Philippines – The Department of Migrant Workers has closed a company in Pampanga suspected of recruiting Filipinos for jobs in Australia without a license. The operation happened on August 28, 2026, at the Clark Freeport Zone in Angeles City.
According to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the target was Peloton Workready OPC, which allegedly offered overseas jobs despite having no recruitment license. Assistant Secretary Jerome Alcantara led the operation together with Migrant Workers Protection Bureau (MWPB) Directors Romelson Abbang and Eric Dollete. The move followed complaints filed by four applicants who raised concerns about the firm’s hiring practices.
What the Company Allegedly Offered
Director Abbang said the company advertised skilled trade jobs abroad with attractive pay. The positions and promised salaries included:
- Painters and welders for placement in Australia
- Monthly pay of ₱150,000 to ₱200,000
The offers drew interest from workers hoping to land high-paying jobs overseas. But without the proper license, the DMW considers these recruitment activities illegal.
How the Alleged Scheme Worked
Director Dollete explained that applicants went through a full hiring process that looked legitimate. The steps involved:
- Online application
- Document screening
- Interviews
- Trade skills assessment
- Final interview
The company claimed there was no placement fee. Still, investigators found that other costs were passed on to the applicants along the way. Authorities are now checking whether the firm partnered with other recruitment agencies and if any workers were already sent abroad.
The Law on Overseas Recruitment
Assistant Secretary Alcantara stressed that anyone recruiting workers for jobs abroad must first secure the right license or authority.
“Ang punto rito, hindi ka maaaring mag-recruit kung wala kang lisensya. Kapag nag-canvass ka o nag-recruit ka para magtrabaho sa ibang bansa nang wala kang kaukulang lisensya o awtoridad, isa itong elemento ng illegal recruitment,” Alcantara said.
What OFWs Should Do
The DMW reminded jobseekers to always check a recruiter’s credentials before handing over documents or paying any amount. Verify both the recruiter’s license and the job order first.
If you believe you were affected by Peloton Workready OPC, you can reach the MWPB-AIRTIP for free legal help through these channels:
- Facebook: dmwairtip
- Email: airtipinfo@dmw.gov.ph
The agency continues to urge Filipinos abroad and those planning to work overseas to stay alert. A promising job offer means little if the recruiter cannot prove it is legal.