DOLE Revokes Work Permits of Foreign Workers; Deportation Looms

DOLE Revokes Work Permits of Foreign Workers; Deportation Looms

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | August 12, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – In a forceful move to uphold labor laws and worker safety, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has taken decisive action against Chuangxing Steel Incorporated in Magalang, Pampanga. Following a joint multi-agency raid, DOLE has not only canceled the Alien Employment Permits (AEPs) of six Chinese nationals but has also initiated deportation proceedings, transferring their records directly to the Bureau of Immigration.

The unprecedented intervention stems from a shocking discovery of systemic workplace and safety violations, including alarming concerns over the potential presence of nuclear waste and radioactive materials within the facility. This grave finding was revealed during an August 11 Lupong Pamagawa hearing, presided over by DOLE Secretary Francis N. Tolentino.

Secretary Tolentino underscored the severity of the situation, highlighting rampant illegal foreign labor practices. The investigation confirmed that Chinese workers were directly brought into the Philippines without proper legal documentation or the required employment permits. “DOLE remains steadfast in its mission to actively respond to the needs and concerns of the workforce and ensure their rights and welfare are fully protected,” Secretary Tolentino asserted, emphasizing the immediate cancellation of the AEPs.

Further investigation by DOLE exposed a litany of infractions:

Absence of Basic Employment Records

The company failed to present fundamental employment documentation.

Wage Theft

Employees were denied proper overtime and holiday wages.

Neglect of Mandatory Benefits

The firm neglected to provide crucial worker

benefits, including Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth, and Pag-IBIG coverage.

Failure to Address Harassment

Chuangxing Steel Incorporated lacked a Workplace Sexual Harassment Policy and failed to establish a Committee on Decorum and Investigation, critical for employee protection.

In light of these findings, Secretary Tolentino has directed Bantayan Manpower Services to fully cooperate with DOLE Regional Office 3 to rectify all outstanding non-compliance issues, particularly those pertaining to unpaid or improperly calculated wages and mandatory employee benefits.

Aligning with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directives for ensuring safe workplaces, DOLE confirmed that the work stoppage order, initially issued against the Magalang, Pampanga facility on July 25, 2026, remains fully active and enforced.

Secretary Tolentino stressed the broader implications of these actions: “This hearing should also bring changes to the mechanism and process for protecting Filipino workers.”

DOLE has pledged continued collaboration with concerned government offices to profile the affected workforce, validate their records, and extend vital aid to the impacted employees, ensuring justice and protection for Filipino laborers.

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