Senate to probe alleged large-scale hiring of Fujian workers

Senate President Joaquin Adriano has initiated an investigation on an alleged illegal scheme of large-scale hiring of Chinese workers from Fujian province by a bogus company that managed to secure government permits.

Adriano tasked Sen. Paterno Hocog, who chairs the Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigation, to conduct a probe on the complaint of farmers on the possible labor and immigration violations of Green Star Co. Ltd. and its Chinese workers.

The farmers, who include former Lands and Natural Resources Secretary Tomas B. Pangelinan, have brought the matter the Labor Department.

“Green Star Co. Ltd. is a bogus company, which is a vehicle for numerous Chinese farmers to blatantly violate the laws of the CNMI and negatively impact the livelihood of local and legitimate farmers in the Commonwealth,” the farmers said.

“Green Star was originally set up by a certain Mr. Li Bo Sin to bring over 50 related family members from the province of Fujian. Green Star never had any substantial assets, but nevertheless was granted permits, which no local farm operation could have sustained,” they said.

Upon the workers’ arrivals on the islands, they began leasing lands and farming using bogus business licenses, the farmers alleged. They added that other workers engaged in other ventures such as road stand vending, food manufacturing, illegal casino, operation of prostitution dens and illegal taxis, and becoming sub-landlords of illegally constructed rooms.

Based on the complaint, none of Green Star’s employees actually worked for the company. The complaint said the company’s employees are relatives or friends of its owner.

Some of these workers operate farms in Obyan, As Gonno, and As Lito, evading taxes and stealing water, alleged the complaint.

“Roadside vendors, who are currently on Saipan, comprise of these employees,” the farmers said. “They pay no taxes and their licenses are simply purchased by our own local people who do not have any stake in these businesses.”

Besides Pangelinan, complaining farmers include William C. Ada, Ramon B. Camacho, Justo R. Cruz, Joseph P. Rosario, Jose I. DeLeon Guerrero, Bill Maratita, Artemio I. DeLeon Guerrero, and Edward S. Taimano.