Commission on Filipinos Overseas warns the Filipino Women

The Commission on Filipinos Overseas warns the Filipino women and the public in general of fake CFO Guidance and Counseling Certificates and Registration Stickers sold by so-called recruitment agencies or marriage brokers. The documents purport to show that the women are married to foreign nationals and therefore can leave for abroad usually to work.

In an official statement sent to media outlets, CFO says that such activities violate the Anti-Mail Order Bride Law (RA 6955) and the Anti-Human Trafficking Law (RA 9208), which provide stiff fines and long prison terms. The victims on the other hand, run the risk of being blacklisted by the government of their intended country of destination. Filipino spouses and partners of foreign nationals are required to undergo the Guidance and Counseling Program of the CFO prior to applying for a Philippine passport. There are only two counseling service providers accredited by the CFO namely, the St. Mary Euphrasia Foundation (SMEF-COW) and the People’s Reform Initiative for Social Mobilization (PRISM). After complying with the counseling requirements, a certificate is issued to the Filipina spouse or partner of a foreign national.  

For information on the programs, contact nos. (02) 561-8321 loc. 104-105 and 200-203.