Marami pang Laban, Marami pang Tagumpay

SA LAHAT NG KABABAIHAN LALONG-LALO NA ANG MGA BABAENG TUMATAYONG ULO NG TAHANAN:


Shared by CMA Director Ellene Sana

hi all. may we share the statement of the freedom from debt coalition (fdc) on the occasion of the 100th anniversary celebration of the international women's day. cma is a member of the fdc.  domestic work is work! support an ILO convention on domestic work in 2011 100th session of the international labour conference of the ilo. happy women's day to all! from the cma women: ana, ellene, hazel, irynn, katie  Marami pang Laban,  Marami pang Tagumpay ( ika-100 taong anibersaryo ng Pandaigdigang Araw ng Kababaihan )     May 100 taon na ngayon,  Marso 8, 1911,  nang maganap ang mga unang martsa at mobilisasyon para ipagdiwang ang Pandaigdigang Araw ng Kababaihan.   Realisasyon ito ng panawagan ni Clara Zetkin, lider sosyalista at peminista sa Ika-2 Internasyunal na Kumperensya ng Kababaihang Manggagawa na maglaan ng isang araw sa isang taon para ikintal sa lahat ang mga karapatan at kahilingan ng mga kababaihan. Sa maraming bansa, nagtulak ng laban ang mga babae para sa kanilang karapatang bumoto at mahalal at karapatan sa trabaho at para wakasan ang diskriminasyon sa trabaho.    Makaraan ang 100 taon,  matibay, palabang nakapusisyon ang kababaihan sa kanilang pakikibaka. Marami nang tagumpay subalit malalim at laganap pa rin ang diskriminasyon na nag-iitse-pwera at nagbabalewala sa mga babae. Lalong totoo ito sa mga bansa ng Timog – sa Asya, Aprika at Amerika Latina.  Sistema, mga istruktura ng pagsasamantala at pang-aapi ang bumabara sa ating pagkakamit ng kapangyarihan sa pulitika at ekonomya.   Ang sentenaryong ito ng Pandaigdigang Araw ng Kababaihan ay ating ipagdiriwang sa panahon ng neo-liberal na globalisasyon. Isang panahon ng ibayong pagkadusta ng higit na nakararami habang ang iilan sa mundo – ang mayayamang kapitalistang bansa ng Hilaga, mga korporasyong transnasyunal, mga higanteng bangko at  mga naghaharing uri sa kani-kanilang bansa ay nagkakamal at nagkokonsolida ng yaman na walang katulad sa nakaraan.   Nasa isang panahon tayo na ang kalikasan at ang mga karapatang tao ay isinasakripsyo sa ngalan ng malayang pamilihan at kalakal. Nag-ibayo ang pagsasamantala sa mga katawan at kakayahan ng kababaihan, sa kanilang trabaho, oras at enerhiya ng mga patakarang neo-liberal na tumutukod sa di-makatarungang sistemang ito.   Winawasak ng mga kapitalistang bansa ng Hilaga ang proteksyon ng mga bansa ng Timog para lalong gawing mura ang halaga ng trabaho nila.  Dahil sa diskriminasyon sa gender, kabilang ang mga babae sa pinakamababa ang sweldo. Kabilang ang mga babae sa biktima ng labor contracting, ang iskema para lalong  pamurahin ang halaga ng paggawa. Dulot nito ang malawakang paglabag sa kanilang mga saligang karapatan sa trabaho - ang karapatan sa regular na trabaho, seguridad sa trabaho at mga benepisyong sosyal na itinadhana ng batas. Pinagtatrabaho ang mga babae nang lampas sa 64 oras sa isang linggo. Hindi kasama rito ang pagtatrabaho nila nang walang bayad.   Trabaho ng mga babae ang pampuno tuwing kakaltasin ang badyet sa social services at isasapribado ang mga ito - mga kondisyones para tayo pautangin ng mga bangko at gubyernong dayuhan, at mga kaltas para makabayad tayo sa utang. Di nga ba't  nagpapakulo sila ng tubig at sumasalok kung walang kuneksyon sa tubig?  Naghahagilap ng mga pantapal kung walang pambili ng gamot; umaasa sa am- sabaw ng bigas kung walang pambili ng gatas at paggawa ng lampara ng langis ng niyog kung walang kuryente ?   Ayon sa mga survey, sobra sa kalahati ng trabaho at oras ng mga babae ay ginugugol nila sa mga trabahong walang bayad tulad ng pag-aalaga ng bata, produksyon ng pagkain, gawaing bahay at pag-aalaga sa mga maysakit at matatanda.  Ang oras na ginugugol ng mga babae sa trabahong may bayad ay umabot na sa 50-70 porsyento ng oras ng kalalakihan sa trabahong may bayad. Pero halos doble ang oras na tinatrabaho ng mga babae nang walang bayad kumpara sa mga lalake.   Pinupwersa ng neo-liberal na globalisasyon ang kababaihan sa iba't ibang porma ng mga trabahong madumi, nakakababa ng dignidad at peligroso.  Mas malaking bilang ng nagtatrabahong babae ay nasa impormal na sector na walang proteksyong sosyal. Milyun-milyong kababaihan na ang nangibang-bansa nang walang proteksyon laban sa pagsasamantala, maltratong pisikal, at abusong sekswal at sikolohikal.  Katuwang sila ng mga lalaking OFW na nagpapadala ng bilyun-bilyong remittance na laging nagsasalba sa dapat sana'y matagal nang lumubog na ekonomya ng bansa.   Nagsasalimbayan ang mga patakarang naglulubog sa kababaihan sa kahirapan at ang mga bias laban sa mga babae na nakabaon sa ating sistema.  Balakid sa hustisyang pang-ekonomya ng kababaihan ang inhustisya sa gender. Dahil sa pagiging babae kung kaya't target sila ng domestic violence, trafficking, harassment at rape. Ang karapatan nila sa pantay na sweldo o kita mula sa pantay na trabaho ay nilalabag dahil sila ay babae. Libu-libong babae ang namamatay dahil sa kawalan ng sapat na pangangalaga sa kanilang kalusugan bilang babae.   Lalong pinalalala ang inhustisya sa gender at inhustisya sa ekonomya ng mga krises na humahagupit sa daigdig sa ngayon.  Dahil sa krisis sa pinansya sa daigdig, gumuguho ang kabuhayan at produksyon sa pagkain, nagpapatung-patong ang utang at tumitindi ang pagsasamantala sa mga trabahong may bayad at wala.  Sa lahat ng ito, mas matindi ang tama sa kababaihan. Dahil sa mga krises sa enerhiya, pagkain at klima dulot ng pangangamkam ng mga kapitalistang bansa ng Hilaga sa likas na yaman at atmospera ng daigdig,  mas pipigain ang lakas paggawa ng kababaihan na siyang pumupuno sa mga kakulangan sa panahon ng krisis.   Ang mga karapatan at kalayaang nakatitik sa mga internasyunal na covenants at tratado ay patunay sa daan-taong pakikibaka ng kababaihan sa buong mundo.  Subalit sa pagtatasa ng kinalalagyan ng laban ng kababaihan ngayon, nakikita rin natin ang mga paglabag at ang mas delikado, ang pagbawi sa mga tagumpay na ito.   Hindi pwedeng palampasin ang " business-as-usual" ng gubyernong Noynoy Aquino, ng pagtanghal nito sa pribatisasyon na tinatawag nito ngayong "public-private partnerships" sa harap at sentro ng mga patakarang pang-ekonomya nito. Malayung-malayo ang mga programa nitong "conditional cash transfer" at "emergency employment" sa totohanan at mapagpasyang paglutas sa kahirapan ng mayorya at inhustisya sosyal sa ating lipunan. Wala itong kibo sa pangangailangang ipawalang-bisa ang Automatic Appropriations Law na nagtatakdang unahin ang pagbabayad ng utang  sa kapakanan ng mamamayan. Wala itong sinasabi tungkol sa pagkansela ng mga ilehitimong utang na kinorap lamang ng mga upisyales ng bansa, sumira sa kapaligiran at nagbunga ng dislokasyon ng mga komunidad at mamamayan.   Walang mangyayari kung aasahan lang natin ang gubyerno na tupdin ang obligasyon nitong respetuhin, protektahan at bigyang kaganapan ang mga karapatan ng kababaihan. Kailangang itong igiit.  Huwag nating kalimutan na ang mga karapatan at entitlements na ating nakamit, limitado pa man ang mga ito, ay nagmula sa matagal at mahirap na pakikibaka, mga tagumpay na laging dapat igiit, ipagtanggol at palawakin.   Wika ni Clara Zetkin, mahalaga ang mga repormang naipagwawagi dahil kabawasan ito sa mga pahirap na pinapasan ng kababaihan subalit tuntungan lang ito para baguhin ang sistema at mga istruktura – ang paglansag sa patriyarka, makauring pagsasamantala at pambansang kaapihan, na umaalipin sa atin at nagkakait ng kapangyarihan sa ekonomya at lipunan, laluna sa masang kababaihan.   Kapangyarihan sa ekonomya at lipunan para sa kababaihan ng Timog at buong daigdig! Itigil ang privatization ng mga batayang serbisyong panlipunan! I-repeal ang automatic appropriations law ! Kanselahin ang mga ilehitimong utang! Gender justice, economic justice, climate justice NOW !     FREEDOM FROM DEBT COALITION Marso 8, 2011

