OFWs who lie on vax status face sanctions

MANILA, Philippines — Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) face sanctions if they lie about their vaccination status abroad before they arrive in the Philippines.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III allowed Philippine overseas labor offices (Polos) to recommend “disciplinary action” if a returning OFW falsely claims to have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Starting July 1, OFWs returning from 57 “low-risk” countries will be quarantined for seven days instead of 10 days if they have been fully vaccinated and stayed exclusively in the “low-risk” country before arriving in the Philippines.

The OFWs, however, are required to present proof of full vaccination validated by the Philippine labor attaché or the Polo.

—DONA Z. PAZZIBUGAN