The Commission on Filipinos Overseas warns the Filipino women and the public in general of fake CFO Guidance and Counseling Certificates and Registration Stickers sold by so-called recruitment agencies or marriage brokers. The documents purport to show that the women are married to foreign nationals and therefore can leave for abroad usually to work. In an official statement sent to media outlets, CFO says that such activities violate the Anti-Mail Order Bride Law (RA 6955) and the Anti-Human Trafficking Law (RA 9208), which provide stiff fines and long prison terms.
The victims on the other hand, run the risk of being blacklisted by the government of their intended country of destination. Filipino spouses and partners of foreign nationals are required to undergo the Guidance and Counseling Program of the CFO prior to applying for a Philippine passport. There are only two counseling service providers accredited by the CFO namely, the St. Mary Euphrasia Foundation (SMEF-COW) and the People’s Reform Initiative for Social Mobilization (PRISM). After complying with the counseling requirements, a certificate is issued to the Filipina spouse or partner of a foreign national.
For information on the programs, contact CFO and ask for Ms. Regina Galias at (02) 561-8321 loc. 104-105 and 200-203.
Mag-ingat: Fake CFO Certificates
Binibigyang babala ng Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) ang lahat ukol sa mga naglalabasang pekeng CFO Guidance and Counseling Certificate at Registration Sticker. Kadalasang nabibiktima ay mga kababaihang nangingibang bansa bilang asawa o partner ng dayuhan. Pinaaalalahanan ang mga Pilipinong mag-aasawa ng dayuhan na bago magsadya sa Department of Foreign Affairs upang kumuha ng pasaporte ay kinakailangang dumalo muna sa Guidance and Counseling Program na isinasagawa ng authorized service providers ng CFO:
- St. Mary Euphrasia Foundation-Center for Overseas Workers; at
- People’s Reform Initiative for Social Mobilization.
Matapos sumailalim sa Guidance and Counseling Program, isang counseling certificate ang ipagkakaloob na siyang kasama sa requirements sa pag-apply ng pasaporte at visa bilang asawa ng dayuhan / foreigner.
Napag-alaman din mula sa mga naunang nabiktima na may mga agency sa Kamaynilaan ang nanlilinlang sa mga Pilipinang mangingibang bansa sa pamamagitan ng sapilitang pagpapakilala sa mga dayuhan at pagsasaayos ng pekeng kasal at travel documents kapalit ng malaking kabayaran. Ang publiko ay lubos na pinag-iingat sa mga nagsasamantalang ahensya kabilang na ang mga “marriage bureau” na nais lamang manikil sa kanilang kapwa Pilipino. Ang mga ahensyang mapapatunayang nangangalakal ng mga Pilipina ay lubos na parurusahan alinsunod sa itinakda ng batas.
Para sa information ukol sa programa, tumawag sa CFO at makipag ugnayan kay Ms. Regina Galias sa (02) 561-8321 loc. 104-105 at 200-203.