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Performance evaluation of philippine posts in africa and middle east

Performance evaluation of Philippine Posts in Africa and Middle East  Sa lahat ng mga OFWs:  This is a big chance for us to evaluate the officials meant for us! Deadline: before February 15 Pwede nyo pong direct sa CMA director Ellen Sana - ellenesana@yahoo.com or dito po sa: pusongpinoytayo@gmail.com Salamat po. --- On Wed, 2/2/11, ellene sana <ellenesana@yahoo.com> wrote: From: ellene sana <ellenesana@yahoo.com> Subject: performance evaluation of philippine posts in africa and middle east To: "cma" <cmaphils@pldtdsl.net> Date: Wednesday, February 2, 2011, 7:43 AM hi all. below is the schedule of the public hearing of the committee on foreign affairs to conduct a performance evaluation of the posts in africa and the middle east. you will recall that earlier, i sent you the resolution towards this effect. i write again to request information from you, on the following: 1. gender disaggregated data for profile of filipinos in the country where you are (profession, geographical concentration) 2. issues and concerns -- labor related --wages, benefits; work contracts; gender-related if there are; 3. performance of the posts --our embassies, polos --labor attache, welfare officer; are there any other agencies present like social worker, trade attache, etc.... malinaw ba at maayos ang paggampan nila sa gawain nila? accessible ba ang mga opisina nila by public transportation? ano ang office huors nila? tugma ba sa schedules ninyo?  sapat ba ang bilang ng posts natin? me shelter or filipino workers resource center ba dyan? 4. personnel and resources at the posts/polos --adequate ba ang resources sa posts/polos -- personnel, courteous ba ang staff? me vehicles, communications facilities/ telephones/ mobile; 5. relations of posts/embassies/ polos with filipino communities --maayos ba? me fforts ba for post to reach out to the ofw community? maayos ba ang relasyon sa pagitan ng embahada/konsulado at polo at ng ofws sa lugar ninyo? 6. your recommendations to improve the quality and quantity of work and services of the embassies/ labor offices and their personnel to the ofws.... 7. other issues and recommendations. we hope to receive some information from you on these issues. we have data available but this is sourced from government. it would be good to hear from you too.  salamat. ellene --------------- 2 February 2011   MS. ELLENE A. SANA Executive Director Center for Migrant Advocacy Philippines 72-C Matahimik Street, Teachers' Village  Quezon City, Philippines    Dear Executive Director Sana, The Committee on Foreign Affairs will hold a meeting on 15 February 2011, Tuesday, 1:30 P.M. at Conference Rooms 3 & 4, RV Mitra Building, House of Representatives to deliberate on House Resolution No. 309 which directs the committee to conduct a performance evaluation of our Philippine Posts.   The third in a series of meetings, the discussion will focus on the performance of Posts in the Middle East and African regions.   In this regard, we would like to invite you to be one of our resource persons for the said hearing. We look forward to hearing your views and recommendations on this matter.   We further request for data or information from your office on the concerns of our Filipino migrants which might assist the committee in the conduct of this hearing and which might help the Department of Foreign Affairs to better address the needs of our migrants.   Should you have any concern regarding this matter, you may contact the Committee Secretariat at telephone no. 931-7969 or 931-5001 local 7127.   Thank you very much.     Sincerely,   AL FRANCIS C. BICHARA Chairman   For the Chairman: SGD. IMELDA F. APOSTOL Committee Secretary ellene a. sana Center for Migrant Advocacy Philippines 72-C Matahimik Street, Teachers' Village Quezon City, Philippines Email: cmaphils@pldtdsl.net; URL: www.pinoy-abroad.net Telefax: +632 4330684; Telephone: +632 920 5003; Cellphone: +63 928 795 2222

Fw: [pinoy-abroad-forum] Kababayans helped distressed OFWs living in tents, consulate shoo them away

 Ang Mga Modern Heroes ng Pilipinas -

Hindi na binabaril sa Luneta - sa ibang bansa na lang .

Tanong lang naman - Is it still a mystery how illegal recruiters go past the very prestigious POEA and the very honest Immigration officials - compliments of our very transparent government? Bakit nga ba ang mga Pinoy kumakapit kahit nga sa 'proverbial' na patalim? Eh, kase nga - gusto lang naman na mabuhay ng medyo maluwag sa ating lupang hinirang!

