MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar Binay will begin consulting with government agencies engaged in the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Binay has extended his appreciation to President Aquino for appointing him as Presidential Adviser on Overseas Filipino Workers’ Concerns, a position previously held by former Vice President Noli de Castro.
Binay is also scheduling consultations with non-government organizations and Filipino communities overseas to know their concerns.
A Filipino migrant workers’ rights alliance in the Middle East welcomed Binay’s appointment.
“He could provide valuable insights and direction to the President,” said John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator.
“It is our demand to the Aquino administration to attend to numerous cases of OFWs abuses, maltreatment, and rampant labor malpractices in the Middle East. With Vice President Binay as his adviser, we are hoping this is the time for action, after promises have been given,” Monterona said.
He said Binay should open the communication line between his office and Filipino workers abroad to empower those who are vulnerable to abuse.