VILLAR GOVERNANCE MATRIX UNVEILED

Global Filipino Nation (GFN) presents the comprehensive Governance Matrix of Senator Villar. The Matrix is drawn from the many speeches and interviews given by Senator Villar. GFN has invited other "Presidentiables" to provide inputs for their respective Governance Matrices. GFN is an international organization of global Filipino leaders and organizations committed to "Building the Global Filipino Nation for Good Governance". Its Convenors reside in 30 countries, including the Philippines.

The focus of Senator Villar's governance vision is on economic, social and political progress. As a Change Leader, he aims to apply strong political will, among others, to:

Ø  promote good governance and seriously redress corruption;

Ø  carry out a bi-focal economic thrust of lifting Investments and Net Exports as the main GDP growth drivers -- encompassing a deepened reservoir of internationally-competitive entrepreneurs, increased agricultural productivity and an enlarged domestic industrial base;

Ø  broaden social programs through revitalized education, expanded basic health services and extensive housing programs;

Ø  develop a built-in safety net that avoids destabilizing price adjustments for medicines and basic necessities;

Ø  arrest the widespread degradation of the environment and engender healthy ecological balance; and

Ø  curb widespread criminality and usher in lasting peace.

The Villar Governance Matrix specifies the major policy elements for 6 major sectors: education; health, nutrition and reproductive health; investments; agriculture; exports; and military. The Matrix provides 26 detailed policy initiatives for economic (10), social (8) and political (8) reforms. The targeted policy initiatives cover:

Economic issues: poverty alleviation and employment; regulatory and bureaucratic reforms; fiscal management; domestic and foreign debt; oligopolies and level playing field; capital mobilization, esp. microfinance; agrarian reform; infrastructure program; high power cost; high domestic transport cost;

Social Issues: moral degradation and values transformation; public safety and national security; human rights; population; youth; environment; housing and urbanization; and migration; and

Political Issues: Constitutional amendments; global Filipinos and universal proportional representation; electoral reform; foreign affairs; Mindanao peace problem; Rule of Law (incl. a possible jury system); corruption; and pork barrel.

Highlights of the Villar Governance Matrix, which are in the current radar screen of discussion groups the world over, include:

Economic

Ø  restore the ratio of Investments to GDP from the present weak circa 15% level to the 30% ratio or more over 2 decades ago;

Ø  promote high value added exports, especially multinational onshore production for exports;

Ø  consistently maintain policies that are domestic and foreign investments friendly;

Ø  streamline regulatory processes to drastically reduce the number of review steps and approving/recommending signatures;

Ø  transparently pursue an economic level playing field, with government laying down rules that cannot be bent by any vested interest groups;

Ø  take steps to avert changes in "rules of the game" to suit the whims of "cronies" since there will be "no cronies";

Ø  guarantee the stability of policies affecting business;

Ø  pursue agricultural development as a cornerstone in carrying out the goal of poverty alleviation;

Ø  ensure that the benefits of economic growth filter down to the poor on a sustainable basis;

Ø  prohibit schemes and methods to circumvent the intent of the agrarian reform law;

Ø  prescribe the "BOT" model for infrastructures that may be privatized, with bidding for these projects under the glare of television lights and cameras;

Social

Ø  oppose the passage of the Reproductive Health Bill;

Ø  uphold the right to life of the unborn child, without intruding into the right of individuals to follow their conscience;

Ø  encourage the role of parents to provide sex education to their children;

Ø  affirm the central importance of the family in Philippine society;

Ø  oppose legislation that would legalize divorce or terminate marriage;

Ø  introduce entrepreneurship as a major curriculum module to help fuel entrepreneurial revolution;

Ø  reintroduce English as the medium of instruction;

Ø  protect the environment and rehabilitate destroyed forest resources;

Political

Ø  support  amendment of Overseas Absentee Voting Law to allow Internet Voter Registration and Voting, and provide for continuous, uninterrupted voter registration abroad;

Ø  support the application of Article 6, Section 5 of the Constitution providing for proportional legislative representation of global Filipinos;

Ø  call a Summit on Judicial Reform, covering a wide range of key issues, including the proposed adoption of the Jury System;

Ø  prohibit salvaging by the police and military, while protecting, not intimidating or killing, journalists and media personnel;  

Ø  place economic development priority in Mindanao where conflicts and insurgency persist – on a parallel basis with peace initiatives;  

Ø  provide easy access to information (even without the Freedom Information Act), aggressively simplify all government transactions, reduce discretionary powers of bureaucrats and improve the efficiency of government services; and

Ø  institute a System of Rewards and Punishment to promote efficient and effective public services.

 

Address inquiries about the Villar Governance Matrix to: victorsbarrios@gmail.com, tel. +632.975.5356.

 