 

But what brought about this problem? Interviewed at random, it was found out that some of the runaways, who came all the way from Dammam and travelled 4 days to reach Jeddah, were deployed by a certain "Aisis International", a recruitment agency whose president is a certain Noemi B. Miraflor. The recruits, all 80 of them who are "first-timers", were made to sign contracts for SAR 950 (US$1 = SAR 3.75). How such "Contracts" passed the "scrutiny" of POEA is a mystery when only a few years back that contemptible government agency was bragging that henceforth the minimum wage for OFWs would be US$400 (SAR1,500)!

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: "Dcgrava@aol.com" <Dcgrava@aol.com>
To: pinoy-abroad-forum@yahoogroups.com; ProgressiveTimes@yahoogroups.com; YES_I_CAN-Phils@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thu, February 3, 2011 8:17:15 AM
Subject: [pinoy-abroad-forum] Kababayans helped distressed OFWs living in tents, consulate shoo them away

 

From: maria.embry@sbcglobal.net <maria.embry@sbcglobal.net> Subject: [Worldwide-Filipino-Alliance] NO ROOM @ THE INN...FROM KHANDARA BRIDGE TO PHILIPPINE CONSULATE.. THE DISTRESSED OFWs IN JEDDAH BY ARMAN MULEEM; PHOTOS BY FRANK RESMA Date: Wednesday, February 2, 2011, 3:51 PM   http://worldwidefilipinoalliance.com/blog.php?blog_id=24 The Distressed OFWs in Jeddah By: Arman Muleem After 2 days of incessant rains that converted Jeddah into a City of floating cars and debris, the Saudi police finally swooped down on the expatriates (Pinoys, Indonesians, Indians, Bangladeshis and other nationalities) who had been camping for several months under the bridge of Khandara where the flood rose up to chest level. Thinking that they would at last be brought to the Saudi Immigration for processing and repatriation, the runaways - some with children and infants - folded their mats, packed their meager belongings and, at 10 p.m. when most streets were still flooded, gladly walked all the way to the Deportation Center where they spent the night, unmindful of the crowded rooms and cold concrete floors. Their anticipation was doused the following morning when they were ordered to report to their respective consulates. At 8 in the morning, under an overcast sky that threatened to open up anytime, the Pinoy runaways - men, women and children - accompanied by concerned community leaders who had accompanied them since they left the bridge, began the march to the Consulate several kilometers away. Babies on their mothers` arms while clutching bags and boxes, small kids with heavy backpacks tugging on the abayas of their mothers who were carrying suitcases and cartons, most of them being assisted by chivalrous Pinoys who could not stand the sight of Pinays burdened with heavy loads. Tired, perspiring, hungry, thirsty and scared, the marchers reached the Consulate after a couple of hours....only to be told that they, Filipinos born of Filipino parents and raised in the Philippines, cannot go inside the Philippine Consulate! Thus began the nightmare. Left with no choice, the runaways set up camp on a vacant lot outside the compound of the Consulate. A big tent was put up, but was later dismantled on orders of the Saudi Police who would only allow small tents that could accomodate 2 - 3 persons. And no picture taking, please. No cameras. Fearing that more rains might soon fall, the FilCom leaders immediately sprang into action. Spreading in all directions, celfones in hand, the community leaders mobilized their colleagues and members of their respective organizations. Before dark, some 20 small tents were distributed to the runaways. Several pieces of synthetic sacks were sewn together to form one large protective material, hanged low enough so as not to attract attention, but served as protection against fog and slight drizzle for those who have no tents.                                                                                               Cartons of noodles and canned goods, sacks of rice, gallons of water, coffee jars, milk, sugar, butter, loaves of bread, stoves and other essentials arrived - courtesy of generous compatriots who were more sympathetic to the runaways than the Consulate officials who were supposed to assist them! Like wildfire, news about the runaways and the insensitiveness of arrogant consular officials who act as if they own the spacious consulate building, spread in the Pinoy community. (The plight of our unfortunate compatriots also reached the ears of a benevolent princess who dug into her royal pouch for the purchase of additional tents, foods, milk, kitchen equipments, medicines and other supplies. Some kind-hearted Saudis also donated food supplies). Those who have access to the internet alerted their colleagues in the homeland and in other parts of the world. Shocked and angry at the seeming indifference of the Philippine authorites, Pinoys in Diaspora clogged cyberspace with e-mails to officials of POEA, OWWA, DOLE and other government agencies including the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Office of the President was also deluged with e-mails and appeals....to no avail. Except for congressmen Walden Bello and Ted Casiño, none of the so-called public servants - who draw their salaries, allowances and other perks from the taxes we pay, and who would want to be addressed as "honorables" - cared to respond to our appeal.    Undettered, our friends in Diaspora and in the homeland decided to launch a campaign to raise funds to help the runaways. Thru e-mails, text messages and direct telephone calls, appeals for  support and financial assistance were made. The response was immediate: Within a few hours, our friends in the US were able to raise more than US$400, with more pledges expected to come; in Australia, sympathetic Fil-Aussies have already raised A$200+. Not to be outdone, our friends in Europe and in the homeland have collected several thousand pesos. (As of this writing, the total collection in the US has already reached US$500). But what brought about this problem? Interviewed at random, it was found out that some of the runaways, who came all the way from Dammam and travelled 4 days to reach Jeddah, were deployed by a certain "Aisis International", a recruitment agency whose president is a certain Noemi B. Miraflor. The recruits, all 80 of them who are "first-timers", were made to sign contracts for SAR 950 (US$1 = SAR 3.75). How such "Contracts" passed the "scrutiny" of POEA is a mystery when only a few years back that contemptible government agency was bragging that henceforth the minimum wage for OFWs would be US$400 (SAR1,500)!  When they arrived in Dammam, their employer forced them to sign another contract for SAR 600, yet at the end of the month, they received only SAR 500. The reason given: They have to pay for their own plane tickets! When they get sick and not able to work even for one day, they get SAR 200 deduction in their pay!  And they don`t even get paid on time. Demoralized, they decided to abandon their employer. The ordeal did not end there. With nowhere to go, and unfamiliar with the rules in the kingdom, many of them easily fell prey to the glib-tounged but heartless kins of Mr. Lucio De Vil. They were made to believe that for a certain amount, ranging from SAR1,500 to SAR2,500, they would be brought to Jeddah where the exit processes were less stringent. They were also warned that whatever amount they have would be confiscated by the police at the airport.  After taking every riyal in their pockets, Mr. de Vil`s men herded them unto trucks and private vehicles....and promptly dropped them in the middle of the desert, where rifle-wielding Bedouins know no rules. Scared, penniless and with only their shirts on their backs, the runaways literally ran for their lives, frantically waving at passing vehicles to hitch a ride even for a few miles. Begging for food and a few riyals from passing compatriots and other people they met along the way. After 4 days, they arrived in Jeddah, bedraggled, hungry and broke.  (photos courtesy of frank resma)

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Shower for Maria

SHOWER

Another FIRST took place recently Dec. 12, 2010 to be exact – a genuine manifestation of acceptance, an acknowledgement of an individual not so much as being an employee of the Philippine embassy but as a member of a family – the Filipino family.

