In response to the plight of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), consistent with public pronouncements by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during her speech last July 9, 2004, the undersigned held a meeting with His Excellency, Ambassador Mohammed Ameeh Wali of the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia where matters of importance were discussed.  The meeting was a venue by which the appeal of Filipino applicants on the implementation of the "referral decking system" was stressed by the undersigned.  The Honorable Ambassador then expressed Saudi Arabia's concerns on the integrity of medical examinations and other vital documents required for processing applications by OFWs.

From the foregoing, the Department of Health (DOH) hereby reiterates the continuing suspension of Administrative Order No. 5, series of 2001, relative to the "referral decking system".  The undated "GAMCA Clinic Assignment Procedures" issued by the Secretariat, GAMCA Philippines is hereby rendered of no force nor effect.

In pursuit of credible, honest, and legitimate documents for processing applications of OFWs, the DOH shall address the issues on falsified documentations in coordination with various Government and non-government agencies.

For guidance and strict compliance.

Adopted: 16 July 2004


(SGD.) MANUEL M. DAYRIT, MD. MSc.
Secretary of Health