by Raul Beltran (Journal Online)
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/national/5535-villar-vows-more-ofw-protection.html
SENATOR MANUEL Villar Jr., known for having assisted a countless number of distressed overseas Filipino workers, yesterday vowed to devote more resources for the protection of their rights.
Villar, standard-bearer of the Nacionalista Party in the May 10 presidential elections, said abuses and acts of injustice continue to be perpetuated against OFWs, majority of them in the Middle East.
“I have heard first-hand terrible stories, litanies of physical abuse, maltreatment, rape, unfair labor practices, sufferings that our countrymen go through in search of a better life,” the former Senate president said.
Villar issued the statement on the 15th death anniversary of Flor Contemplacion, an OFW from San Pablo City who was executed in Singapore on April 17, 1995 for the murder of Delia Maga, a fellow Filipina worker, and a four-year Singaporean child under the latter’s care.
Her execution strained relations between the Philippines and Singapore, which are both members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Earlier media reports said two Filipino witnesses claimed just before the execution that the father of the Singaporean child framed Contemplacion for the murders.
The same reports said the two Filipinos also alleged that the father killed Maga in rage after finding his son to have accidentally drowned.
The reports said the child was an epileptic who was alleged to have an attack while in the bath tub of which Maga was not aware of.
“Flor Contemplacion’s story should have been an eye-opener both for those who choose to work overseas of the risks associated with working in a foreign land and, more importantly, for the government to be more vigilant and responsive to the needs of our OFWs. Unfortunately, things have gone from bad to worse,” Villar said.
The NP presidential bet said another OFW, Jakatia Pawa of Zamboanga del Norte, is also facing execution in Kuwait, accused of killing the 22-year-old daughter of her employer.
He said Pawa, 33, is a mother of two children and has a degree in banking and finance.
“But she opted to work as a domestic helper in Kuwait so she could better provide for her family. Working abroad should not be the end solution to our poverty problem. The social costs are too high and taking their toll on our social structure,” Villar said.
“If given the chance to lead this country, I will ensure that government agencies -- such as POEA, OWWA and our consulates abroad -- will all be up to the task of providing the necessary assistance to advance the rights and welfare of our OFWs,” Villar added.
SENATOR MANUEL Villar Jr., known for having assisted a countless number of distressed overseas Filipino workers, yesterday vowed to devote more resources for the protection of their rights.
Villar, standard-bearer of the Nacionalista Party in the May 10 presidential elections, said abuses and acts of injustice continue to be perpetuated against OFWs, majority of them in the Middle East.
“I have heard first-hand terrible stories, litanies of physical abuse, maltreatment, rape, unfair labor practices, sufferings that our countrymen go through in search of a better life,” the former Senate president said.
Villar issued the statement on the 15th death anniversary of Flor Contemplacion, an OFW from San Pablo City who was executed in Singapore on April 17, 1995 for the murder of Delia Maga, a fellow Filipina worker, and a four-year Singaporean child under the latter’s care.
Her execution strained relations between the Philippines and Singapore, which are both members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Earlier media reports said two Filipino witnesses claimed just before the execution that the father of the Singaporean child framed Contemplacion for the murders.
The same reports said the two Filipinos also alleged that the father killed Maga in rage after finding his son to have accidentally drowned.
The reports said the child was an epileptic who was alleged to have an attack while in the bath tub of which Maga was not aware of.
“Flor Contemplacion’s story should have been an eye-opener both for those who choose to work overseas of the risks associated with working in a foreign land and, more importantly, for the government to be more vigilant and responsive to the needs of our OFWs. Unfortunately, things have gone from bad to worse,” Villar said.
The NP presidential bet said another OFW, Jakatia Pawa of Zamboanga del Norte, is also facing execution in Kuwait, accused of killing the 22-year-old daughter of her employer.
He said Pawa, 33, is a mother of two children and has a degree in banking and finance.
“But she opted to work as a domestic helper in Kuwait so she could better provide for her family. Working abroad should not be the end solution to our poverty problem. The social costs are too high and taking their toll on our social structure,” Villar said.
“If given the chance to lead this country, I will ensure that government agencies -- such as POEA, OWWA and our consulates abroad -- will all be up to the task of providing the necessary assistance to advance the rights and welfare of our OFWs,” Villar added.
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