Please also indicate whether the State party envisages ratifying ILO Convention No. 181 (1997) concerning Private Employment Agencies 75. Along its commitment to pursue ethical recruitment principles, the State party initiated the crafting of the “Commitment to Ethical Conduct and Best Recruitment Practices for Land-based Agencies” and completed the draft “Code of Ethics for Manning Agencies.” The land-based agencies have committed to, among others, assist and advise workers to enter into overseas employment in the most cost-effective manner; not enter into any arrangement with any entity that shall increase the burden to the workers; endeavour to eliminate placement fees; and comply with recruitment regulations. The sea-based agencies committed to represent seafarers in an ethical and professional manner and negotiate for the best terms and conditions of employment. As of June 2012, 24 industry associations from the landbased and sea-based agency sectors signed the said codes of ethics. 76. The State party strengthened the licensing system of recruitment agencies by requiring the attendance of officials and employees of said agencies to attend either the Pre-Licensing Orientation Seminar (PLOS) or the Continuing Agency Education Program (CAEP) as preconditions for issuance, upgrading and renewal of licenses.70 77. Participation of private recruitment agencies in the overseas employment programme is regulated by the State party to ensure that the rights of OFWs are protected. Charging excessive fees is a serious offense and is dealt with administratively and criminally. Philippine private recruitment agencies are also jointly and severally liable with their foreign principals to fulfil contractual obligations and claims of workers. OFW money claims are satisfied from escrow accounts that the private recruitment agency open as part of the licensing requirements. 78. The State party conducts regular inspection visits of licensed recruitment agencies to determine their continued compliance with rules, regulations and applicable laws. Violation of recruitment rules may result in either suspension or cancellation of agency license. 110 licenses of private recruitment agencies were cancelled in 2012-2013. 79. The State party is reviewing and consulting stakeholders on ILO Convention 181, especially its implications on existing policies. Article 67 25. Please describe the progress made by the State party in strengthening the reintegration of returning migrant workers and members of their families, as recommended in paragraph 44 (a)-(e) of the Committee’s previous concluding observations. Please indicate if bilateral agreements facilitate the return and reintegration of migrant workers and how the National Reintegration Centre for Overseas Filipino Workers operates and coordinates its activities with other relevant institutions to promote the return and reintegration of Filipino migrant workers 80. The State party’s reintegration agenda facilitates the re-integration of returning OFWs by offering tax incentives, access to government financial institutions and other benefits that are usually offered to foreign investors. The agenda also helps OFWs achieve financial stability through training, investment and savings programmes. 81. The State party established the National Reintegration Center for Overseas Filipino Workers (NRCO) to develop and support programmes, projects and services on livelihood, entrepreneurship, savings, investments, financial literacy including assistance to job searching for returning Filipino migrant workers and their families. The NRCO has a PhP 2 billion (US$450,000) programme fund for OFWs and their families who plan to put up 70 A Pre-Licensing Orientation Seminar (PLOS) is required for owners, partners, presidents, CEOs, and branch managers of private recruitment agencies. PLOS participants are introduced to the overseas employment program, the licensing policies, pertinent rules and regulations governing overseas employment, responsibilities or obligations of agencies, and measures to prevent illegal recruitment/TIP. A Continuing Agency Education Program (CAEP) was institutionalized to further professionalize and improve the technical capabilities and moral values of officers and staff of employment agencies. 96