GOVERNANCE MATRIX FOR PRESIDENTIABLES 2010: SENATOR MANUEL B. VILLAR (MBV)
Vision/Sector/Issue	Position
GOVERNANCE VISION	A nation marching with economic, social and political progress: ·         raising the masses, workers, poor, marginalized and dispossessed to a life of equal opportunities and shared responsibilities; ·         attaining growth rates and stability of the progressive countries of the world; ·         strengthening social initiatives that enhance the quality of life; and ·         launching a streamlined, motivated, transparent and graft-insulated public service corps.
What does Senator Villar stand for?	Senator Villar is a Change Leader who will pursue his Governance Vision with a strong political will to: ·         promote good governance and seriously redress corruption; ·         carry out a bi-focal economic thrust of lifting Investments and Net Exports as the main GDP growth drivers -- encompassing a deepened reservoir of internationally-competitive entrepreneurs, increased agricultural productivity and an enlarged domestic industrial base; ·         broaden social programs through revitalized education, expanded basic health services and extensive housing programs; ·         develop a built-in safety net that avoids destabilizing price adjustments for medicines and basic necessities; ·         arrest the widespread degradation of the environment and engender healthy ecological balance; and ·         curb widespread criminality and usher in lasting peace.
SECTOR
Education	We shall revitalize Philippine education through: ·         quality primary education for all children, while adding a year in grade school; ·         higher literacy rate; ·         upgraded skills of teachers  and transfer of new teaching methods/technologies; ·         more schools and classrooms and modern facilities as teaching aids; ·         reintroduction of English as the medium of instruction; ·         early introduction of IT into classrooms; ·         entrepreneurship as a major curriculum module to help fuel entrepreneurial revolution; ·         a special focus on the development of arts, culture and sports;  ·         government and private scholarships to poor but deserving students; ·         a culture among educational institutions to compete domestically and internationally; and ·         a reward and punishment system for school and university administrators.
Health, Nutrition and the Reproductive Health  Bill	An MBV Administration will provide basic health care and nutrition services to the poor through: ·         an improved health care insurance system ensuring quality medical treatment for all members, available at low cost for all and free for the extremely impoverished; ·         encouragement for owners and operators of private facilities to include "free wards" to the poorest segment of their communities; ·         assistance (through sustainable modes, e.g., bond design and issues) to local governments, which can afford to establish health care centers, clinics, and hospitals, to secure the best doctors, hospital administrators, and nurses; ·         priority nutrition programs for underprivileged children prior to and during schooling age; and ·         creative public-private partnership in nutrition intervention. MBV is against the passage of the Reproductive Health Bill, saying: "Bahala na ang tao kung ano gusto nila gawin. I always view population not as a liability. To me, if the country is managed well, in a-competent manner, in fact, a big population would be a way in which we could be a great nation." (See Section on "Population" below.)
Investments	The goal of an MBV Administration is to provide the framework and policies that would restore the ratio of Investments to GDP from the present weak 15% level to the 30% ratio or more over 2 decades ago. Raising the Investment Coefficient of GDP is focal to the quantum increase in the GDP growth rate. To that end, an MBV administration would:   consistently maintain policies that are domestic and foreign investments friendly; streamline regulatory processes to drastically reduce the number of review steps and approving/recommending signatures, while maintaining a modicum of prudential oversight; transparently pursue an economic level playing field, with government laying down rules that cannot be bent by any vested interest groups; take steps to avert changes in "rules of the game" to suit the whims of "cronies" since there will be "no cronies"; guarantee the stability of policies affecting business; prohibit any commission to be paid by any foreign or domestic investor to approving authorities or to any person impersonating to be influential to the administration; improve the climate for industrial relations; promote high value exports, health and educational services, and other NEDA-prioritized areas; provide a special focus on the development of small and medium scale entrepreneurs ; replicate models where large, medium and small scale enterprises "job out"  requirements to community livelihood organizations and micro-entrepreneurs; increase infrastructure improvements and investments (esp. transportation, communications, water, and power), with the BOT mode encouraged; and hasten the timely operation of stalled, but otherwise strategic, projects, e.g., NAIA 3.
Agriculture	MBV pinpoints agricultural development as a cornerstone in carrying out the goal of poverty alleviation. Accordingly, initiatives will: ·         pursue food security to put an end to the imports of basic commodities, while reversing the scenario where the country is the top importer of rice to one that ranks among the major exporters of rice; ·         develop low cost and low maintenance farm-to-market roads, community-based irrigation systems, private sector-led common facilities for storage and processing, appropriate productivity enhancing technologies, agricultural research and development, enhanced food production distribution networks (e.g., existing vegetable, agribusiness, and fruit buyers in certain areas of the country who are efficient production motivators and production gatherers, who will be provided financing to invest in pre-harvest and post-harvest facilities); ·         initiate projects where private sector is timid but with viability prospects; and ·         privatize projects as soon as private sector interests are evident.
Exports	In conjunction with a reinvigorated Investments sector, positive Net Exports would contribute to a robust GDP growth trajectory. High value added exports, including activities with a large labor content, will cover multinational onshore production for exports, conversion of small industries with extensive export potential (e.g., jewelry industry) into world class players, and tourism investment and allied service industries. Export processing zones will continue to be a major initiative to ensure fast turnaround of imported materials, processed with Filipino labor and exported to foreign markets. Support will be extended to a continued expansion of systems-wide Business Processing Outsourcing activities. Foreign exchange rate policy would take into account the fundamental viability and competitiveness of exports.
Military	The Philippine military will undergo modernization and receive adequate support to carry out its function effectively. This program needs a one-time major investment in aircraft, navy facilities, ground equipment, armaments and training for the elements of the military.
ISSUES
ECONOMIC ISSUES
Poverty alleviation and employment	A significant rise in the GDP growth rate, fueled by active Investments and Export Sectors, will inevitably spread livelihood opportunities. The policy goal is to ensure that the benefits of economic growth filter down to the poor on a sustainable basis. Providing for livelihood opportunities and training is in place. There just has to be more focused intervention by government to provide technical training, market information and micro finance. Successful models abound in providing for livelihood opportunities. We simply need to replicate these models faster and simultaneously throughout the country.
Regulatory and bureaucratic reforms	Regulatory and bureaucratic reforms will include consultations with the private sector as to which regulations will be left to the private sector to enforce themselves. Self-regulation is a preferred choice, except where public interest is clearly a priority issue. Markedly, the administration of MBV will be less and less regulatory in the nature by which it will deal with private business. But the An MBV administration will be very firm in collecting the rightful taxes and fees that are due the government. It will also be quick to bring into the justice system private business violators of the law.
Fiscal Management	Improvement of the revenue performance will be based on effective tax administration and simplifying taxation for all types of businesses, including the self-employed. There will be rationalization of fiscal incentives, while improving tax collection by curbing smuggling activities, pursuing tax evaders, and encouraging all tax payers to pay what is due. There will be reduction in budget deficits by improving the budgeting process and removing all "over budgeted items" which are incorporated in all budget proposals.
Domestic and foreign debt	Domestic and foreign debt operations will be anchored on appropriate timing. Clearly, taxes generated by the economy and consumers cannot sustain the national expenditures at the present stage of economic development. Notwithstanding the inward remittances of the overseas Filipino workers, the budget deficit situation continues to challenge our country. There will be a balance of domestic and foreign borrowings. We shall take advantage of certain timing issues to take on longer grace periods on principal payments, longer term repayments, and preferred interest rates on our borrowings or bond issues. In the end, preferred interest rates will be a function of sound economic policies, macroeconomic stability, and improvement of the country's image of transparency and demonstrated reduced corruption from government officials.
Oligopolies and level playing field	Policies and programs will foster free and open competition, while effectively addressing the distortions and negative welfare impact of monopolies and oligopolies. A level playing field is necessary for fostering competition. This is given in an MBV Presidency. This stance is the only way the country can be globally competitive. There is not much time to catch up with other countries which are now internationally-competitive.
Capital mobilization, esp. microfinance	Capital mobilization through domestic and foreign investment is a key factor in generating employment. Providing microfinance for livelihood projects is just as vital and is a priority initiative. Both activities will be a major strategy to effectively address poverty in the country.
Agrarian reform	An MBV administration will complete agrarian reform. We cannot allow creative schemes and imaginative methods to circumvent the intent of the agrarian reform law. The landed gentry have delayed the agrarian reform too long and the farmer beneficiaries have been waiting in vain. We must complete the handover to the farmers of the lands tilled by them.
Infrastructure program	Most infrastructures, which can be privatized, must proceed on a "build operate and transfer" model. Bidding for the right to undertake these projects will be transparent under the glare of television lights and cameras, starting from bidding qualifications, bidding procedures and up to award of winning bids.  Government-built infrastructures should likewise be subject to all the qualification procedures, bidding procedures and awarding of winning bids being transparent and televised for the public to see and witness.
High power cost	High power costs will be addressed and inefficiencies in generation and transmission will be reduced through a transparent process of auditing existing power generators. An MBV administration will attract foreign investments in power and remove all cartel-like impediments to competition – a policy that ultimately benefits the consumer. The model of breaking up the monopoly of telecommunications clearly points to competition as a good initiative to pursue.
High domestic transport cost	Domestic transport cost for passengers is an issue of fuel costs arising from world market prices. Cargo transport pricing issues are not raised by the public -- implying that transport cost to the riding public is essentially a political and a social issue. Private sector investments continue to be made in public transport services. Thus, this economic activity must be essentially viable with certain glitches when there is an upward spike in world prices of oil.
SOCIAL ISSUES
Moral degradation and values transformation	MBV upholds the right to life of the unborn child, without intruding into the right of individuals to follow their conscience.  He believes that parents have the proper role to provide sex education to their children and advocates initiatives that would enable parents to carry out that role more effectively. Affirming the central importance of the family in Philippine society, MBV is against legislation that would legalize divorce or terminate marriage. Aware of the corrosive imprint of corruption on bureaucracy-wide moral fiber, MBV has laid out an operative roadmap for waging war against corruption. (See section on "Corruption"). A major outcome of a successful assault on corruption is the restoration of decency and positive regard for public service
Public safety and national security	Law and order in the country will be a challenge for an MBV administration, particularly in parts of Mindanao and inaccessible areas of the country where the police and military are not visible. Therefore, it is imperative to disarm large civilian groups, while peace talks are pursued so that the business of economic development can begin in a large scale pervasive and significant manner. While the citizenry will be encouraged to help the police, civilians will not be allowed to carry firearms. Civilians will be asked to help provide intelligence information, particularly with respect to strangers that arrive in their communities. On a corollary basis, the facilities of the police and military will undergo modernization and their personnel will be trained to thwart terrorists and the lawless.
