Hontiveros comes to aid of Alpha 400

The more or less 400 Filipinos duped into shelling out large sums of money in exchange for employment opportunities in Italy, found an ally in Senator Risa Hontiveros who filed a resolution Wednesday calling for an investigation into the alleged recruitment scam.

Less than a week into a series ran by the DAILY TRIBUNE on the reported scam of Alpha Assistenza SRL, an Italy-based immigration consultancy firm, Hontiveros filed Senate Resolution 814 detailing the alleged fraudulent scheme of the immigration consultancy firm that preyed on Filipinos who dream of working in the European country.

"It is alleged that Alpha Assistenza SRL provided over 400 Filipino "victims" with falsified Nulla Osta, a document issued by Italian immigration authorities authorizing a non-European Union national to apply for a work visa at an Italian embassy or consulate," the resolution read.

"The falsified Nulla Osta resulted in the rejection of the victims' applications when the said documents were presented to the Italy Visa Application Center (VIA PIASI Center)," it added.

According to Hontiveros, the Filipino applicants were met at the VIA PIASI Center located in Makati City by a Philippine agent designated in electronic messages by Krizelle Respicio, Alpha Assistenza SRL's Chief Executive Officer and Immigration Consultant.

"The State is mandated by the Constitution to afford full protection to laborers, both local and overseas, organized and unorganized, and to promote full employment and equality of employment opportunities for all," she said.

She added: "Because of the principle of territoriality, our statutes are generally only effective within Philippine territory; and there is thus an urgent need to protect Filipinos from possible recruitment perpetuated by companies based overseas."

'Aware'

Meanwhile, the Department of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday said it is aware of the alleged recruitment scam that victimized at least 400 Filipinos from the Philippines and Italy.

In an interview, DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza said the number of victims of the alleged recruitment scam may be higher or lower than the previously reported 400 Filipinos.

"The numbers are still being verified," she said, denying alleged non-action against the supposed scam.

For the hundreds of victims, it does not help to hear the same tune and prompt action is the only way to address their hopelessness.

It was the snail-paced efforts of the Philippine Consulate in Milan, Italy, that they sought Italian police assistance after the Consulate's inaction to their complaints submitted in May 2023.

Several victims, who reached out to the Daily Tribune's digital program, "Usapang OFW," accused Consul General Elmer Cato of sitting on their complaints against Alpha Assistenza SRL, an Italy-based immigration consultancy firm that allegedly preyed on Filipinos who are dreaming of working in Italy.

In an interview over the Usapang OFW last week, several complainants, namely, Vanessa Antonio, Enrique Catilo, and Apple Cabasis, said the Alpha Assistenza SRL, headed by Filipino co-CEOs Krizelle Respicio and Frederick Dutaro, may have duped more than 400 Filipinos.

They accused Consul General Elmer Cato of neglecting their grievances against Alpha Assistenza SRL.