MABALACAT CITY, Pampanga – City officials have launched an investigation into an alleged “Kaltas Suweldo” scam involving overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), particularly seasonal workers deployed to South Korea, with high-ranking personnel from Mabalacat City College (MCC) and the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) under scrutiny.
Vice Mayor Jun Castro condemned the reported illegal deductions, describing the practice as exploitative and heartless.
“Kawawa naman po mga kababayan natin na nagpapakahirap magtrabaho sa ibang bansa, tapos buwan-buwan kinakaltasan pa ng P10,000,” Castro said.
According to city officials, the probe aims to uncover how much was deducted from OFWs’ salaries and who was responsible. The monthly cut allegedly reached ₱10,000 per worker, despite their already difficult working conditions abroad.
The scam reportedly targets “kabalen” or hometown residents working as part of the city’s seasonal employment program in Korea.
City Hall promised swift action and accountability, with Mayor Geld Aquino calling for transparency and justice for the affected workers. A public hearing is expected to be scheduled as the case unfolds.
The city government urged other victims or witnesses to come forward and cooperate with the ongoing inquiry.