Human rights	There must be respect for human rights, albeit that respect is alien to violators of the law. There will be no tolerance for salvaging by the police and military, cognizant of the worldwide abuses that this practice engenders.  There will be protection, not intimidation or killings, of journalists and media personnel. The modernization of the Armed Forces and the PNP would strengthen their ability to carry out their functions, with a clear mandate of zero tolerance for human rights abuses. Leadership by the President – one that addresses the concerns of the AFP and PNP – would enhance respect for human rights and elicit unequivocal understanding of Presidential directives. There is no inherent conflict between economic rights and civil liberties. As economic progress accelerates in an MBV administration, there will be broader improvement in the lives of our people and strengthening of civil liberties. These are mutually reinforcing elements. Economic progress will allow the country to modernize its law enforcement agencies and find its way to higher salaries for the police and military, judges, teachers and entire government machinery. As to the issues of whether Filipinos have too much freedom, MBV notes: "Hindi naman. Magulo lang talaga tayo. We thrive in chaos. This all boils down to leadership. That's why if your leadership is not felt, then either you impose martial law or you explode. A strong leader need not impose martial law to impose order. If there is no natural leadership, you have to buy everybody, you have to buy the local governments with projects…you have to buy the congressman so that you will not be impeached."
Population	Historically and empirically, population control in the world has not produced a decline in population growth rate. The decline in fertility rates is more a function of changes in attitudes brought about by urbanization and education. Properly harnessed, a growing population, amidst a developed world with falling growth rates and absolute population numbers, could be a source of competitive edge for the country. Philippine population growth rates have been declining, with Total Fertility Rate (TFR) or children per woman reaching levels that cause concerns. In about over a decade, TFR could sink below its replacement level – threatening us with the prospect of replicating the specter of decreasing and ageing population in advanced economies.
Youth	MBV adheres to the conviction that the strength of republic and international competiveness rest with the Youth. Reflecting that conviction, an MBV administration will develop: ·         special programs and scholarships for the gifted; ·         a new wave of "pensionados", funded by local and international sources, who could provide the country with a "second wind" of change; and ·         GSIS and SSS loan programs that would enable a large number of high-reaching students complete their chosen fields.
Environment	Protection of the environment and the rehabilitation of destroyed forest resources will be a primary concern of this administration. Disasters have been occurring because of neglect by our countrymen and of weak enforcement of rules and laws which are already in place. We must leave a legacy of clean air and environment to the future generations of this country. We also must rebuild the resources which we have selfishly consumed or exported. Restoration of natural tributaries, water canals and other such natural drainage systems must be addressed. Further denudation of forests must be stopped. Mining and exploitation of natural resources could take their rightful place in development so long as they meet applicable international environmental standards. Development of the country's resources must be mindful of environmental issues. Sustainable development requires that the environment be allowed to renew itself and to allow development to proceed indefinitely into centuries beyond generations. Thus, we develop our resources with the view that enough resources will be around for the future generations of this country. In particular, reforestation will take the front seat in environmental concerns. We shall implement with resolve the Clean Air Act. We shall strictly enforce laws preserving the environment and existing programs on environment preservation. The prevention of the recurrence of the flooding wrought by Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng requires multiple initiatives, including, among others, clearing and dredging the entire Metro Manila. We must constructively relocate families living under unimaginable human conditions in the flood-prone areas. We should factor in sustainable solid waste management systems. Massive reforestation is a necessary component. We could tap the NPA for a plausible working arrangement on reforestation—with a possible positive impact on the peace and civil society integration process. We acknowledge that our country is the passive recipient of the climate change-inducing economic activities of the developed world. Hence, we have no choice but to participate in the efforts to arrest global warming. We should aggressively develop public-private sector initiatives, including carbon credits.
Housing and urbanization	An MBV administration will ensure initiatives that enable the poor and the middle class to purchase houses throughout the nation. An extensive and comprehensive housing program is in place. There will be more vigorous effort to achieve the goals of the existing housing programs and correspondingly mobilize significant resources from foreign and domestic sources. We should take measures to disperse industries and population centers. It is apparent that the pressure for social services in urban centers will continue to mount if there is no conscious policy to induce the dispersal of industries and population centers. Building complementary infrastructure components, such as roads, communications facilities, power and water, will be major elements.
Migration	While it is not a policy of government to continue to export manpower, we recognize that the country and economy cannot provide jobs for them at this time. We must ensure that overseas Filipino workers will be protected and safety nets are provided for them in their places of work. Over the long run, we shall build an economy that will support most of the labor force in the country and exporting them will be limited to certain countries and specialized skills needed. Difficulties experienced by overseas Filipino workers result from countries whose cultures are so different and even hostile to foreign workers.
POLITICAL ISSUES
Constitutional Amendments		The initial energies of the administration of MBV will be focused on poverty eradication through an improved economy brought about by increased domestic and foreign investments. Amending the Constitution is not a priority issue of this administration. MBV is indifferent to the mode for amending the Constitution – so long as it is carried out properly. The private and other sectors of the country will spearhead amendments to the Constitution, with a conviction that Constitutional amendments can improve the country's welfare. This administration will leave it to the general public through civil society groups to push for constitutional reforms. Acceleration in the GDP growth rate need not require amending the economic provisions of the Constitution. But we shall leave that issue to what the people want. Both a Presidential system and a Parliamentary system have their merits -- so with Federalism vs. the present system. The important issue is leadership, irrespective of the system. We should retain the Senate as a necessary governance institution that will ensure that legislation truly reflects national rather than narrow interests.
Global Filipinos and universal proportional representation		Global Filipinos aspire for equality in the exercise of their suffrage and political rights, with the end goal of integrating them into mainstream Philippine political life. A first major step is to provide a convenient way for them to register and vote, in contrast to the gravely inconvenient method of registering and voting at the nearest Philippine Consulate. MBV sponsored Senate Bill #3565 that, among others, authorizes the adoption of secure Internet registration and voting. MBV would continue to support the passage of that bill into law. MBV is sympathetic to truly continuing voter registration for global Filipinos as against the limited duration under past practice, with the stipulation of a cutoff date for determining eligibility for voting in future elections. Article 6, Section 5 of the Constitution provides for legislative representation of constituents of a locality based on a defined population density.  Invoking a level political playing field, global Filipinos seek the application of the Constitutional provision to them as citizens of the Philippines. MBV supports that objective.
Electoral reform		This administration will consider all serious suggestions to broaden the electoral base of all elective officials. Automation in elections is underway as a major reform measure. More reforms are needed depending on the outcome of the 2010 national election. In the end, what is important is that the electorate trusts the election process, the counting and the proclamation.
Foreign affairs		Foreign policy initiatives should touch the lives of global Filipinos in a most meaningful way. With over 10 million Filipinos working overseas, government must address the needs of these constituents at their places of work. Diplomatic work must now focus on the welfare of the overseas Filipinos working abroad to protect their rights, to ensure their appropriate working conditions, even minimum contract payments, their disability benefits and their repatriation back during emergencies.
Mindanao peace problem		An MBV administration will place economic development priority in Mindanao where conflicts and insurgency persist – on a parallel basis with peace initiatives. We shall encourage domestic investments to propel economic activities in identified areas, while providing incentives when necessary. We shall present identified areas of investments to large and socially responsive domestic investors. We shall implement government and private sector investments in educational institutions, hospitals, health care centers, tourism and other allied services.
Rule of law (incl. a possible jury system)		MBV upholds the primacy of the rule of law and its central place in economic, social and political progress. He seeks to apply the principle of level playing field to the judicial system. Recognizing the need to strengthen the administration of justice, MBV plans to call a Summit on Judicial Reform that would include all concerned stakeholders (the Judiciary, Congress, the Justice Department, legal practitioners and the general public). The Summit will cover a wide range of key issues, including the proposed adoption of the Jury System.
Corruption		Transparency in all Government transactions will be a governance rule. A government headed by MBV will provide easy access to information (even without the proposed Freedom Information Act), aggressively simplify all government transactions, reduce discretionary powers of bureaucrats and improve the efficiency of government services. (MBV is a private sector businessman with public service experience and who knows how to get these activities done quickly. He has been Chairman of various committees at the Lower and Upper Chambers of Congress -- which gives him invaluable experience to ensure success of his Presidential directives on transparency.) We shall strengthen and consistently enforce Anti Graft and Corruption Laws. The government of MBV will provide more implementation efficiency to anti-graft and corruption agencies and provide ample protection to the enforcers of the law. The focus of anti-corruption efforts will start with identified government agencies where corruption tends to thrive. We shall involve various NGOs, civic groups, and anti-corruption watchdog groups in the campaign.   We shall institute a System of Rewards and Punishment to promote efficient and effective public services. Fostering a culture of competition amongst employees and officials in government is a cornerstone of the efforts to reduce corruption in public service. Government employees, officials, school administrators, local government officials will all be a part of the culture of competitiveness to reward those who are worthy of recognition and financial rewards.  Those who are laggards or non-productive will be transferred to non-critical functions of government or induced to retire early. MBV will provide leadership that is incorruptible, managerially-skilled and with uncompromising political will to carry out reforms and rectify corruption. The new government will have MBV as a President who will lead by example in this crusade against corruption. All alter egos of the President will be required to follow the example of the President in dealings with government transactions and with the public that we serve. Individuals with impeccable record in efficient and honest public service and of known probity will lead anti-corruption agencies, such as the Ombudsman and the President Anti-Graft and Corrupt Commission, and those perceived to be graft –prone. Will MBV prosecute PGMA for corruption? MBV will leave it to the judicial system. What about the Marcos wealth? An MBV administration will take steps to finish all pending cases, which have languished and fostered corruption for more than 2 decades. PCGG may have to be abolished.
Pork Barrel		We view the "pork barrel" system as a way of filtering tax revenue resources to the local levels in a manner that would benefit local communities without relying on the political largesse of national government. Recognizing the potential leakages, an MBV administration will reform the system, ensure that "pork barrel" spending is not wasted and is aligned with the national government's development priority programs. Applying line item budgeting ensures transparency in the budgeting process.  An MBV government will work toward this goal and mandatory disclosures of the "pork barrel" projects, their location, contractors, status and their completion.

