The alleged recruitment scam, facilitated by the Italy-based immigration consultancy firm, Alpha Assistenza SRL, has already reached the Senate.

In filing proposed Senate Resolution No. 814, Senator Risa Hontiveros called for an investigation, in aid of legislation, into the alleged recruitment activities conducted by the Alpha Assistenza SRL.

In her resolution, Hontiveros detailed the alleged fraudulent scheme of the immigration consultancy firm which has preyed on Filipinos who are dreaming of working in Italy, which was first exposed by the Daily Tribune.

"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.

She continued: "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."

Hontiveros also said that the "complainants alleged that they had paid the company 'large sums of money' to facilitate their relatives' travel to Italy for work."

"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.

"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," she added.

'Aware'

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

In an interview with Daily Tribune, DFA spokesperson Teresita Daza denied the alleged non-action of the Philippine Consulate General in Milan in the victim's complaints against the supposed scam.

"The DFA is aware of the reports," Daza said. "The Philippine Consulate General in Milan is acting on the complaints."

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.

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.

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

DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers' Affairs Eduardo de Vega also denied allegations that Cato had sat on the Filipino communities' complaints.

De Vega said the Philippine Consulate General in Milan received a report on 31 August, and an investigation into the matter is ongoing.

"They were interviewing victims and working on cases," he said in a separate interview.

Asked if the DFA is considering making Cato inhibited due to the accusations of the victims, De Vega said: "We are meeting him personally."

The DFA official also noted that they are coordinating with the Department of Migrant Workers and the Migrant Workers Office in Milan on how to proceed with the case.

"The complaint is really to be filed with Italian authorities but our Consulate in Milan should assist them," he said.

The Daily Tribune has sought comments from the Italian Embassy in Manila but they had yet to respond as of press time.