The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has issued a critical alert to all jobseekers across the Philippines. The agency is raising alarms over a significant increase in fraudulent job postings circulating on social media platforms and various online channels.
A Growing Threat to Jobseekers
In a recent television interview, Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) Director Patrick Patriwirawan confirmed the troubling trend. He stated that there is a growing number of fake employment opportunities being advertised, designed to deceive and exploit unsuspecting applicants. These scams often promise high salaries or easy work to lure victims.
"We remind the public to be on alert and be critical over the legitimacy of job openings that we see on various social media platforms," Patriwirawan emphasized. The call to action is clear: vigilance is the first line of defense against these deceptive schemes.
How to Verify and Stay Protected
Instead of engaging with suspicious online offers, the labor official strongly recommended a safer alternative. Jobseekers should verify any opportunity through the Public Employment Service Offices (PESOs). These government facilities are the most reliable source for legitimate job listings and can confirm the authenticity of recruitment drives.
Patriwirawan further advised that the legitimacy of private recruitment agencies should also be checked with PESOs. "We encourage jobseekers to go and contact PESOs and transact with legitimate private recruitment agencies only," he said. This step is crucial to avoid falling victim to illegal recruiters.
The Role of PESO Nationwide
The Public Employment Service Office (PESO) is a government-mandated employment service facility. It is established in key cities and municipalities nationwide, maintained by local government units (LGUs), and operates in direct linkage with DOLE. This network ensures that employment services are accessible at the local level.
Currently, the Philippines boasts a total of 1,592 PESOs. Out of these, a significant number—807 offices—have already been institutionalized, meaning they have stable funding and permanent staff to provide consistent services to the community.
The final message from DOLE is one of caution and proactive verification. In a digital age where scams are becoming more sophisticated, turning to official channels like PESOs remains the safest and most effective strategy for every Filipino looking for genuine work.