Madame Anicia Padalhin, the very unassuming wife of the Philippine ambassador HE Nestor Padalhin, threw a shower in honour of Maria (not the ‘how do you solve a problem like Maria’ fame) but the Asst. Political section Secretary to the Ambassador. Held at the ambassador’s official residence at Jabi, the guests trooped in at around 4 pm.

Since it’s the Christmas season, it was  a delight to see the well-decorated house, the entrance itself had this ‘kudkuran ng nyog’ duly dressed for the occasion  like a small pet dog. Imaginative indeed!

And as the ‘guests’ (ladies only please) arrived, array of foods greeted and teased their senses, even as Mrs. Padalhin met them and shown to Maria – the ‘heart’ of the shower.

After all the ‘naughty’ talks as only ladies can ‘deliver,’ the guests were all feted to a ‘banquet’ – a revelation – Mrs. Padalhin IS a gourmet!

The ‘naughtiness’ continued when everybody have had their fill and while Maria was opening the gifts one after the other, each gift was given a ‘proper’ annotation by the giver with just the right amount of sexy connotation – from the flask down to the bedsheets.

The experience shared will definitely be imprinted in her mind as she expressed her gratitude to Mrs. Padalhin and the all-Filipino-ladies who came to celebrate with her.

Maria with the Embassy ladies and Mrs. Padalhin

Ms. Fely Ramos with Maria

p.s. more pix will follow soon

A NEW DECADE MESSAGE

…”AND THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH AND DWELT AMONG US…” John 1:14

On Christmas we remember that in the ‘fullness of time’ God came aong us. Heaven touched earth and earth has been elevated!  The all-powerful God who made both heaven and earth became a vulnerable baby and chose to give Himself to His creation.  The eternal entered time and time has been forever sanctified.

O, the mystery of this moment, the grandeur of this Feast!  The importance of preparing for the coming(s) of the Lord!  For too much of our history as a Christian people, we have missed the profound foundational truth of the entire Christian Mystery.  The Incarnation continues!

Thw Word still becomes flesh in and through each of us who have been baptized into Him. His tent is still being “pitched” among all men and women.  That tent is His Body, His Church.  His Body, all those who  are now incorporated into Him through Baptism, are called to spread the tent-pegs and make room in the tent for the entire human race.

The same Word, through  whom the Universe was made is the Word through whom it is now being redeemed and re-created.  That transformation will finally be completed when all things are reconstituted in Him in the New Heaven and New Earth.

On the wonderful day called ‘Christ-Mass’ the entire world pauses.  The great event of Christmass touches every man, woman and child.  The entire world is again presented with the claim – ‘the word became flesh and dwelt among us.’

Let us use this season to prepare and let those of us who have embraced the truth of this claim now manifest in our own lives and families – the fruits of the incarnation.  Let us become a ‘Christmas people’ and offer through our lives  - of love – the greatest gift of all.

Let us continue to manifest the beauty of the Incarnation to the world!

A Blessed Christmas A Grace-Filled New Year!

With prayerful wishes in the new-born King,

MCST Sisters

Sr. Marilou

Sr. Eflaida

Sr. Aurea

Sr. Maria Gracia

Update on illegal recruitment case - Human Trafficking - to Canada, US, Saudi Arabia, Singapore

Papuntang CANADA, SINGAPORE, QATAR, SAUDI ARABIA, FLORIDA
Duly approved pa ng POEA...

NAGPALIT LANG NG PANGALAN NG AGENCY ANG MGA ILLEGAL RECRUITERS
MGA OFWS - ATING PAGSABIHAN ANG ATING MGA KAMAG-ANAK AT MGA KAIBIGAN AT MGA KA-PROBINSYA NA MAG IINGAT SA MGA MAPAGSAMANTALANG RECRUITERS NA MALAYANG NAISASAGAWA ANG KANILANG MASAMANG GAWAIN. ANO KAYA ANG DAPAT GAWIN SA ARMS OF OUR GOVERNMENT PARA 'MAKITA AT MALAMAN' NILA ANG MGA GANITONG GAWAIN. TALAGANG MAHIRAP MAKAKITA ANG MGA NAGBUBULAG-BULAGAN.

 Panawagan kay BALDOZ AT MANALILI:


'...KUNG ANG PATAKARAN NINYONG IPATUPAD AY NO FEAR, NO FAVORS, KAHIT NA HO GANUNG KADUMI AY MALILIPUL NINYO ANG MGA SINDIKATO NA BUMIBIKTIMA SA MGA OFWs...'
 

From: maria.embry@sbcglobal.net

Sent: 12/6/2010 9:45:50 P.M. Pacific Standard Time
Subj: ATTN DOLE SECT BALDOZ & POEA ADMIN MANALILI: ARE THE OWNERS OF ADMAN (HUMAN TRAFFICKERS) NOW OPERATING YE LU FA AGENCY???

