Robredo, Pangilinan vow better protection for OFWs

MANILA, Philippines — Presidential candidate Vice President Leni Robredo and her running mate Sen. Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan have vowed to provide better protection and social security benefits to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

In signing a covenant with the sector, Pangilinan hailed the OFWs’ hard work to give their families better lives.

He said OFW remittances have also kept the economy afloat despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

The covenant also seeks “ICT (information and communications technology) to communities; to empower families to participate in migration governance; to ensure fair and ethical recruitment; to prevent abuses, violence, trafficking or illegal recruitment; to allow reporting and access to justice remedies; and to help them plan and realize employment, skills development and reintegration.”

It also calls to expand the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Trust Fund and use this to develop a national provident savings and reintegration fund for OFWs.

“This is an essential part of reintegration preparedness and serves as a safety net in times of crisis such as job loss, untimely return, health and other emergencies,” the covenant stated.

“You will continue your efforts for your family and the town. The government must compensate for this with efficient and fast service,” Pangilinan said.

“Every departure of our OFWs should not be wasted. The government should help fulfill your dream,” he added.

Pangilinan stressed that he supports the creation of migrant resource centers, especially in the provinces, “to make integrated and efficient migration services available in communities for OFWs and their families.”

OFWs also want the full implementation of Republic Act 11641, which created the Department of Migrant Workers Act to allow them to access government services and support.

Each local government unit should also have a Migration and Development Committee, Migrant Resource Centers and OFWs help desks for quick and effective response to OFW needs.

OFWs also pushed for their social security rights in countries where they work through bilateral labor agreements and social security agreements.

“OFWs will have portability of benefits through bilateral labor agreements and social security agreements,” the covenant said, adding that the Universal Health Care Act should also be responsive to their needs and that of their families.

The covenant sought a “recalibration” of the overseas deployment program by ensuring that OFWs will be deployed only to countries where their rights and welfare are guaranteed by national laws.

Pangilinan had earlier presented a program that encourages OFWs to venture into agriculture after they retire.

The senator, a former food security secretary, also suggested that adopting or establishing a farm enterprise will help these OFWs match the earnings they get from working abroad.

For Pangilinan, Filipinos are seeking greener pastures overseas because the wages offered in the country are not enough to live a comfortable life.

More individuals, groups back Leni

Meanwhile, more groups and individuals have expressed their support for Robredo, two weeks before the May 9 national and local elections.

Former Philippine Basketball Association superstars Jojo Lastimosa, Olsen Racela, Johnny Abarrientos and coach Yeng Guiao have declared their full support for Robredo.

Batanes Gov. Marilou Cayco also formally endorsed the presidential bid of Robredo, saying: “During our most difficult times in Batanes, Leni showed up.”

A group of Catholic priests in Bataan, Kapariang Ginabayan at Tinawag upang Manindigan or Kagitingan, also backed Robredo’s candidacy.

Robredo’s spokesman Barry Gutierrez said the Vice President’s opponents are “threatened” as her presidential campaign continues to gain momentum.

“Our people’s campaign continues to grow, with the support of various political groups and our local leaders. We think that VP Leni’s campaign has clearly gained the momentum she needs in the last two weeks of the campaign for us to win on May 9,” Gutierrez told
TeleRadyo in Filipino.

He also downplayed the negative campaign against Robredo.

“Actually, those black ops are proof that the campaign is getting stronger because why would you throw something at the person you know is at the tail end?” he said.

“To me, that kind of level of enthusiasm, of excitement (of Robredo supporters) – that’s what makes someone win the election. And I think that’s also the fear felt by the other camp,” he added.