MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 4 Series of 1983, SUBJECT: CODE OF DISCIPLINE FOR FILIPINO WORKERS ON OVERSEAS EMPLOYMI In vjew of the increasing complaints for misbehavior and the involvement by some Filipino contract workers in felonies while working overseas and in order to preserve the image of Filipino contract workers as responsible, hardworking, industrious and dependable, this Code of Discipline is hereby issued for the guidance and observance by all Filipino contract workers while working overseas. Section 1. Responsibility of Workers Overseas - It shall be the responsibility of every Filipino worker overseas 10 abide by the terms and concitions of his employment contract, to behave in the best manner and tradition of a Filipino and to obey the laws and respect the cuistoms, mores, traditions and practices of the country where he is working It shall also be his responsibility to abide with the remittance requirements as well as to provide material help to his family during the period of his overseas employn:ent. a) Duty to Family: the worker shall (1) see to it that while employed abroad, ample financial and moral support is given his family left in the Philippines. (2) communicate with his family as often as he can and make his presence felt just as ifhe is around, b) Duty toa Fellow CW: the worker shall (2) endeavor to assist and cooperate with other contract workers working in the same site. (2) restrain from degrading a colleague in order to get his position or rank G) not maliciously withhold information or knowledge in order to put another Filipino worker in a difficult situation. ©) Duty to Country: the worker shall (1) ‘atall times uphold the ideals of the Republic and be ready to defend it if warranted. (2) abide by the mules and regulations set up by the government entities aimed at promoting their interests and enhancing national gains. (3)_be an Ambassador of Goodwill, projecting only the good in the Filipino and restrain from doing acts that will tamish the Filipino’s image abroad, @) Duty to Agency and Employer: the worker shall (1) provide the agency/employer with correct and true statements! certifications regarding his skills, experience and other qualifications (2) endeavor to understand the terms and conditions of his employment contract before affixing his signature and shall abide by the conditions stated therein (3) strive to maintain a high level of productivity as well as abide by company rules and regulations. ©) Duty to Host Country: the worker shall (1) exert effort in learning as much of the mores, customs and traditions of the country where he is working and shall abide by them, (2) respect and obey the laws of the host country.Section 2. Discipline of Workers — A breach by the worker of the Code of Discipline enumerated in Section 1 above or a commission of any of the offenses enumerated below while working overseas shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary actions as the Administration may deem necessary ) Commission of a felony punishable by Philippine laws or by the laws of the host country; b) Drug addiction or possession or trafficking of prohibited drugs. ©) Desertion or abandonment; 4) Gambling especially where the laws of the host country prohibits the same; ce) Drunkeness especially where the laws of the host country prohibit intoxicating drin 1) initiating or joining @ mutiny i the case of seamen, or in the case of land- workers, inciting workers to joining a strike or work stoppage where the laws of the host country prohibit strike or similar action: 1) Smuggling or violation of customs regulations of the Philippines and of the host country; 2) Creating trouble at the worksite or in the vessel; h) Embezzlement of company funds or of moneys and property of fellow workers entrusted for delivery to kins or relatives in the Philippines; i) Theft or robber j) Prostitution; k)_ Vandalism or destroying company property; or 1) Gunrunning or possession of deadly weapons. Section 3. Complaints for Breach of Discipline - Complaints for breach of discipline against a contract worker shall be filed with the Adjudication Department, The complaints shall be accompanied by substanial proof of breach of dis Section 4. Disciplinary Action by Administrator ~ The Administration may, on its own initiative, undertake disciplinary action against a worker overseas for breach of discipline. Section S. Penalties for Breach of Discipline - Breach of discipline may be penalized by a stern warning payment or refund of the cost of repatriation, confiscation of performance bond or by suspension, or permanent disqualification from overseas employment. The penalty imposed by the Administration shall be without prejudice t whatever civil or criminal liability that may be imposed by appropriate courts ari from said breach of discipline. Section 6. This Memorandum Circular shall take effect beginning March 16, 1983. Compliance by all is hereby enjoined. ig PHILIPPINE OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT ADMINISTRATIONIMPORTANT REMINDERS TO ALL DEPARTING FILIPINO OVERSEAS WORKERS (OFW) AND EMPLOYEES OF IPAMS FOREIGN PRINCIPALS THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS MUST BE READ AND FOLLOWED TO AVOID DELAYS, INCARCERATION, OR DEPORTATION UPON YOUR ARRIVAL AND STAY AT THE JOBSITE. 