PRC suspends ‘utang tagging’ policy, says DOLE

The main office of the Department of Labor and Employment (fPhoto rom the DOLE)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Sunday said the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has suspended its “utang tagging” (debt tagging) policy to allow those with unpaid debts to renew their licenses.

The said policy contained in Memorandum Order No. 44 was suspended through Resolution No. 1558 signed by PRC acting chairman Jose Cueto Jr. and Commissioner Erwin Enad.

Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma said in a statement, that the suspension is effective immediately, in response to the issue raised by ACT Teachers Party-List Rep. France Castro in last week’s House hearing of the DOLE’s P25.89 billion proposed budget.

According to Laguesma, the “utang tagging” policy places an undue burden on professionals with pending administrative cases.

“How can they pay what they borrow if they can’t work because the PRC won’t renew their licenses,” said Laguesma.

Cueto, for his part, said that while the policy of “utang tagging” is suspended, the PRC will still be reviewing and conducting consultations with its various professional boards with the aim of promoting efficiency and fairness in its processes and disciplinary procedures.

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