THE National Bureau of Investigation has filed a complaint against a Japanese national for operating a call center in Cebu City without a labor permit.
Eiichi Chiba was charged before the Cebu City Prosecutors’ Office for violating Presidential Decree 442 or the Labor Code. The complaint was filed last Oct. 24.
NBI Special Investigation Arnel Pura said Chiba could not present an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).
Chiba was arrested by the NBI in the Japan Intertrade Call Center Corporation (JICC) last Sept. 11. He P1,000 bail after his arrest.
The Prosecutor’s Office will require Chiba to submit a counter-affidavit to respond to the allegations.
JICC has been operating for five years at the TGU Tower in the I.T. Park in barangay Lahug, Cebu City.
Two former employees of JICC told the NBI that the company was operating without a permit from DOLE.
A search warrant issued by Executive Judge Monalila Tecson of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities was served. It authorized the seizure of cash and payroll vouchers, employment contracts, records and immigration documents, including passports and extension visas, and computers sets and accessories.
Chiba claimed he’s exempted from securing a permit because he was a corporate officer. The NBI sought the advice of DOLE which, after evaluation, required Chiba to secure an AEP.
Violation of this requirement in the Labor Code draws a penalty of three months to three years imprisonment, and a fine of P1,000 to P10,000.