SC affirms conviction of Filipina in 2012 recruitment scheme

THE Supreme Court (SC) has affirmed the conviction of a Filipina for large-scale illegal recruitment, sentencing her to life imprisonment and increasing her fine to P5 million for activities the court classified as economic sabotage.

In a 15-page decision promulgated on Feb. 19, the Court’s Third Division denied Natalie Caluducan’s appeal and sustained the prior findings of the Court of Appeals and the Regional Trial Court of Aparri, Cagayan.

The case originated from a 2012 recruitment scheme where Ms. Caluducan and her co-accused, Tessie Tugaoen, promised three individuals employment as “worm pickers” in Canada.

The Court rejected Ms. Caluducan’s defense that she was merely a social worker and that only Ms. Tugaoen, who remains at large, received placement fees.

The prosecution established a conspiracy between the two, noting that Ms. Caluducan facilitated the signing of purported employment contracts and issued instructions to the victims via text messages and e-mail.

The tribunal noted a certification from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration which confirmed that neither of the accused held a valid license to recruit workers for overseas employment.

“It is sufficient that the offender has given the impression that they have the power to send workers abroad for employment purposes,” part of the decision read. “The maximum penalty shall be imposed if the person illegally recruited is less than 18 years of age or committed by a non-licensee or non-holder of authority,” it added.

Ms. Caluducan was ordered to reimburse the victims for their proven pecuniary losses, specifically P171,004.97 to Janel Viloria, P44,161.17 to Erner Samortin, and P80,990.00 to Charles Adrian Vincent Salum.

The High Court upheld that the liability of co-conspirators is solidary, and all monetary awards will earn a 6% annual legal interest from the finality of the decision until fully paid. — Erika Mae P. Sinaking