Kenyan runners need DOLE papers to receive cash prizes

Without proper documents from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Kenyans who "engage in gainful activities" as professional runners can no longer receive monetary prizes. This was the opinion of Bureau of Immigration (BI) Intelligence Division Executive Officer Carlito M. Bautista, who sent a letter to race organizers last May 9 stating that laws in the country prohibit foreign sports professionals from receiving monetary rewards unless they have the necessary papers. Bautista said in the letter that "...under our existing laws and regulations pertaining to aliens coming into the country for purposes other than pleasure states that no professional athlete shall engage in any form of gainful employment, unless he or she obtains an alien employment permit issued by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and pre-arrange employment visa under Immigration Act, Section 9 (g) issued by competent authorities of the bureau, for those who shall exceed one (1) year." The Immigration officer said that aliens who shall compete in the country for less than a year must obtain a provisional permit from the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) or the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC). Bautista released the opinion after local athletes Helen Castillo and Bernardo Desamito Jr. asked the BI to look into the papers of Kenyan runners who came in the country as tourists but are competing in local running events and earning monetary rewards. Castillo and Desamito submitted a long list of Kenyans whom they said are currently making a living as runners in the country. The list include Daniel Kepkemei Koringo, Josphat Keptanui Too, Benjamin Kipkazi Arusei, Philip Ronoh Kepkemei, Willy Kepkemei Rotich, James Tallam, Freadrick Mwinerirma Mathiu, Abraham Missos, Stanley Ting, Ellud Kiprugut Kering, Willy Tanui, Douglas Mwiti, David Kipsanp, Albert Omboga, Irene Jeptoo Kipchumba, Susan Jemutai and Peris Chepkech Poywoo. According to Bautista, the Kenyans can continue competing in local races but cannot receive monetary rewards for their winnings unless they secure the necessary employment permits. "There is no legal hindrance for them to join competitions provided they are exempted from cash prize winnings as this would be interpreted as engaging in gainful activity," Bautista said. – Perry Legaspi, JVP, GMA News