How to Verify if a Manpower Agency Is Legitimate in the Philippines (DOLE/DMW Checks)

Distinguishing Between Local and Overseas Manpower Agencies

In the Philippines, "manpower agencies" (also known as recruitment or employment agencies) are regulated differently based on whether they handle local employment or overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

• For overseas employment, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW, formerly POEA) oversees licensing and verification.
• For local employment, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regulates Private Employment Agencies (PEAs) or Private Recruitment and Placement Agencies (PRPAs), often on a regional basis.

Determine the type of agency based on the jobs they offer before proceeding with verification. If unsure, check both.

Steps to Verify via DMW (for Overseas Employment)

1. Visit the DMW Website: Go to the official DMW site at https://dmw.gov.ph/ and navigate to the "Licensed Recruitment Agencies" section. This lists all agencies authorized to recruit for overseas jobs, including land-based and sea-based positions.
2. Search for the Agency: Enter the agency's name, license number, or other details in the search tool. Check the status to ensure it's "valid" and not suspended, cancelled, or delisted.
3. Review Additional Details: Confirm the agency's address, contact information, and any approved job orders match what they've provided. You can also check for banned or blacklisted agencies on the site.
4. Contact DMW for Confirmation: If no results appear or you're unsure, call the DMW helpdesk (e.g., via their hotline at +63 2 8722-1144) or email them. They can provide real-time status updates.
5. Check Job Orders: For specific job offers, verify if the agency has an approved job order from DMW for that position and country.

Steps to Verify via DOLE (for Local Employment)

DOLE verification is handled by regional offices, as PEAs are licensed per region. Start by identifying the agency's location.

1. Visit the DOLE Website: Go to https://www.dole.gov.ph/ and look for regional office contacts or links. Alternatively, search directly on regional sites (e.g., for National Capital Region: https://ncr.dole.gov.ph/).
2. Use Online Verification Tools (Where Available): For the National Capital Region (NCR), use the Private Employment Agencies License Verification tool at https://services.ncr.dole.gov.ph/?p=162 or http://ncr.dole.gov.ph/default.php?retsamlakygee=1067&resource=28dd376c5a44acc92e450ee338260c56. Enter the agency name or license number to check if it's licensed and active.
3. For Other Regions: Contact the relevant DOLE Regional Office (e.g., via their website or hotline). They maintain lists of licensed PEAs. You can request verification by providing the agency name or license number. For example:
   • Region XII: Check guidelines at https://ro12.dole.gov.ph/issuance-of-private-employment-agency-license-authority-to-recruit-pea/.
   • Lists may also be available through Freedom of Information (FOI) requests on https://www.foi.gov.ph/ if not directly online.
4. Inspect Documents: Ask the agency for their DOLE Certificate of Registration or License, which must be displayed in their office. Verify it matches official records.
5. Contact DOLE Directly: Call the nearest DOLE regional office or the Bureau of Local Employment (BLE) at +63 2 8527-3000 for assistance. They can confirm status and check for any complaints or violations.

Additional Verification Tips

• Check Business Permits: Ensure the agency has a valid mayor's permit and that their office address matches official records.
• Attend Orientations: Participate in free Pre-Employment Orientation Seminars (PEOS) offered by DMW or DOLE to learn about legitimate processes.
• Review Online Presence: Cross-check the agency's website or social media against official databases, but rely primarily on government sources.
• Physical Inspection: Visit the agency's office to see their license, permits, and operations in person.

Red Flags for Illegitimate Agencies

Watch out for these signs of potential scams:

• Demanding high upfront fees (e.g., more than one month's salary for overseas, or any prohibited fees for domestic workers).
• Unrealistic job promises, like excessively high salaries without proof.
• Refusal to provide a license number or written contract.
• No physical office or mismatched details.
• Pressure to surrender original documents early.

If you suspect illegality, report to DMW (for overseas) at anti-illegalrecruitment@dmw.gov.ph, DOLE (for local) via their hotlines, or the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Always consult official government channels to avoid scams.