CBCP hopes Trump will recognize Pinoy migrants

MANILA, Philippines - Three days after the inauguration of US President Donald Trump, an official of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) expressed hope that his administration would recognize the contributions of Filipino migrants to the US.

Bataan Bishop Ruperto Santos, chairman of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People, said yesterday Trump should see the overseas Filipino workers in the US as assets to their country.

“We hope that the Trump administration will recognize the contributions of Filipinos to America and realize we are faithful partners for peace and progress,” Santos said.

He also hoped that Filipinos staying in the US would be law-abiding citizens.

“Filipinos are known for being respectful to the laws and customs of their host countries,” he said.

Santos said the Filipino community in the US has expressed apprehension over Trump’s “America First” policy, which would focus on providing employment for Americans over migrants.

Trump had also promised to deport illegal immigrants in the US.