 

 

R-10 Navotas Residents on their 12th day camped out at the DPWH Main Office

 

More than 200 R-10 Navotas Residents who were affected by massive forced demolition, camped out at the gates of DPWH-Department of Public Works and Highways Main Office to demand the stoppage of demolition and to appeal for adequate relocation of their affected families. The camp-out started since last March 9, 2010.

 

Carrying their children with their personal belongings, the affected families chose to stay at the front gates of the agency who made them homeless.

 

"We have no choice but to stay here. They (DPWH) had demolished all our houses without providing proper relocation for us. What kind of government we have now? They have no heart for the poor. What they did to us was very inhumane." Yolanda Ofaga, a resident and organization leader.

 

"The on-going illegal demolition in R-10 Navotas must be stop. The DPWH violated the law and our rights to shelter."

 

The law, our 1987 Constitution and the UDHA-Urban Development and Housing Act-RA7279 states that there should be adequate notice, consultation and most of all adequate relocation for the affected families. Added to this, EO 708 was signed by President Arroyo mandating local government units the issuance of COC-Certificate of Compliance for every conduct of demolitions, but it should follow the UDHA and the guidelines stated from the DILG-Dep't of Interior and Local Government Memorandum Circular.

 

DPWH did not complied to what the law requires. In series of Local Housing Board Meetings, DPWH failed to submit the following requirements, masterlist of the affected families, minutes of the of the consultation with the affected families, certificate of land availability, and development plan of relocation site.

 

"DPWH and the Navotas Local Government are hiding something. Why would our city mayor issued COC-Certificate of Compliance in favor of the DPWH while the requirements of the law was not really complied with? We challenge them to show these documents in public."

 

"DPWH's claim that they have relocation in Muzon, Bulacan is misleading. The said site in Muzon was not properly processed and did not comply with the checklist on mandatory requirements on relocation. The land in Muzon has no enough documents to prove that it is suitable for resettlement because the DPWH lacks the Certificate of Land Availability and Development Plan for the site. DPWH just want us to accept the financial assistance and its up to us if we would opt for Muzon or not. It is clear that there is a violation here. It did not follow the guidelines mandated by the law."

 

PCUP-Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor, Chairman Percival Chavez already said on a recent meeting that the said site in Muzon is not recognized by the government as a proper relocation and it's operator, the Macawili Foundation, a private entity is not a licenced nor accredited originator by his agency nor in any government agencies who cater land and housing. Added to these, there were no proper documents that will support the site in Muzon as a siutable site for relocation.

 

Chaiman Chavez also issued a formal statement and requested for the urgent deferment of the demolition in R10 Navotas. He questioned the legality of the COC issued by Mayor Tiangco.

 

Contrary to DPWH's claim that many people had accepted financial assistance, affected families brought with them their certificates and tagging to prove that they haven't claim their financial assistance and demanded proper relocation.

 

"Many families won't accept financial assistance from DPWH because we knew that financial assistance in absence of providing relocation for the affected families is against the law."

 

"We will stay here until government meet our demands. We want President Arroyo or Secretary Vic Domingo to call for the stoppage of demolition in R-10 Navotas and provide proper relocation for our families. They should follow the law and respect the rights of the people." Priscelda Juanich of SAPIPA-R-10 Alliance and also a partner of Task Force Anti-Eviction.

 

According to Task Force Anti-Eviction, the government through DPWH, planned to demolish more than 15,000 affected families because of road-widening project of R-10, from Manila to Navotas area, without providing relocation. The group called on President Arroyo to stop this plan and develop in-city and near city relocation before conducting any demolitions and evictions.

 

OFW group takes issue with ballot boxes for overseas voting

"If the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines' official ballot boxes are designed to accommodate only 1,000 ballots; how on earth can 5,000 overseas absentee voting ballots fit into one?"

This is the question raised by the militant Filipino migrants' alliance Migrante International with regards to the official ballot boxes the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is set to deploy to Hong Kong and Singapore for the automated voting of Filipino overseas absentee voters there.

"There is much to be concerned about because OF THE HUGE possibility that members of the Special Board of Election Inspectors (SBEIs) will have to open the ballot boxes once they become fully loaded," said Garry Martinez, Migrante International chairperson. "And this, we fear, is a golden opportunity for election cheats to manipulate the OAV ballots."

Martinez said his group is particularly worried because those who'll sit as members of the SBEIs are Embassy and Consular staff and officials. "We can't even trust them to take care of the rights and welfare of OFWs under their watch. How can we trust them with our votes?"

Martinez underscored that the Omnibus Election Code prohibits the unlawful opening of the ballot boxes. He also added that COMELEC Resolution No. 8751 specifically stated that it is prohibited "for any person to tamper with the ballot, the mail containing the ballots for overseas absentee voters, the overseas absentee voting election results, including the destruction, mutilation and manipulation thereof."

 

The Migrante Leader also has vowed that as election time for OAVs draws near, the organization has linked with its chapters and networks abroad to form MIGRANTE WATCH which will be monitoring more closely the conduct of elections abroad, including COMELEC'S preparation for the OAVs. ###

OWWA does not have ‘word of honor,’ says Annasban workers

One week after ending their camp-out in front of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the repatriated Overseas Filipino Workers from the Annasban Group of Companies today trooped back to picket at the agency's doorsteps, after the OWWA yet again reneged on most of its promises to the migrant workers.

Of the five demands that were granted by OWWA officials led by administrator Carmelita Dimzon in a negotiation with the Annasban workers and Migrante International last March 5, only the  P10,000 financial assistance have been given to the OFWs. From Monday to Wednesday this week, the OFWs tried to claim the promised transportation fare back to the provinces, but they were told by Ms. Cynthia Lamban, head of the Repatriation Assistance Department, that they were not to be given cash (which was requested by the OFWs so that they can schedule their own trips) and that a priority list still had to be drawn up. They also tried to claim the promised free medical assistance, espcially for OFW Florabel Blanca, who fell extremely sick that week.  However, OWWA Dir. Saul De Vries said that there are still no guidelines on how to implement the rest of the agreement, and merely advised Blanca to pay for the laboratory tests and medicines out of her own pocket.

"We are fuming mad. We are going back to protest the OWWA because it does not have palabra de honor (word of honor). It is not merely inept; it is deliberately making a fool out of us OFWs. They refused to protect us when we were nearly dying abroad. It seems like they want us to die at the doorsteps of this inutile government agency," said Joy Flancia, one of the Annasban workers. The OFWs, victims of contract substitution, staged a series of hunger strikes in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from August last year until February this year.

Other OFWs neglected by OWWA, some of which have several years worth of pending claims, afterwards joined the Annasban workers in their protest. "In the course of our struggle, we met so many OFWs who are like us, and their stories broke our hearts. It made us ever more convinced that this OWWA is an agency merely for the collection of our money, and not for the protection of our welfare. Give us our money back!!!" said Flancia.  