AN OPEN E- LETTER TO: SECRETARY ROSALINDA DIMAPILIS BALDOZ DEPARTMENT OF LABOR & EMPLOYMENT (DOLE) HEAD OF PHILIPPINE OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT ADMINISTRATION (POEA) GOVERNING BOARD AND ADMINISTRATOR JENNIFER JARDIN-MANALILI PHILIPPINE OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT ADMINISTRATION (POEA) Dear Sect Baldoz & Admin Manalili: Comments on the Balitang America written by Ms Yong Chavez stated that Adman Agency owners now operate Ye Lu Fa agency which truly makes a mockery of the preventive suspension that you have given Adman for operating as the human traffickers of the OFWs currently in Los Angeles California Upon further research, I found a business notice that seems to stregthen  the assertion of those who made comments on the news reports. Additionally, I found a news article written by Mr. Jun Medina regarding same matter. Allow me to post above mentioned news items. Copied  are Adman & Ye Le Fu International Manpower & Promotion Services recruiting. Sect Baldoz & Admin Manalili, I would like to request that both of you conduct a thorough investigation regarding this matter. Maawa ho kayo sa mga viktima nang mga sindikato that are operating with impunity under your watch. Pakaisipin ho ninyo that although I am not physically present in the location where all these shenanigans are going on, I am able to dig stuff just by working in the computer, while you seem to be clueless about transaction that are happening below your noses.  bakit ninyo pinahihintulutan na mag operate itong mga serial human traffickers? Mga nagrereklamo ay way back pa nuong 2008. Year 2011 na ho sa darating na buwan, tapos business as usual pa. Para kayong wild, wild west diyan sa POEA, DOLE, etc Mawalang galang ho sa inyong lahat, pero para kayong natutulog sa pansitan. KUNG ANG PATAKARAN NINYONG IPATUPAD AY NO FEAR, NO FAVORS, KAHIT NA HO GANUNG KADUMI AY MALILIPUL NINYO ANG MGA SINDIKATO NA BUMIBIKTIMA SA MGA OFWs Sincerely, Maria Elizabeth Embry Antioch California http://www.bandera.ph/mainitinitpa/mainitinitpa/view/20101112-17465/NOTICE-TO-THE-PUBLIC NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC Bandera First Posted 07:30:00 11/12/2010 This is to inform the public that the new name of this company is 168 YE LU FA INTERNATIONAL MAN-POWER PROMOTION SERVICES, INC. and its New Corporate Officers as follows: JAMES T. ONG LOPEZ PRESIDENT REBECCA B. NAJILUN DIRECTOR LINA C. ONG LOPEZ DIRECTOR SIRHAN S. HAJUL DIRECTOR JOBELLE LYNN C. ONG LOPEZ DIRECTOR 168 YE LU FA INTERNATIONAL MANPOWER & PROMOTION SERVICES, INC. 3rd Floor Banco De Oro Building 1000 United Nation Avenue, Ermita, Manila Some of the Readers' comments @ Balitang America by Yong Chavez http://www.balitangamerica.tv/aramark-denies-involvement-in-alleged-ofw-human-trafficking/ ramces says: November 24, 2010 at 2:07 pm 168 yelufa @ adman iisa lng ang utak nyan becka at baste,cla ung my malakjing case n human traficking sa us..maga applicant…3500$ mahirap kitain yan wag ibigay ky becka at baste sindikato cla jo santiago says: October 16, 2010 at 1:14 am i just want to know where could we seek help because we are also victims of this case. we are ADMAN applicants and being catered by 'Ms.Becka' and 'Baste' way back 2008 in the Philippines. 30 of us flew to the US last October 2008.We were said to work in one of Holiday Inn in FLORIDa but apparently they didnt recognize us. We went to check our petitioner but there is no existing office. We ended up being absorb by a third party agency claiming that our petitioner is one of their branches but then they couldnt provide us job so all of us individually seek help from our relatives and friends here. we suffered a lot from this scam. http://filamstar.net/index.php?id=2638 30 more Pinoys duped by traffickers in Florida Nov 19, 05:07 PM By JUN MEDINA Another big group of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who were brought to Florida under the U.S. temporary guest worker program has fallen victims to alleged human traffickers who exploited and abused them. Marilyn Santos (not her real name) told the FILAM Star in interviews and emails how she and about 30 other Filipino workers were duped into shelling out $6,000 each by Adman Resources for non-existent jobs in Florida hotels. Santos said she mustered enough courage to come out in the open after reading the FILAM Star human trafficking expose involving the escape of 11 OFWs from harsh working conditions in Biloxi, Mississippi. These 11 workers now referred to as the "Biloxi 11" by Filipino Americans who have come to their help, were also recruited by Adman and were supposedly petitioned by a reputable global US professional staffing company but ended up worker for another manpower company in Mississippi that the workers claimed had exploited them. The workers have banded themselves into a group called "Luha Ko," even as various Los Angeles area FilAm groups have given then shelter and provided them subsistence under Task Force Kapatid Ko (My Brother, My Own) led by Filipino Migrant Center president Tony Dorono. 'Modern-day slavery' Santos' story unveiled a web of deceit and human abuse that lend credence to U.S. State Secretary Hillary Clinton's apt description of human trafficking "as a form of modern-day slavery." Sometime in mid 2008, Santos and her group of wide-eyed workers in search of the proverbial greener pasture had responded to newspaper ads placed by Adman about the availability high-paying jobs in the American hospitality industry. What made the job offers look really attractive is that those who pre-qualified and have paid six-figure "placement fees" were then endorsed to the U.S. Embassy in Manila by the recruiters for interviews to have their H2B visas processed. "Honestly, the prospect of working in the US is what has driven us to borrow money to raise the $6,000 Adman was asking from us to facilitate and complete our applications," said Santos, whose family raised the amount from borrowings from their relatives. But another member of their group Kyle Salonga (not his real name) said in a phone interview from Florida that he was referred by Adman to two lending agencies — a certain Philand and one Global Lending — to raise the amount needed to pay the $6,000 placement fees. "I have no choice but to continue working here, taking odd jobs so I could pay off my loans and send whatever money I can to my family," said Salonga, who left his wife, two sons and a daughter with ages 5 to 10 in the Philippines. Like Santos, Salonga said he has been waiting for the opportune moment to "expose our exploiters" and step out of the fringes of the underground American job market. Modus operandi Santos, who now works as a nursing assistant in the San Francisco Bay Area, described the modus operandi of the alleged traffickers. "After we responded to the newspaper ads, we were asked to go through an initial interview during which we were asked to pay P70,000 upfront for the pre-processing of our applications. "Then we were invited as a group to briefings, during which a certain David 'Dave' Maligalig, would brief us about the attracting job contracts being finalized by Adman in Orlando, Florida. He would even talk about the weather to make his briefings quite realistic." After the US visa has been approved, the applicants were then asked to cough up with the biggest chunk of their "placement fee," that ranges from P150,000 to P200,000, Santos said. "Once we settled our placement fees, they booked us for flight schedule," Santos continued. "In the airport, [just before we board the plane] they will hand us the envelopes containing the so called contract and job petitioner info, itinerary, and other documents from the Department of Labor." Since their travel documents were genuine, the workers had no problem getting through U.S. immigration, Santos and Salonga said. Ordeal begins But their ordeal began as soon as they reached Orlando, their supposed job destination, after a long flight with stop over in Guam, change of plane in Hawaii, another stopover in Texas, Santos said. "Nobody from our employer met us in the airport. There was this housing owner who will suppose to meet us, but he did not show up," Santos narrated. "So our group of five decided to go to WB Improvement office in 2832 Ripton