WHEREAS, illegal recruitment remains a serious and persistent threat to the safety and well-being of our people;

WHEREAS, many victims of illegal recruitment often desist from participating in proceedings before prosecutors or courts, accepting instead measly sums to settle their civil claims against illegal recruiters;

WHEREAS, complainants find difficulty in attending preliminary investigations or court proceedings, due to employment restrictions or financial constraints;

WHEREAS, many illegal recruitment cases are dismissed due to the complainants ™ inability to pay the required docket fees in courts;

WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 13 of Republic Act No. 8042, or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) is mandated to provide free legal assistance to victims of illegal recruitment and other related cases which are administrative or criminal in nature;

WHEREAS, as part of the effort to intensify measures against illegal recruitment, there is a need to provide a victims and witnesses incentive program for those who actively cooperate in the prosecution of illegal recruiters;

NOW, THEREFORE, the POEA Governing Board, in a meeting duly convened, resolved, as it hereby resolves, that the POEA shall implement a program providing assistance to victims and witnesses in illegal recruitment cases. Victims and witnesses availing of this program shall be given priority for overseas employment.

Funds for assistance shall be sourced from the regular budget of the POEA.

The POEA shall promulgate the necessary guidelines to implement this Resolution, subject to approval by this Governing Board.

Adopted: 09 Aug. 2007

(SGD.) ARTURO D. BRION Secretary of Labor and Employment and Chairman of the Governing Board
(SGD.) GREGORIO S. OCA Member	(SGD.) ISIDRO Q. ALIGADA Member
(SGD.) GUILLERMINA T. GABOR Member	(SGD.) LEONARDO B. DE OCAMPO Member
(SGD.) ROSALINDA DIMAPILIS-BALDOZ Member