Creation of OFW affairs department pushed

MANILA, Philippines — Former special assistant to the president Bong Go has proposed the creation of a department with the sole purpose of protecting the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

“The Department of OFW Affairs, if created, will be a one stop-shop that will cater to the needs of our modern day heroes,” Go said. 

He said there is a need to enhance coordination of all government offices working for OFWs by putting them together under one roof.

“This can end the problem of OFWs being passed from one agency to another to avail themselves of government assistance,” he said.

Go proposed the creation of the department as he vowed justice for the Filipino workers who were rescued from three spas allegedly engaged in human trafficking in Kuwait.

The OFWs, who worked as masseurs in three spas in Kuwait, supposedly ended up as sex slaves.

Coordinated efforts by the Department of Justice, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration and National Bureau of Investigation led to the arrest of Santi Santero, owner of the spas.

Go extended legal and medical assistance to the victims upon their return to the Philippines.