Court, Orlando." What they found in that address was an apartment complex. They tried asking around, if there might be an office of WB Improvement there, but the persons they inquired from said there's not such company in that residential complex. After call the first batch which came a few days ahead of them, Santos they were told it might be a good idea to proceed to a place where they could find lodging. "The person we met at the address given us told us we were to pay $400 each for lodging, and that he was there only to help us get a place to live in as arranged by Mr. Dave (David Maligalig)," Santos said. "When we asked where we are going to work, the guy told us, that's not his business and his only concern is about housing." Series of misfortunes From thereon, it was a series of one misfortune after another for the workers. After repeated text messages and phone calls to Adman, Santos' group was told to report to a certain TWSO Manpower agency on Universal Boulevard in Orlando, which in turn endorsed them to VR Staffing Agency also located in the same vicinity. Suspicious, Santos said she asked the VR staff where their job petitioner, WB Improvement Inc., could be found, only to be told that VR is a "sister company of WB and every thing was fine." Left with no other choice, Santos said their group filled up new applications and were referred to local area hotels which hired them when they needed extra hands, like when there were functions or big event in these hotels. "I was called to work for a day in a certain hotel and that's all [I got] for my first month. I got a check for less than $50, which is not even enough to pay a fraction to my $400 monthly lodging fee, so I went and sought the help of friends from New Jersey," she recalled. "I called Rebeca Najilun to report to her what's going on, but she told me that she would report me to U.S. Immigration because I left my employer without permission." Disappearing act Through Internet searches, FILAM Star came across the names, addresses and phone number of these companies mentioned by Santos in Orlando. But our calls yielded the same results: the numbers listed for all three companies were no longer working numbers. The companies did not have any websites. The same search yielded something that shocked both Santos and Salonga. An online report by the Orlando Sentinel posted Oct. 14, 2010 detailed how a Brazilian couple — Wilson and Valeria Barbugli —- victimized more than 1,000 foreign workers and were sentenced to federal prison. "Valeria Barbugli, 57, was sentenced to two years; Wilson Barbugli, 63, to 18 months. The Barbuglis pleaded guilty in Orlando to charges of conspiracy, visa fraud and alien-smuggling," said the report written by Amy L. Edwards of The Sentinel. The Barbuglis were also ordered by U.S. District Judge Mary S. Scriven to forfeit $55 million to the government. Quoting the U.S. Attorney's Office, the report said the couple supplied workers to more than 160 hotels through a temporary labor staffing company, VR Services. Valeria Barbugli was the vice-president/manager of VR Services, while Wilson Barbugli is the president of a subsidiary, WB Improvements. "According to Valeria Barbugli's plea agreement, she and other conspirators recruited foreign workers to be employed by VR Services. These workers paid $350 to $750 to be placed onto fraudulent visa petitions," the report said. Collusion by recruiters According to Filipino American immigration lawyer Ellaine Antonio Carr of Gulfort, Mississippi, the trafficking of foreign workers from underdeveloped countries, like the Philippines, is happening because of the collusion of recruiters from both countries and aggravated by ineffective monitoring by the source and host countries. Carr said her law office and the Catholic Charities of Mississippi are currently helping 31 other Pinoy victims of human trafficking in Mississippi and nearby Louisiana. She said seven were recruited by Adman and 24 were recruited by ZDrive. She said both recruitment companies have since been padlocked by the Philippine Labor Department. Carr blamed the laxity of Philippine labor agencies in processing and checking job orders from American job petitioners under the H2B program for the hiring of seasonal, non-agricultural workers into the United States. "Before the recession, there have been less problem because there were abundant jobs available the Filipino workers could turn to, even if the jobs promised them by their recruiters turn up negative," Carr said in an interview. "But now jobs are very scarce and what was available when the workers were being processed could be gone by the time they get to America." She disclosed that of the 24 skilled workers deployed by ZDrive, "about 10" ended up in low-paying, back-breaking farm jobs. This is the same premise why Welfare Officer Adonis Duero, who has been in the forefront helping the displaced workers, recommended the immediate stopping of the so-called direct-hire policy. Under this policy, private companies, and manpower recruiters are allowed to hire workers for overseas deployment with minimum supervision by the Labor Department. Duero urged in a memorandum to Labor Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz that Philippine overseas labor outposts or consulates be required to verify job availabilities before applications even applications to fill them are processed, and again, before the workers are eventually deployed abroad. "This would mean additional work for our workers, but we would be able to protect our workers from illegal recruiters and human traffickers," Duero stressed. Taking courage According to both Santos and Salonga, they were "inspired" by the guts and courage of the "Biloxi 11" to come out of the shadows to seek justice for their group. They said that by coming out and telling their stories, they also hope to warn "our fellow workers who are being victimized by illegal recruiters and human traffickers." Santos said he has been asking people around how to get advice from a lawyer but fear and lack of resources to pay for lawyer's services have gotten the better of her. "I'm scared, I really am, because I have to support my daughter in the Philippines and I have to pay the debts we incurred from relatives and friends," Santos. "I think I'm slightly better off than my colleagues because I now have a fairly regular job. I pray them every day. I know some of them have moved on and have returned to the Philippines, defeated and broken hearted. Others, they continue fighting and take any job to survive and to somehow support their families," Santos said, fighting off her emotions. "We don't know — I don't know — what the future holds, but I believe the American justice system works and it's definitely better than what we have," she continued. Santos said she is trying to reach out to her colleagues with whom she has managed to remain in touch, convinced that now is the time to step out of the shadows and seek redress for the injustice they have suffered at the hands of the traffickers. http://www.balitangamerica.tv/aramark-denies-involvement-in-alleged-ofw-human-trafficking/ By Yong Chavez, ABS-CBN North America Bureau Oct 5, 2010 LOS ANGELES – Ten overseas foreign workers are speaking out and saying they are victims of human trafficking. Lawyers from a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization called Coalition To Abolish Slavery and Trafficking, or CAST, are looking into their cases. U.S. law enforcement agencies are investigating to find out how such a wide-scale operation could have eluded Philippine and U.S. Immigration and the Department of Labor. The OFW'S all have temporary worker visas. They arrived in the U.S. believing that they would be working for Aramark, a big U.S. company, for its businesses in Colorado and Virginia. Instead, they say they were forced to work at a hotel in Mississippi, with salaries below minimum wage and under harsh conditions. Aramark has denied involvement in their hiring and said they have launched their own investigation into the matter. Their new salaries, $4.75 per hotel room cleaned, were not enough to cover their living expenses. When they complained, they said they were asked not to leave by their recruiters. Eutropia Velasco said, "Nakakatakot po kasi