The Annasban workers and Migrante International also submitted a letter of complaint to Labor Secretary and OWWA Board of Trustees chairperson Marianito Roque. "We hope that this letter is sufficient enough to the realization of the agreement. Let us settle this in the most diplomatic way or else the OFWs will be again forced to resort to extra-legal means to claim their rightful demands," said Garry Martinez, Migrante chairperson, in the letter to Roque.

"The case of the Annasban workers has opened a can of worms. More and more victims of OWWA neglect will beseige the agency until the government scraps the OWWA Omnibus Policies. These policies, which since 2003 has severely restricted the assistance the agency gives to OFWs, have been a convenient excuse for OWWA to turn its back on our workers. It is about time to address this problem squarely: scrap the OWWA Omnibus Policies!!!" said Martinez.

HK group hits underhanded collection of OWWA fee despite moratorium

"When they could not officially shove down our throats the collection of OWWA fee through the OEC, they use sly tactics to still ensure payment from OFWs."
 
This was declared today Dolores Balladares, chairperson of the United Filipinos in Hong Kong (UNIFIL-MIGRANTE-HK), after receiving reports that OFWs applying for an Overseas Employment Certificate or OEC are again being charged of the OWWA fee as a pre-condition for said document or are being asked by recruitment agencies to pay the said fee to process their contracts despite the moratorium on the mandatory collection of OWWA fee set by POLO-HK head Romulo Salud last January.
 
UNIFIL-MIGRANTE-HK and GABRIELA-HK held a protest action at the Philippine Consulate General office today to condemn what they believed as devious ways of the OWWA to generate more income during this period of graduation rites in the Philippines when OFWs are sure to take their vacation and thus apply for an OEC to get exempted from travel tax and terminal fee in the Philippines.
 
According to Balladares, said reports came from their members who knew about the moratorium and yet were still asked to pay the OWWA when they applied for an OEC. Only when they asserted the halt on such practice were they given the certificate.
 
"How about those unsuspecting OFWs who are unaware of the moratorium? For sure they have been asked the same at the OEC counter and were duped into paying a fee that should not be required to get an OEC," she remarked.
 
The moratorium ends on June this year but, Balladares relayed, no mandatory collection of OWWA fee should be implemented without any sufficient consultation with OFWs as the POLO-HK, through former Labatt Bernardino Julve, promised in 2002.
 
Meanwhile, even OFWs who are processing their new contracts in Hong Kong are also being asked by recruitment agencies to pay the OWWA using a memorandum about mandatory collection that the POLO-HK issued in 2005 and were circulated among recruiters.
 
"Are Labatt Salud, OWWA and the POLO-HK playing us for fools? They declare a moratorium when OFW organizations are present but do the reverse for individual OFWs lining up to get an OEC. This is not only underhanded but brazen extortion," Balladares said
 
Accoding to the group, they are more opposed now to the forced collection of the OWWA fee in the face of what they deemed as the agency's failure to provide sufficient and timely services to OFWs. Balladares said that the continued existence of the OWWA Omnibus Policies deprive OFWs of needed services while ensuring the governmet's arbitrary use of the funds for other ends.
 
"OWWA and the GMA government have no business forcing us to pay for something that we know will not go to our welfare. Their utter obsession to make us do so even through sneaky means shows their drive for income and extortion and not on services and proteksyon. Such is the rottenness of the OWWA Omnibus Polices that we demand to be scrapped," she added.
 
Balladares said that the resumption of collection of mandatory fee is made more ominous as it is also happening during the time when the GMA government needs all the money it can get for the coming polls.
 
"It is not far-fetched to think that GMA and her camp will use the OWWA money to advance their electoral bids. It happened before with the transfer of OWWA Medicare to PhilHealth and it can surely happen again," she stated.
 
According to the group, government exaction has been intensifying recently as shown by the said collection of OWWA fee for an OEC as well as the earlier pronouncements from Pag-IBIG that their membership will also be mandatory for OFWs. Pag-IBIG officials said in a forum with OFW leaders that they will not implement mandatory collection but later on denied such statement.
 
Balladares said that they will again gather Filipino organizations to resist this collection scheme. She relayed that they will seek out Labatt Salud and "have him hold on to his words to the OFW community." They also urged PCG-HK Consul General Claro Cristobal to look into the matter.
 
"OEC must be issued without precondition as a right of OFWs. Any move to do otherwise will be met by the strongest opposition of migrant workers," she concluded.

Failure to ban abusive recruitment agencies means more OFWs to suffer

PRESS STATEMENT

 

Failure to ban abusive recruitment agencies means more OFWs to suffer

 

Government failure to permanently ban abusive recruitment agencies means that many more OFWs will suffer what the Annasban caregivers went through.

 

As fellow OFWs celebrate the victory gained by Annasban OFWs who staged a three-day protest camp-out in front of the office of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Manila this week, Migrante Aotearoa New Zealand joined their calls for the Philippine government to permanently blacklist their recruitment agencies for their track record of labor contract violations.

 

While we rejoice that their camp-out forced OWWA to heed some of their demands for compensation, we support their demand for the government to permanently blacklist their recruitment agencies from deploying Filipinos abroad. It must exert all efforts to repatriate the 5 women caregivers who are still in Saudi Arabia.

 

Migrante Aotearoa also calls to task the Philippine government to strictly monitor and blacklist all other recruitment agencies that collect exorbitant fees and engage in contract substitution. Some nurses who came to work as caregivers in New Zealand complained of such schemes of recruitment agencies that placed them in resthomes with difficult conditions.

 

Low wages, 12-hour working day, child labor and inhuman working conditions — these were the main reasons why millions of women around the world held protests and why International Women's Day is officially commemorated every March 8. The plight of the 67 female caregivers who had no days off and were made to work for 12 hours or more daily in Saudi Arabia is a grim testament that under the Philippine government's labor export thrust, migrant workers especially women are very vulnerable to exploitative working conditions. Their recruitment agencies left them broke as they suffered contract substitution, delayed salaries, illegal deductions and non-payment of overtime pay and other benefits stipulated in their contracts.

 

We further demand government to scrap the OWWA Omnibus Policies that limit government assistance. Instead of assisting ALL OFWs in need, government agencies neglect those who could not afford to pay OWWA dues. Even for OWWA members, it is deplorable that OFWs hardly get support such as the Annasban OFWs who almost starved to death before they were repatriated. They paid OWWA dues and were qualified for assistance, yet they were forced to stage hunger strike abroad to call government attention.

 

OFWs around the world who became flat broke after losing jobs have the same tales of government neglect. Those who cannot claim OWWA assistance desperately find ways to afford a plane ticket back home. Isn't it enough that OFWs and their families have been paying taxes to the government all these years? Why can't the government at least ensure free air tickets for all distressed OFWs wanting to go home? There are thousands of undocumented non-OWWA members needing urgent assistance, will the government wait for them to be dead before they get any support?

 

We challenge the next administration ensure decent jobs at home and provide immediate assistance and compensation for distressed OFWs. This March 8, let the voices of Annasban OFWs and all exploited migrants be heard: Proteksyon, hindi koleksyon! Serbisyo, hindi negosyo! Scrap OWWA Omnibus Policies!

HK OFW group cheers victory repatriated Annasban workers

Condemns worsening services and mandatory fee collection of OWWA
 
"The actions and laudable victory of repatriated Annasban workers in forcing the hands of OWWA to give them their due assistance should be emulated by OFWs around the world. This inutile office of the equally negligent GMA government should be condemned for the worsening state of services of the OWWA even while it continues to intensify its collection of fees."

This was declared today by Dolores Balladares, chairperson of the militant United Filipinos in Hong Kong (UNIFIL-MIGRANTE-HK) after the three-day camp-out of repatriated Filipino caregivers from the Riyadh-based company resulted to OWWA's decision to give financial assistance and medical checkup to protesting OFWs and burial assistance to a fellow worker who died after being repatriated.
 
"In this month for women, the women OFWs of Annasban have shown courage and determination to fight for their rights. Moreso, they have shown what is really fundamentally wrong with the OWWA and that is, the gross neglect of OFW welfare while continuing to squeeze us dry," she added.
 
