20 Misconceptions About Manpower Agencies in the Philippines (and the Truth Behind Them)

1. Misconception: “Manpower agencies take a cut from my salary.”

Truth: Reputable licensed manpower firms do not deduct from workers’ wages.
Benefit: Workers get full salary as mandated by DOLE, with transparent compensation.

2. Misconception: “Agency work is unstable.”

Truth: Many agencies offer continuous deployments to new projects or clients.
Benefit: Workers enjoy consistent income and long-term employment pathways.

3. Misconception: “Agencies only offer low-paying jobs.”

Truth: Pay rates depend on the client and position, and many agencies offer highly competitive salaries.
Benefit: Workers can access jobs that match or exceed industry standards.

4. Misconception: “Agency workers have no benefits.”

Truth: DOLE requires agencies to provide mandatory benefits (SSS, Pag-IBIG, PhilHealth, 13th month, leave benefits).
Benefit: Workers receive full statutory benefits, sometimes even more than direct hires.

5. Misconception: “Agencies are only for unskilled jobs.”

Truth: Manpower firms hire for skilled, technical, administrative, and professional roles.
Benefit: Workers of all skill levels can find suitable opportunities.

6. Misconception: “There’s no career growth in agency-based work.”

Truth: Many agencies provide upskilling, training, certifications, and career pathways.
Benefit: Workers can advance faster through continuous development.

7. Misconception: “Agency work is only temporary.”

Truth: Many placements are long-term, and workers are rotated to new assignments.
Benefit: Workers experience job security through multiple project cycles.

8. Misconception: “Agencies don’t care about workers.”

Truth: Reputable agencies prioritize employee welfare because workers are their core asset.
Benefit: Workers have support teams, HR assistance, and grievance handling.

9. Misconception: “It’s better to apply directly to companies.”

Truth: Agencies often have exclusive partnerships with companies not accepting walk-ins.
Benefit: Workers get access to hidden job markets and faster hiring.

10. Misconception: “Manpower agencies are middlemen with no value.”

Truth: Agencies handle recruitment, payroll, compliance, and HR management.
Benefit: Workers enjoy organized, lawful, and professional employment support.

11. Misconception: “Agencies don’t follow labor laws.”

Truth: Licensed manpower firms strictly comply with DOLE and POEA regulations.
Benefit: Workers receive legal protection, proper contracts, and fair treatment.

12. Misconception: “Agencies delay salary.”

Truth: Reputable firms maintain automated payroll systems and standardized payout schedules.
Benefit: Workers receive on-time salary and clear payslips.

13. Misconception: “Agencies offer no job security because they depend on clients.”

Truth: Agencies handle multiple clients across industries.
Benefit: Workers can be redeployed to new postings when one contract ends.

14. Misconception: “Agency workers are treated lower than direct hires.”

Truth: Many clients treat agency workers as valued team members.
Benefit: Workers still enjoy respectful, professional workplace environments.

15. Misconception: “Agencies only hire young workers.”

Truth: Many firms hire all ages as long as workers can perform the job.
Benefit: Provides opportunities for older, returning, or career-shifting workers.

16. Misconception: “Agencies charge applicants for placement.”

Truth: Legitimate manpower firms do not collect placement fees for local employment.
Benefit: Workers can apply completely free.

17. Misconception: “You lose control over your career.”

Truth: Agencies help match workers to jobs based on preferences and skills.
Benefit: Workers find suitable roles with guidance and career consulting.

18. Misconception: “Agencies only hire for manual labor.”

Truth: Many agencies recruit for IT, engineering, finance, marketing, HR, and administrative roles.
Benefit: Workers across diverse fields gain high-quality job options.

19. Misconception: “Agency jobs are dead-end positions.”

Truth: Many agency placements lead to absorption by client companies.
Benefit: Workers may become regular employees through good performance.

20. Misconception: “Manpower firms are not needed.”

Truth: Agencies exist to support both workers and employers through expert HR management.
Benefit: Workers benefit from organized employment, protection, training, and long-term opportunities.