binabantayan po kami. Hindi po kami makababa ng apartment. Hindi po namin mailabas ang gamit namin kasi natatakot po kami." Last week, the workers escaped in the middle of the night and sought assistance from the Philippine Overseas Workers Welfare Administration in Los Angeles. They are now being sheltered by church leaders. Although they feel safe now, they worry about their families back home. One of the alleged victims said, "Syempre gusto ko naman hong kumita ng maayos para sa anak ko, sa pamilya ko. Lahat naman tayo gusto ng magandang buhay." They all borrowed money to pay the employment fee of up to $7,000. They fear that many Filipinos back home are still being lured into the same scheme. "Sabi po ng isang kaibigan namin na nag-aaplay, idinivert sila dun sa isang agency na sila rin ang namamahala…same staff." During his recent visit to the U.S., President Aquino addressed the issue of Filipino being trafficked in all parts of the globe. He said investigations are ongoing. Early this year, the U.S. government placed the Philippines on its Tier 2 human trafficking watch list. The State Department said that the Philippines has never convicted any trafficking offenders. If human trafficking violations continue, the U.S. government could withhold millions of non-humanitarian aid for the Philippines. http://www.davaolisting.com/electrician-jobs-new-zealand/ Job Openings By 168 YE LU FA International Manpower & Promotion Services: Job Title: Electrician Principal: Business Immigration Location: New Zealand Vacancies: 20 Qualifications/Requirements: * Male * 30 – 45 years old * Vocational Diploma/Short Course Certificate * Five years of working experience as Industrial Electrician Job Title: Cook Principal: Newtown Canada Location: Noiva Scotia, Canada Vacancies: 20 Salary: $2000/mo Qualifications/Requirements: * Male/Female * 30 – 45 years old * Vocational Diploma / Short Course Certificate * Four to five years work experience as cook culinary work experience on American Western and Continental * Must have experience working in five star hotels or worked overseas in restaurants and hotels or in ships Job Title: Heavy Trucks Mechanics Principal: Business Immigration Location: New Zealand Vacancies 50 Qualifications/Requirements: * Male * 30 – 45 years old * Vocational Diploma/Short Course Certificate * Five years of working experience * Good communication skills in English both oral and written Job Title: Farm Manager Principal: Aris Immigration Location: Canada Qualifications/Requirements: * Male/Female * No specific requirement for age * Bachelor's / Degree in Agriculture * Five years of working experience to related field * Have working experience in organic farming Job Title: Dairy Farm Manager Principal: Business Immigration Location: New Zealand Vacancies: 40 Salary: $2000/mo Qualifications/Requirements: * Male/Female * 30 – 45 years old * Bachelor's /must be Veterinary Degree * Five years of working experience in a dairy farm * Good communication skills in English both oral and written Important Note: All interested applicants please email your documents/detailed resume with picture to: yelufa168@yahoo.com More Jobs Vacancies For New Zealand By 168 YE LU FA International Manpower & Promotion Services: * ELECTRICIANS 20 vacancies New Zealand * Civil Engineers Waste/water Specialist 20 vacancies New Zealand * Cook 50 vacancies Nova Scotia, Canada * Dairy Farm Manager 40 vacancies New Zealand * Fiber Optic Cabling Specialist 20 vacancies New Zealand * Heavy Mining Equipment Mechanics 50 vacancies New Zealand * Heavy Trucks Mechanics 50 vacancies New Zealand * Linesmen 30 vacancies New Zealand * FARM MANAGER Canada * LONG HAUL TRAILER DRIVER 50 vacancies Canada * Social Worker 50 vacancies USA * SPED Teacher /Guidance Counselor Psychologist 20 vacancies USA * BAR BENDER 20 vacancies Malaysia * BUILDING/CONSTRUCTION FOREMEN Malaysia * BUILDING/WIRING ELECTRICIAN 20 vacancies Malaysia * CARPENTER 20 vacancies Malaysia * DOOR AND WINDOW FITTER 20 vacancies Malaysia * MASON 20 vacancies Malaysia * PAINTER 20 vacancies Malaysia * Pipe fitter 20 vacancies Malaysia * PLUMBER 20 vacancies Malaysia * Bricklayer/tile Setter Cement Finisher 40 vacancies Malaysia * Electrician 10 vacancies Qatar * Marketing Executive 5 vacancies Qatar * FABRICATOR Qatar * DESIGNER Qatar * CARPENTER 10 vacancies Qatar * Production Manager Qatar * Waiter/Barista 2 vacancies Brunei Darussalam * Cafe Supervisor Brunei Darussalam * Nurses Saudi Arabia * Registered Nurses 20 vacancies Saudi Arabia * FEMALE HAIRDRESSER 5 vacancies Singapore Note: For Manpower Pooling Only. No Fees shall be collected from the Applicant. "BEWARE OF ILLEGAL RECRUITERS" 168 YE LU FA International Manpower & Promotion Services 3/F Rooms 303,305,309 Equitable PCI Bank Building, UN Avenue, Ermita Metro Manila, Philippines Tel Nos.: 5217233/ 9274407112 Fax Nos.: 3381238 Email Add:yelufa168@yahoo.com Website: under construction Official Representative: James T. Ong Lopez POEA License No.: 006-LB-011708PI http://approvedpoeajobs.blogspot.com/2010/07/green-jobs-us.html Friday, July 23, 2010 Green Jobs US The POEA recently approved a job order that offers employment opportunities to individuals who are qualified for Green Jobs US. The said green jobs US are for Forest Conservation Worker/Tree Planters and was approved last July 9 for 168 Ye Lu Fa International Manpower and Promotion Services, a POEA accredited recruitment agency located in Ermita, Manila. For the said green jobs US a total of 238 applicants will be selected for placement in POEA jobs abroad. If you think you are qualified and interested to apply for the said green jobs US kindly submit your updated resume together with application to the office of the recruiting agency. For more details or inquiries regarding the said green jobs US you can contact the agency's landline numbers or email address indicated below http://www.manilabuzz.com/pinoyabroad/2010/07/united-states-poea-jobs-food-servers-forest-workers/ August 31, 2010 6:19 PM HYPERLINK "http://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=6843930432581407438&postID=3553141498538275644" Country Position Agency Date Approved JO Balance UNITED STATES SERVER DINING CATERING/BARTENDER 168 YE LU FA INTERNATIONAL MANPOWER AND PROMOTION SERVICES 7/9/2010 100 UNITED STATES SERVER FOOD AND PREPARATION 168 YE LU FA INTERNATIONAL MANPOWER AND PROMOTION SERVICES 7/9/2010 100 UNITED STATES WORKER CONSERVATION FOREST/PLANTERS TREE 168 YE LU FA INTERNATIONAL MANPOWER AND PROMOTION SERVICES 7/9/2010 238 UNITED STATES WORKER LANDSCAPING/GROUNDSKEEPING 168 YE LU FA INTERNATIONAL MANPOWER AND PROMOTION SERVICES 7/9/2010 150 http://www.dubaiworkpermit.com/168-ye-lu-fa-international-manpower-and-promotion-services-%E2%80%93-front-office-supervisor-uae/ Submitted by Shahzad on February 24, 2010 – 3:18 pmNo Comment 168 YE LU FA INTERNATIONAL MANPOWER AND PROMOTION SERVICES is one of the POEA accredited agency that you can find in the list of Philippine Overseas Employment Administration. Right now, they have job opening / vacancy for front office supervisor for work in UAE. If you are interested for this position, contact them using the http://168yelufa.workabroad.ph/profile/ Position Country Opening Date Cutter Sunction Dredging (CSD)Operators 10 vacancies 11/29/10 Cutter Sunction Dredging (CSD)Operators 10 vacancies Agency Name : 168 YE LU FA INTERNATIONAL MANPOWER AND PROMOTION SERVICES POEA License No. : 006-LB-012809-PL-E Address : 1000 United Natio Ave. Corner Jorge Bocobo St., Ermita, Manila Manila Metro Manila Tel. No. : 313-7887 / 330-4588 http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/top-stories/32893-american-dream-ends-for-30-ofws American Dream' ends for 30 OFWs Wednesday, 24 November 2010 00:00 By Jun Medina, Special Correspondent Two more overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are seeking help from US and Philippine authorities after they were lured into non-existent hotel jobs in Orlando, Florida, in 2008. The two workers contacted his writer after reading The Manila Times' series of articles on the Internet about the 11 Filipino workers who have fled their jobs in Biloxi, Mississippi, and have sought help from the Philippine consulate general in Los Angeles, California. Through phone calls, text messaging and