Balladares relayed that in Hong Kong, the Philippine Overseas Labour Office (POLO-HK) is again making collection of OWWA membership fee mandatory by making it a requirement to get an overseas employment certificate or OEC. Said OEC is issued to exempt vacationing OFWs from paying travel tax and terminal fee.
 
Additionally, Balladares reported that they got wind of a current practice by recruitment agencies in Hong Kong of collecting the OWWA fee from OFWs processing contracts through them that, allegedly, was also ordered by the POLO-HK.
 
"Even if it has been repeatedly rejected by OFWs in HK, the mandatory collection of OWWA fee is still shoved down our throats. With the elections coming, is this another way to increase the fund that this government can dip into for its electoral aims?" she remarked.
 
According to Balladares, the scheme of attaching the OWWA fee to the OEC was started last year but was suspended due to opposition from many OFW organizations. HK Labour Attache Romy Salud himself declared a moratorium on such practice initially until December 31 last year and then was extended until June this year when OFW groups reiterated POLO-HK's pledge in 2003 of making mandatory membership mandatory only after sufficient consultations with the OFW community.

"POLO-HK and OWWA are playing us for fools. While on our face, Labatt Salud declares a moratorium, the reverse happens in the OWWA counter. It is either the POLO-HK ha sinternal communication problems or Labatt Salud is just humoring OFWs with a very, very bad joke," Balladares said.
 
Balladares said that many OFWs would be subjected to this practice as many OFWs are set to go to the Philippines for vacation as March and April are graduation months.

Meanwhile with the agencies collecting the OWWA fee, Balladares said that POLO-HK relayed such a plan to them in their last dialogue on the OEC-OWWA fee issue. She said that they expressed opposition to such plan because it will again make OWWA fee mandatory given the imposition of a ban on direct hiring that forces all OFWs to go through agencies to process their contracts.

"This practice, therefore, has the full knowledge of Labatt Salud and he must also know that such also violates even their own rule that employers pay the OWWA fee. This makes POLO-HK not a only a bad joker but an insufferable liar like GMA as well," she stated.
 
"The OWWA and this government are really desperate in ensuring that the collection continues to flow. While the funds continue to bloat for the government's misuse, OFWs in need like the Annasban workers are deprived of the immediate help that they need. This is exactly the design of the OWWA Omnibus Policies that OFW organizations led by Migrante International have consistently demanded to be scrapped," she added.
 
Balladares said that their group is preparing to conduct actions against the renewed mandatory collection of OWWA including gathering OFW organizations to again resist the scheme.
 
"The only mandatory thing for the OWWA is to be responsive to the needs of OFWs. This is the mandate that it has miserably failed to uphold," she concluded.

More women choosing to work, but gender equality remains a long way off

Despite signs of progress in gender equality over the past 15 years, there is still a significant gap between women and men in terms of job opportunities and quality of employment, according to a new report by the International Labour Office (ILO).

International Women's Day A dozen countries in Asia-Pacific say 'yes' in principle to international labour standard for domestic workers - global discussion at ILC in June

Governments, worker and employer organizations in Asia and the Pacific have indicated their general support - in principle - of setting a new international
labour standard which could offer better social protection to millions of domestic workers - defined as women and men - who earn their living by working
in the homes of others.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

FULL VERSION:

More women choosing to work, but gender equality remains a long way off

GENEVA (ILO News) - Despite signs of progress in gender equality over the past
15 years, there is still a significant gap between women and men in terms of job
opportunities and quality of employment, according to a new report by the
International Labour Office (ILO).

The report, entitled Women in labour markets: Measuring progress and
identifying challenges, says that more than a decade after the 4th World
Conference on Women in Beijing adopted an ambitious global platform for action
on gender equality and women*s empowerment, gender biases remain deeply
embedded in society and the labour market.

The ILO report shows that the rate of female labour force participation has
increased from 50.2 to 51.7 per cent between 1980 and 2008, while the male rate
decreased slightly from 82.0 to 77.7 per cent. As a result, the gender gap in
labour force participation rates has narrowed from 32 to 26 percentage points.

The increases in female participation were seen in all but two regions, Central
and South-Eastern Europe (non-EU), and the CIS countries and East Asia, with the
largest gain seen in Latin America and the Caribbean. In almost all regions,
though, the rate of increase has slowed in recent years. It was in the 1980s and
early *90s that gains in numbers of economically active women were strongest.

At the same time, the share of women in wage and salaried work has grown from
42.8 per cent in 1999 to 47.3 per cent in 2009, and the share of vulnerable
employment decreased from 55.9 per cent to 51.2 per cent.

*While there have been areas of improvement since the Beijing conference and
more women are choosing to work, they still don*t enjoy the same gains as men
in the labour markets*, said Sara Elder of the ILO*s Employment Trends unit
and main author of the report. *We still find many more women than men taking
up low-pay and precarious work, either because this is the only type of job made
available to them or because they need to find something that allows them to
balance work and family responsibilities. Men do not face these same
constraints.*

The report shows that there are three basic areas of lingering gender
imbalances in the world of work. First, nearly half (48.4 per cent) of the
female population above the age of 15 remain economically inactive, compared to
22.3 per cent for men. In some regions, there are still less than 4 economically
active women per 10 active men. Second, women who do want to work have a harder
time than men in finding work. And third, when women do find work, they receive
less pay and benefits than the male workers in similar positions.

*Labour markets and policies must be much more attuned to a broader paradigm
of gender equality, one that adapts and builds on the unique values and
constraints of both women and men,* Ms. Elder said. *Faster and broader
progress towards equality in occupations and employment opportunities is
required and possible*.

The ILO report says the initial impact of the global economic crisis was felt
in sectors dominated by men, such as finance, manufacturing and construction,
but the impact has since expanded to other sectors - including services - where
women tend to predominate.

The ILO estimates that the global female unemployment rate increased from 6.0
per cent in 2007 to 7.0 per cent in 2009, slightly more than the male rate which
rose from 5.5 to 6.3 per cent. But in four of the nine regions, it was the male
unemployment rate that rose more than the female. In 2009, female unemployment
rates were higher than male rates in seven of nine regions, and in the Middle
East and North Africa the difference was as high as 7 percentage points.

The report also says that while women and men workers may now be almost equally
affected by the crisis in terms of job losses, the real gender impact of the
crisis may be yet to come.

*We know from previous crises that female job-losers find it more difficult
to return to work as economic recovery settles in,* Ms. Elder said.
*That*s why it is important to ensure that gender equality is not a
fair weather policy aim that falls aside in the face of hard times. It should be
seen as a means to promote growth and employment rather than as a cost or
constraint*.

Jane Hodges, Director of the ILO*s Bureau for Gender Equality, noted that the
15 years since Beijing had provided important lessons in terms of what works for
working women and gender equality. She said the resolution on Gender Equality at
the Heart of Decent Work, adopted by the 2009 International Labour Conference,
will guide ILO constituents* efforts towards a labour market in which all
women and men can participate freely and actively, including efforts to
facilitate women*s economic empowerment through entrepreneurship development,
address unequal remuneration between women and men, enhance social protection
for all and strengthen women*s participation in social dialogue.

On 8 March, the ILO will mark International Women*s Day at its headquarters
in Geneva and other offices around the world. The Geneva event will bring
together experts from governments and employers* and workers* organizations
from diverse countries and backgrounds for a panel discussion on *What works
for working women*.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

International Women's Day

A dozen countries in Asia-Pacific say 'yes' in principle to international
labour standard for domestic workers - global discussion at ILC in June

Bangkok (ILO News): Governments, worker and employer organizations in Asia and
the Pacific have indicated their general support - in principle - of setting a
new international labour standard which could offer better social protection to
millions of domestic workers - defined as women and men - who earn their living
by working in the homes of others.

An ILO report, *Decent Work for Domestic Workers,* carries the responses of
75 member States to a Questionnaire on the idea of an international labour
standard for domestic workers. It includes the replies from 13 Governments of
member States from the Asia and Pacific region. Responses were received from 32
worker and employer organizations across the region.

The document was published in preparation of a formal discussion at the
International Labour Conference this June on the subject. This annual Conference
brings together Governments, Worker and Employer Organizations from more than
180 member States - the only tripartite meeting of its kind within the UN system
- to discuss critical issues in the world of work.

