The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) warned the public against fixers using the name of Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma following reports of foiled attempts to solicit money from business establishments.
In a statement, the DOLE said to protect public interest, the department has sounded the alarm against unscrupulous individuals or parties using the name of SecretaryLaguesma.
Based on information reaching DOLE, there are attempts to solicit and demand money from unsuspecting businessmen and companies who may have issues and concerns with the labor department.
It was learned that the modus was to drop the name of the DOLE chief so the perpetrators could demand money from those seeking favorable action from the department.
One of the scammers uses mobile number +639282935724 to reach the potential victims.
“The targets are usually members of the business community who want to get favorable results on their pending or potential concerns with DOLE,” Information and Publication Service Director Rolly Francia said.
Francia said the labor department strongly condemns such nefarious acts that tend to put them in bad light and destroy the good name of the Labor Secretary.
The department also urged the public to report such illegal and illicit activities to the nearest DOLE Regional Offices or call DOLE Hotline 1349.
Upon his assumption to office, Laguesma vowed to protect DOLE from graft and corruption by making sure transactions in his department are made with honesty and full transparency.
“Under my watch, there will be no fixers for favors in DOLE. No amount of money could change this policy,” he added.