1. You rust not bring, carry, ar have in your possession any of the following items during your trip and stay inthe host country: a] ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, liquor or even rubbing alcohol Merely artiving in an intoxicated condition can be a cause for incarceration upon clearing thru Immigration and Customs areas, b) Rus Heroin, opium, cocaine, marijuana, or ther narcotics are against the laws of all countries, as are barbiturates, amphetamines and other mood-altering drugs. Importation, possession, or trafficking of narcotics and iiagal drugs is subject to severe punishment or death sentence, ©) EXPLOSIVES, FIREARMS, BLADED WEAPONS, OR OTHER DEADLY WEAPONS. d) PORNOGRAPHIC MATERIALS such as magazines, photos, books, films, videotapes, literature and related materials are not allowed. e) RAFFLE TICKETS, SWEEPSTAKES, DONOR/PATRON TICKET SOLICITATION, COUPONS in any type or form, f) NON-SLAMIC RELIGIOUS MATERIALS: crucifix, prayer books, Sible, rosary, chains, necklaces, etc Violators may be deported immediately for possession of non-Islamic religious materials, even if for one's Mid counteles 8) FOODSTUFFS: canned oF bottled food items may be confiscated. hh) Computer disks, diskettes, compact disks, DVDs and Betamax/VHS tapes. 2. You must not take part or organize any labor unions, political parties or organizations, group boycotts, petitions or other mass actions (re gious or otherwise) 3. GAMBLING of any form is forbidden in the Middle East and Gulf countries. 4. CONSERVATIVE DRESSING/ATTIRE Is necessary. The Middle East Region and Gulf's countries are traditionally conservative. Authorities disallow tight- fitting clothes, pants or revealing outfits on men or women. Long hair is not tolerated, nor are bracelets and earrings worn by men. 5. You should remember that their tradition and outlook differ from yours. What is a¢ceptable language or behavior may offend their nationals who are dignified and proud people. Always be polite and circumspect ir public 6. Preseritved drugs must be accompanied by a detailed prescription from a doctor. 7. The host country does not allow contract workers tc work or go into business in any capacity other than that specified in the employment contract and by the employee's sponsor. Unauthorized business activities are punishable by termination, deportation, fine and/or incarceration, as applicable in the host country.8. Moral infractions, particularly sexval relations between unmarried persons, are punishable by law in the Middle East and Gulf countries. Ferialé in local towns should eltaer be escorted by a relative or go in small groups, to avcid suspicion and possible legal problems. Public physical contact between members ‘of the opposite sex, related to each other or not, is strongly disaparoved, Male workers with tendency of being feministic (end female workers with masculine teats) er those overtly manifesting/practcing hhomosenuality are considered taboo and illegal in some host countries. ACKNOWLEDGMENT |, hereby state that | wil refrain from carrying luggage, bags or packages not personally belonging to me. If absolutely essential that | do so, | promise to fully check the contents of these luggage, bags of packages to make sure they do not contain prohibited drugs. | am aware that smuggling and distribution of prohibited drugs isa serious violation of the laws and that offenders are meted stern punishment, and that | will be held liable If found in possession of luggage, bags or parcels with prohibited drugs or illegal items, even if they do not personally ‘belong tome, | il fully abide by and respect the customs and traditions of the host country. | understand that an expatriate national should follow the premise that “visitors in your home must adhere te your own house rule”. fully agree that IPAMS reserves the right not to provide any clearance for re-application with any of ts other overseas principals if will not abide by the rules and regulations of the host country as recuired of 2 good Filipino citizen, or if resign during the contract term, engage in illegal and iicit activities, or commit any act in the form of “contlct of interest”. | alse acknowledge my duties to my family, country, and fellow workers, adhering to the Code of Discipline for Filipino Werkers on Overseas Employment. Depending upon the gravity of the offense, | am aware that neither the Philiapine authorities nor IRAMS.and my employer could guarantee assistance in relation to serious offenses IF cannot behave and respect the Laws, customs and traditions of the host country, | will not proceed and pursue deployment and employment. ‘This undertaking consists of two (2) pages and executed in two {2} sets (IPAMS file and candidate/ employee copy), together with a copy of the POEA Memorandum Circular No. 4 (Code of Discipline for Filipino Workers on Overseas Employment) READ, UNDERSTOOD & AGREED SIGNATURE OF BENEFICIARY SIGNATURE OF CANDIDATE OVER PRINTED NAME COVER PRINTED NAME DATE Date “SIGNATURE OF WITNESS OVER PRINTED NAME PANS ar 2008