrity Board (NTEIB), as well as tripartite EIBs at the Central Office, in the DOLE’s 12 attached agencies, and in 16 regional offices, which lead in the DOLE’s drive against graft and corruption,” she said.

“The perception has to stop that paperwork moves at DOLE, especially at the National Labor Relations Commission, because of grease money given by the highest bidder, either from labor or from the employer.

“That’s why, I challenge you to expose those who ask for or give bribes and act on this so that the country can regain the world’s trust.”

The DOLE had already switched on a “daylight mode” of transparency as early as 2010, and this is a continuing effort.

It has been implementing a Code of Conduct for DOLE Officials and Employees and has strengthened its internal control systems.