e-mails, the workers—a female certified nursing assistant from the San Francisco Bay Area and a male workers who takes on odd jobs in Florida to survive—narrated how they were duped by Adman Resources Placement and Promotions Inc., the same company that allegedly victimized the "Biloxi 11." Marilyn Santos and Kyle Salonga (not their real names) said that they were with a group of 30 skilled workers recruited in October 2008 by Adman under the US temporary guest worker program for emergency non-agricultural workers. According to them, they were briefed and coached by staff of Adman in applying for US H2B visas to work in purported hotel jobs in Orlando, a favorite tourist destination in the US Southeast. "I was told by David "Dave" Maligalig to tell the American consul that I would be working for Holiday Inn," Santos said. "We were sent to the US Embassy in groups of five, but we were interviewed individually." She said that some of the applicants flunked the interview, but those who passed were immediately asked to produce P150,000 to P200,000 as a condition for the preparation of their travel to the United States. "In our excitement at the chance of being able to work in America, almost all of us had to borrow money. My mother helped me raise the amount by borrowing from relatives," Santos added. Lending companies Salonga said that he was referred by Adman to and took out loans from two lending companies—Global Dominion Finance Corp. and Philend Inc.—as did other members of their group. According to him, the P120,000 loan from Global has ballooned to P300,000 and the P100,000 credit from Philend has doubled to about P200,000. "This is the reason why I can't come home. The creditors are going after us and we have nothing to pay them," said Salonga, a father of three, in Filipino. "I wished I could just go home because I miss my family, but I can't. We all need to survive." Santos recalled that when they arrived in Orlando on October 5, 2008, the person who was supposed to meet them at the airport did not show up. With the help of the first batch that arrived days ahead of them, they decided to look up the address listed by WB Improvement, their job petitioner. Fictitious address To their surprise, the company address listed as 2832 Ripton Court, Orlando, turned out to be an apartment complex. They tried asking around, if there might be an office of WB Improvement there, but the persons they inquired from said that they needed an apartment number and that the whole place was purely a housing complex. Since it was getting dark, Santos' batch decided to proceed to the place where the first batch was staying. To their surprise, they were made to sign lodging contracts for $400 each monthly. "We had to pool our money and lend sums to those who did not have enough because we were bone-tired from the long flight from Manila via Guam, Texas and then Florida," Santos recalled. It was a series of bad luck from there, she and Salonga said. The owners of WB Improvement referred them to another company, VR Staffing, which then farmed them out to available jobs in area hotels. "When we asked about our petitioner WB, the staff at VR said that the two were "sister companies' and that the latter was actually under WB," Santos said. $50 paycheck She added that in her first month, she was able to work only for a single day and got a paycheck for $50. Santos said that she complained to Adman officials but her pleas fell on deaf ears. That was when she decided to leave Orlando, she added, after notifying Adman owner Rebecca Najilun. "Miss Becky [Rebecca Najilun] said that she would have us deported if we left the company, but we had no choice," Santos said. "In my case, I can't even earn enough to pay the $400 monthly for lodging." With the help of her friends, Santos said that she went to New Jersey, worked as a caregiver and studied during her free time to be a nursing assistant. She and her live-in partner eventually ended up in the Bay Area where they are now working. "I think I'm better off compared to most of my colleagues. I'm always scared [of being deported] but at least I have a steady job. Others, they are forced to take menial jobs to survive and be able to send some money to their families," Santos said. She and Salonga, whose working visas have expired, said that they are ready to cooperate with US authorities anytime for the chance to "expose our exploiters." They added that the Adman officers and staff continue to operate using aliases and other recruitment agencies. To date, the spouses Najilun who owned and operated the padlocked Adman Resources and their trusted lieutenants "Dave" and a certain Baste [alleged real name: Al Bhadeer Aman] have designated new "frontliners." "The husband of Rebecca a.k.a Becky Najilun is using another name this time," Santos said in an e-mail. "He now uses a Muslim name, Sir Shan or sometimes engineer Shan," Santos said. She added that pending applicants when Adman was ordered closed by Philippine Labor officials were allegedly being referred to 168 Yelufa International Manpower and Promotion in which Rebecca Najilun has an undetermined interest. Companies closed This writer checked the companies mentioned by Santos and Salonga: WB Improvement and VR Staffing. The listed numbers at two different addresses on Universal Boulevard in Orlando have both been disconnected. The reason for this is probably the fact that the principal owners have been sentenced to prison after entering plea bargains on charges of alien smuggling and visa fraud, according to the Orlando Sentinel. In an online report posted October 14, 2010, The Sentinel detailed how a Brazilian couple—Wilson and Valeria Barbugli—victimized more than 1,000 foreign workers and were sentenced to federal prison. Santos said that her US visa listed Wilson Barbugli as her job petitioner. "Valeria Barbugli, 57, was sentenced to two years; Wilson Barbugli, 63, to 18 months. The Barbuglis pleaded guilty in Orlando to charges of conspiracy, visa fraud and alien-smuggling," said the report written by Amy L. Edwards of The Sentinel. The Barbuglis were also ordered by US District Judge Mary Scriven to forfeit $55 million to the government. Quoting the US Attorney's Office, the report said that the couple supplied workers to more than 160 hotels through a temporary labor staffing company, VR Services. Valeria Barbugli was the vice-president/manager of VR Services, while Wilson Barbugli was the president of a subsidiary, WB Improvements. "According to Valeria Barbugli's plea agreement, she and other conspirators recruited foreign workers to be employed by VR Services. These workers paid $350 to $750 to be placed onto fraudulent visa petitions," the report said. Collusion by recruiters According to Filipino-American immigration lawyer Ellaine Antonio Carr of Gulfort, Mississippi, the widespread trafficking of foreign workers from developing countries, such as the Philippines, is fostered by the "collusion" of recruiters from both the source and host countries. Carr said that her law office and the Catholic Charities of Mississippi are currently helping 31 other Filipino victims of human trafficking in Mississippi and nearby Louisiana. She added that seven of the victims were recruited by Adman and 24 were hired by ZDrive. Carr said that both recruitment companies have since been padlocked by the Philippine Labor department. She blamed the laxity of Philippine labor agencies in processing and checking job orders from American job petitioners under the H2B program for the hiring of seasonal, non-agricultural workers for supposed jobs in the United States. "Before the recession, there have been less problems because there were abundant jobs available that the Filipino workers could turn to, even if the jobs promised them by their recruiters turned up negative," Carr said by phone from Gulfort. "But because of the recession, jobs are increasingly scarce and what was available when the workers were being processed could be gone by the time they get to America," she explained. Carr disclosed that of the 24 skilled workers deployed by ZDrive, "about 10" ended up in low-paying, back-breaking farm and forest jobs.

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Maraming salamat po,
pusongpinoytayo
Ang Buhay ng Overseas Worker