The setting of an international standard for domestic workers would be an
historic move to recognize and protect an occupation often under-acknowledged by
society. In Asia and the Pacific many domestic workers face indifference at best
by the public and can be subject to outright physical and sexual abuse by their
employers who are often beyond the pale of labour inspections or redress under
national labour laws. Migrant domestic workers are especially vulnerable.

The publishing of the report comes just a few days in advance of International
Women*s Day (8 March). This year the various themes to mark the occasion focus
on progress for equal rights and equal opportunities in society and in the
workplace.

*It is encouraging and timely to see the positive comments coming from member
States here in Asia and the Pacific,* said Ms Sachiko Yamamoto, the ILO*s
Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific. *Judging by the responses received
so far, the indication is that there should be an international standard to
better protect domestic workers in Asia and the Pacific.*

If the June ILC decides that it is advisable to adopt one or more international
instruments, the International Labour Office will draw up, on the basis of the
conclusions adopted by the Conference, one or more draft international labour
instruments to be considered. It will then be for the Conference to make a final
decision on the subject at a future session.

Oman sets amnesty for overstaying expatriate workers

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said the Sultanate of Oman has
advised manpower sending countries, including the Philippines, of its
amnesty for illegal or overstaying expatriate workers, to leave the country
before the March 31, 2010 deadline.

In a report to Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito D. Roque, Labor
Attache Romeo Young said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Oman sent a note
verbale to the Philippine Embassy in the host country requesting it to
enlighten and educate its citizens about the amnesty.

Young said the Philippine Embassy was also tasked to enumerate and register
the names of those who are leaving and for those availing of the amnesty to
submit the documentary requirements to facilitate their hassle-free
repatriation.

Upon receiving the advise, the Philippine Consul General, together with
Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and Overseas Workers Welfare
Administration (OWWA) officials in Oman immediately met and sought the
assistance of leaders of the Filipino community in disseminating a the
information about the amnesty program.

Young said the POLO-OWWA in Oman will set-up a" One-Stop-Shop" center for
the registration and processing of overstaying overseas Filipino workers
(OFWs) who would avail of the amnesty.

Young said that after the initial announcement, 16 OFWs came to the
POLO-OWWA office as the first batch to be properly registered and processed.
More are expected to avail of the amnesty as the deadline comes near, he
added.

Meanwhile, Young said there were signs that additional opportunities for
Filipino workers for Oman will be available soon as the Ministry of Manpower
of Oman announced that it has lifted the temporary ban on issuing work visas
to foreign workers in 10 categories.

Citing a report from the Oman Tribune, Salem Bin Nasir Al Hadhrami,
Director-General of Employment at the Ministry of Manpower was quoted as
saying that the ministry has allowed companies again to apply work visas
for 10 professions such as shoe repair, real estate valuators, bicycle
mechanic, electrician, upholstery workers, car mechanics, plumbers and
painters, screen printing technicians, health club trainers, restaurants and
coffee shop workers.

He, however, clarified that the suspension on eight other professions such
as laundry and barbershop workers will continue till the end of 2010.

Young said that although the ministry adopted a strategy to reduce
recruitment of foreign labor, it continues to study market needs and
economic development plans of the country.

He said that Omani employers have shown great interest in hiring more
Filipino workers because of their good work habits, pleasing personality,
and sunny disposition in life, which employers value most in the
service-oriented establishments like hotels, parlors, restaurants, shopping
centers, and coffee shops.

Fw: MEDIA ADVISORY: CAMP-OUT SA OWWA!

 

----- Original Message -----

From: campaignprop

Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2010 3:42 PM

Subject: MEDIA ADVISORY: CAMP-OUT SA OWWA!

MEDIA ADVISORY:

Reference: Ailyn Abdula, Media Officer, 09212708994

 

CAMP-OUT SA OWWA!

Katarungan para sa mga CAREGIVERS mula sa ANNASBAN,

Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia!

Katarungan sa mga PINABAYAAN ng OWWA at Gobyernong Arroyo!

 

MARSO 3:

10:30 AM- Mass Docketing of Cases mula sa unang araw ng conciliation at ipapanawagan sa POEA na huwag makatakas ang mga Recruitment Agencies sa kapabayaan at hindi pagtupad sa mga pinirmahang kontrata.

             

-Harap ng Philippine Overseas Employment Adminstration, Ortigas Ave. cor. EDSA

 

1:00 PM- pagtatayo ng camp-out!

PROTEKSYON HINDI KOLEKSYON,

SERBISYO HINDI NEGOSYO!

 

Kasabay ng protesta ay maghunger strike din ang 5 OFWs (ang isa ay lumalala ang sakit) na nakahimpil pa rin sa kasalukuyan sa loob ng Annasban Company at nais nang bumalik sa Pilipinas.

 

MARSO 4:

10:00 AM- Mga grupo ng kababaihan kasama ang mga OFWs ng Annasban ay magkakapit-bisig upang ipakita ang nagkakaisang tinig laban sa lumalaking bilang ng mga nayuyurakan ng mga karapatan sa paggawa at ipagsisigawan na mabigyan ng HUSTISYA!

 

MARSO 5:

10:00 AM- Sa panahong wala pa ring malinaw na aksyon ang OWWA ay mananawagan ang mga OFWs na sumama ang lahat ng mga biktima ng kapabayaan at dumugin ng protesta ang ahensya at sama-samang hingin ang agarang aksyon at ibigay ang nararapat na proteksyon sa lahat ng Migranteng Pilipino.

 

 

 

 

--
http://migrantecampaign.ning.com
#10 Banuyo St.Brgy.Amihan, Project 3, Quezon City
Telefax: 9114910

'Trainings alone will not prevent OAV from failing'

 

Amidst the series of trainings on the members of the foreign service, the global alliance of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) Migrante International, still sees "inevitable" failure in the conduct of the the Overseas Absentee Voting.

 

"Apart from the trainings being unforgivingly late, the OAV is still bound to fail if the Comelec and the RP posts abroad do not clarify the particularities on how are they going to ensure that OFWs will be able to vote and how the system will be free from fraud. Until now the Comelec has not released clear-cut guidelines to address these problems, until now there are no schedules of voters education for OFWs," said Garry Martinez, chairperson of Migrante.

 

Migrante believes that the allotted PCOS machines for automated elections in Hong Kong and Singapore is not enough.  "This number runs on ideal assumptions: no machine failure and very well-informed voters. But given the slack preparations and the machine glitches in the dry-runs, chaos leading to disenfranchisement is sure to happen. Did they even consider the reality that domestic helpers, which comprises the majority of the OFWs, only has Sunday as day-off," Martinez said.

 

Thirty PCOS machines are only allotted for the automated elections. A total of 127,206 are slated to vote in Hong Kong and Singapore. Migrante pushed for more machines and more polling areas. "It would even be better if the PCOS machines can be stationed in major concentrations of OFWs on Sundays," Martinez said.

 

"Postal voting on the other hand also posts a lot of problems. In our experience last elections in Japan, many ballots came after the period of elections. To note, Japan already has a very efficient postal system. And now they are doing it in 46 more countries including those with literally snail-paced mail?" asked Martinez.

 

Matinez also expressed that what is more intriguing is the lack of systems to protect the ballots from tampering. He explained that given the elections will run for a month, the fraud operatives will have a month-long chance, be it manual, postal or automated elections. Until now, no procedures are in place to address this concern.

 

"With the way things are going, we really suspect that this isn't just a case of late preparations. This could be intended to really sabotage the votes of the migrant Filipinos. Disenfranchising OFWs of their right to vote benefits none except the present administration. OFWs has always been critical of the present regime because of its intensified labor export program," concluded Martinez.

Press Releases from US Migrants Groups on Jakatia Pawa

 

----- Original Message -----

From: campaignprop

To: MIGRANTE International ; migrante campaign

Sent: Friday, February 26, 2010 1:27 PM

Subject: Press Releases from US Migrants Groups on Jakatia Pawa

For Immediate Release
Reference: Ryan Leano, Secretary General. Sandiwa- The National Alliance of Fil Am Youth sandiwa.national@gmail.com

National Fil Am Youth fights to SAVE JAKATIA PAWA: She could have been our mother!

