To speed up the processing procedure for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) would soon abolish the system of Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). This is the information disclosed by the Labor Secretary and chair of the POEA governing board, Rosalinda Baldoz.

Once the OEC is abolish, OFWs no longer need to apply for new exit clearances whenever they return to the Philippines for a vacation. According to the Labor Secretary, the issue about OEC was one of the problems discussed during her visit with the OFWs in Cambodia.

Baldoz said that in the new system, the validity period of the OEC will be the same with the employment contract. The Labor Secretary plans to announce the new OEC policy on Migrant Workers' Day celebration on June 7.

She said, "Basically one of the things which will be announced (during Migrant Workers’ Day Celebration) is the OEC will now become co-terminus with the validity of their contract.”

“This is among the solutions to their (OFW) complaints, to make it more convenient for them to process their exit clearance,” she added.

The POEA would also soon make it possible for clearance applications to be done via internet. Baldoz said that the POEA is set to conduct pilot-testing next month for the renewal of their OECs.