“If OFWs are truly our modern heroes, then illegal recruiters are our modern foes; thus, prosecution and punishment shall be swift, sure and severe life (sentence) with no bail, and with no pardon for illegal recruiters,” said Gibo, under a policy to protect migrant workers abroad.

He described large-scale illegal recruitment as “economic sabotage” as well. The unfortunate people who fell in the hands of illegal recruiters include for the most part unsupported OFWs who enjoy either a minimal or no protection from the Philippine government because of their undocumented state. According to the secretary of defense, return of undocumented OFWs could cost the government P700M.

“We will not only defend OFWs, we will also seek the prosecution of employers who maltreat our workers,” Teodoro added.

Lakas-Kampi-CMD’s standard bearer also sworn to fortify the idea of the “one country team approach” to let the Philippine Ambassador in a specific country to decently coordinate, direct and control each and every activity of other recruiting groups represented abroad such as DOLE, OWWA, DSWD, and police and military attachés. According to the 1989 Bar topnotcher and Harvard-trained lawyer, of the undocumented OFWs, those that face the greatest problems, are in the countries of Syria (20,000 OFWs,) Lebanon (30,000) and Jordan (20,000).

“Thus, there is an existing ban which unfortunately breeds a black market for undocumented OFWs,” Teodoro said.

The presidential candidate also stated that the succeeding administration must optimize flourishing relationships with leading Arab powers in order to act upon these three countries to go for a bilateral labor deal with the Philippine government.

“In the absence of agreement, the Bureau of Immigration should be given special training to identify and preempt potential victims at our airport exits,” Teodoro added.