Department of Labor and Employment(DOLE)

It has been reported that Ms. Maria Derma Fe P. Obiso, seized the phone of an agency complainant at POLO without just cause or apparent authority. Ms. Obiso then went through the personal messages and content of the phone ensuring that certain messages were deleted. She reportedly did so without authority, permission, or even documentation on what occurred. It is uncertain is Ms. Obiso was looking for passwords, photos, or other items.

I would like to request documentation on whether the POLO Manual or other documents allow or encourage POLO staff to do this.

Jan 14, 2020

Dear Grace A. Graciadas,

Thank you for your request dated Dec 23, 2019 05:46:24 PM under Executive Order No. 2 (s. 2016) on Freedom of Information in the Executive Branch, for Justification For Seizing and Searching People's Phones At POLO-HK.

We received your request on Dec 23, 2019 05:46:24 PM and will respond on or before Jan 13, 2020 05:46:24 PM, in accordance with the Executive Order's implementing rules and regulations.

Should you have any questions regarding your request, kindly contact me using the reply function on the eFOI portal at https://www.foi.gov.ph/requests/aglzfmVmb2ktcGhyHgsSB0NvbnRlbnQiEURPTEUtOTg4MDY0MjM3NTA3DA, for request with ticket number #DOLE-988064237507.

Thank you.

Respectfully,

Liezel S. Villamorel
FOI Officer

Dear Ms. Graciadas:

This refers to your query entitled: "Continued Use of Employeasy Despite No Valid Authorization".

While we are still awaiting clarifications from the concerned offices, may we request for an extension in order to answer your queries.

Thank you.

Respectfully,

ALICE Q. VISPERAS
FDM

Dear Ms. Graciadas:

This refers to your query: "Justification for seizing and searching people's phones at POLO HK".

Please be informed that per consultation with POLO Hong Kong, Ms. Derma Obiso vehemently denies the baseless accusations against her.

Ms. Obiso is designated as a Single-Entry  Assistance Desk Officer (SEADO) at POLO-HK. As part of its standard operating procedure (SOP) prior to the start of the SENA, the parties are reminded of the confidentiality of the proceedings under the SENA rules, as well as Hong Kong's Data Privacy Ordinance.

Likewise, upon entry to the offices, there is a big sign of "No Picture, Audio and Video Recording" reminder to all. Also, as a member of procedure, POLO officers and staff always  request the parties to turn off their mobile phones or place it in silent mode during the conciliation conference.

Please find attached proforma of POLO Minutes of Conference for information.

Thank you.

Respectfully,

ALICE Q. VISPERAS
FOI Decision Maker