It has been reported that two (2) Filipina overseas contract workers were held at the Athens Air Port, Greece in an attempt to bring out Ten Thousand US Dollars (US$10,000) in excess of the authorized amount of One Thousand of said currency.

The money, allegedly the savings of a number of Filipinas which they requested to be sent to Manila, was confiscated. Convicted, the workers were imposed payment of fine and deportation in lieu of a ten (10) month sentence. The court said that only One Thousand US Dollars (US$1,000) may be allowed for returning overseas workers.

To avoid the occurrence of the same similar incidents, dissemination of the above information is deemed proper.

All private placement & manning agencies, construction & service contractors and PDOS entities, are therefore enjoined to disseminate the foregoing information during pre-departure orientation seminar and/or supplemental PDOS. Our departing OCWs must also be reminded of the great risks that go with taking from co-workers or their families "padala" in going to and coming from the place of work, owing to the serious and grave consequences thereof.

For the information and guidance of all concerned.

Adopted: June 25, 1990

(Sgd.) JOSE N. SARMIENTO
Administrator