Insider Spotlight
According to the “Jobstreet Hiring, Compensation, and Benefits Report 2025,” 44 percent of hirers and HR professionals expect higher job market activity in the second half of 2025 compared to 2024—an indicator of employer confidence and expansion plans.
For businesses, this upswing signals growth opportunities, from new roles to fill to markets to explore. However, experts caution that rapid hiring brings heightened risks, particularly the rise of fraudulent job applications that can undermine both companies and the labor market.
The rise of fraud risks
Global data underscores the threat. The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) estimates that organizations worldwide lose 5 percent of annual revenue to fraud. In a fast-moving labor market like the Philippines, fraudulent applications amplify these risks, leading to higher costs, disrupted operations, and reputational damage.
“While the job market in the Philippines continues to thrive, so does the risk of encountering fraudulent applications. Falsifying credentials is a deception that directly affects a business,” said Ivy Ramirez, vice president for Service and Industrials (S&I) at CIBI Information Inc.
Fraudulent tactics range from exaggerating experience to fabricating educational credentials or even identity manipulation. Though these acts may seem small, they result in productivity setbacks, compliance issues, and wasted recruitment resources.
Demand for robust safeguards
Industry leaders stress that traditional background checks and interviews are no longer sufficient to validate candidate information at scale. Businesses now need stronger verification tools that protect not only employers but also honest candidates who compete in a market clouded by fraudulent claims.
“Beyond immediate financial losses, fraudulent activity can undermine productivity, erode workplace trust, and damage a company’s reputation,” Ramirez added. “Proactive verification is an essential step to protect both businesses and the integrity of the workforce.”
Robust screening systems ensure transparency and fairness in recruitment, giving employers confidence in their hires and safeguarding the credibility of the Philippine labor market.
Integrity as a business imperative
CIBI president and CEO Pia Arellano emphasized that growth must go hand in hand with integrity. “By embedding proactive verification into hiring, businesses protect themselves, their people, and ultimately the strength of the country’s labor market. Integrity in hiring is more than just a business process; it’s a public service,” she said.
As the country’s leading credit and information bureau, CIBI provides services that range from employment history validation to certification and identity checks. Its solutions help businesses mitigate risks, reduce financial losses, and ensure that hiring decisions are based on verified data.
With optimism running high for 2025, employers have the opportunity to build resilient organizations grounded in transparency and fairness. Proactive measures such as workforce verification will allow companies to capitalize on growth while ensuring a level playing field for all job seekers. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