SANDIWA-USA, The National Alliance of Filipino American Youth is urgently appealing to the Amir of the State of Kuwait not to authorize the death sentence of Jakatia Pawa.

Jakatia Pawa is a 33 year old Filipina domestic worker who is one of the over Ten million Filipinos currently out of the Philippines to provide a better life to their families who are left back home. On April 13, 2008 she was sentenced to death for allegedly killing the 22 year old daughter of her employer whom she has been working for faithfully for five years. She was sentenced without sufficient evidence, no proven fingerprints on the weapon or forensic traces on the victim that links her to the killing.

"A mother of two, Jakatia Pawa is just like many of our mothers who are forced to go abroad, striving hard in order to provide for their loved ones while enduring the pain of being away from them simply because there are not enough means of survival given their economic condition if they stay in the Philippines," states Aurora Victoria David, the West coast Director of Sandiwa.

Jakatia Pawa is now a new addition to the long list of cases of overseas Filipino workers blatantly neglected by the Philippine government. A lawyer was not provided early enough while she constantly pleads innocent throughout the trial. The government sponsors the upsurge of Overseas Filipino workers with its labor export programs and yet it is incapable of providing protection and security for the millions of Filipino citizens working in foreign land.

"In 2008 from US alone, around US$7.8 was remitted to the Philippines and there are millions more remitting globally, it is ironic that the OFW's, the glorified modern day heroes who are barely keeping the degraded Philippine economy afloat are not getting the slightest of attention from the government and instead deliberately corrupts the remainder of their sweat and hard work, especially now during the election season" states Anne Beryl Corotan, the National Chairperson of Sandiwa. "As youth we see and disapprove of the irresponsibility of the Philippine government to provide for basic security and fundamental needs of its citizens abroad. We must do all we can to not let Jakatia Pawa, a young Filipina working mother be another Flor Contemplancion."

Even with the inadequacy of the Philippine government to drain all means to save her life, it is still not too late. The National alliance of Fil Am Youth (SANDIWA-USA), alongside the church people, professionals, and workers is in harmony with the echoing voices of the migrants across the globe in appealing to the Amir of the State of Kuwait to help save the life of Jakatia Pawa by not authorizing her death sentence.

Save Jakatia Pawa NOW!
Justice for Overseas Filipinos Workers!

For Immediate Release
Reference: Michelle Saulon, Email: pf.kabalikat@gmail.com, Phone: 718 565 8862

Kabalikat Domestic Workers Support Network: Save Jakatia Pawa Now!

Woodside NY – Kabalikat Domestic Worker Support Network, a domestic workers support network is appealing to the Amir of the State of Kuwait not to ratify the death sentence imposed on Jakatia Pawa. We are acknowledging that governments have the right to bring those who commit crimes to justice, but we also express our unconditional opposition to the death penalty as it ultimately violates the right to life.

The death sentence was upheld by the Kuwaiti Court of Cassation (Supreme Court) on January 19, 2010. The sentence will now be submitted to Kuwait's Head of State, the Emir, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Jaber Al Sabah. It is understood that the decision will be made within two to four weeks.

Jakatia Pawa, a 33 year old mother of two children, is from Zamboanga Del Norte province in southern Philippines. Pawa left the Philippines to earn an honest living as a domestic helper in Kuwait. She has been working for the same employer for five years when the unfortunate crime happened.

On April 13, 2008, even without evidence gathered against her, she was sentenced to death for allegedly killing the 22 year old daughter of her employer. The decision was made even though she was denied the right to legal counsel and the fingerprints found on the murder weapon was not hers. The extreme sentence is unjustifiable and unfair given the questionable circumstances of her case.


Pawa's case shows the vulnerability of Filipino domestic workers overseas. Like the domestic workers in New York, Pawa is one of the thousands of domestic workers forced to work in abusive, dangerous and dehumanizing conditions, without legal protections by the Philippine Government.

In the US, migrant domestic workers, who are 95% women, are overwhelmed with problems resulting from family separation, long hours of work, low wages, no overtime pay and lack of benefits, and bear the brunt of systemic racism and devaluation of women's labor in the domestic sphere. We, Filipino overseas workers have remitted more than $12.5 billion dollars in 2006, sustaining our families directly affected by the economic and social crisis. We are fully aware that our hard earned dollars are the single most important resource that keeps the Philippine economy afloat.

Modern Heroes is what the Philippine President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo calls the 3000 Filipinos who leave the Philippines every day. Special names is not what we need now, recognition, respect and protection from our government is needed the most especially for Jakatia Pawa and others like her in all parts of the globe.

We believe that she is just one of the many Filipinas who were neglected by the Philippine government. She deserves just and fair trial since her case was unfair to begin with and that the Philippine government must be held accountable for this long overdue process. Therefore all measures should be exhausted to free her and that she could be reunited with her families back home.

Kabalikat is a domestic workers support network based in New York and it aims to address the concerns and well being of a domestic worker in the tri state area. Kabalikat resolve to raise awareness and lend support to issues relevant to domestic workers like the case of Jakatia Pawa, a domestic worker. Kabalikat is located at the Bayanihan Filipino Community Center at 40-21 69th St. Woodside NY. For information, we can be reached at 718 565 8862.

--
http://migrantecampaign.ning.com
#10 Banuyo St.Brgy.Amihan, Project 3, Quezon City
Telefax: 9114910

Migrants ask, is Jakatia Pawa still alive?

 

 

 

Migrants ask, is Jakatia Pawa still alive?

 

Is Jakatia Pawa still alive?

 

Migrante International expressed worries and ordered the Philippine government to reveal the present status of the case of a Filipina domestic helper who was sentenced to death by the highest court and now awaits the final decision of the Kuwaiti head of state.

 

"Do not leave us in the dark. The people who are committed to saving her life deserves to know the present status of her case. We need to know so that we can think of appropriate actions other than what we are doing at the present," said Garry Martinez, convenor of the Save Jakatia Pawa Movement and is also the chairperson of Migrante International.

 

Last January 19, the Kuwaiti Court of Cassation affirmed the death sentence on Jakatia Pawa, a domestic helper who was convicted of murdering the 22 year old daughter of her employer. Based established processes, the sentence will be immediately submitted to Kuwait's Amir for ratification and will take two weeks to a month for him to give the ultimate decision.

 

Martinez conveyed that they are rattled on the situation that today is the final day for the Amir's final judgement and yet the government is not providing updates to the public. "We are expecting Ms. Arroyo to at least reveal a report on their efforts to save Pawa's life. What happened to VP Noli's trip to Kuwait, did it ever push through," he asked.

 

According to earlier reports, President Arroyo sent Vice President Noli de Castro to Kuwait to personally appeal for the life of Jakatia Pawa. There were no follow-up reports on the result of this visit.

 

"We are alarmed because Pawa might just add up to Arroyo's notorious record of having the most number OFWs who died under her term. And what is enraging is that while she is neglecting our kababayans abroad, her government is instituting added state exactions in the name of their welfare," blasted Martinez.

 

For this year, two new laws on government collections on OFWs are set to take effect. The amended RA 8042 will impose a mandatory insurance fee collection while RA 9679 or the Home Development Mutual Fund Law will collect P100 every month to every OFW.  

 

Migrante said that they are set to flood the Kuwait government with appeals for Pawa's life next week in time for the country's Independence-National Day. It is believed that on these days the Amir of Kuwait gives clemency to individuals in death row. ###

 

DOLE sets interventions vs. proposed Somalia deployment ban

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) said it is not necessary to
ban the deployment of Filipino seafarers to foreign flagged ships because
interventions are now taking place to address the adverse effects of
piracy-related incidents perilous to them and to the operations of global
shipping.

Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito D. Roque said the issues that
brought about the total ban that was recommended to President
Macapagal-Arroyo is being addressed through the implementation of a joint
communiqué or agreement forged between the DOLE and seafarers groups,
manning and shipping sectors and the International Labour Organization and
International Maritime Organization.

Roque said the stakeholders signed the communiqué during the Anti-Piracy
Summit for Filipino Seafarers held last January 8, 2010 at the Amosup Seamen's
Center in Intramuros, Manila.

"We do not recommend the banning of our Filipino seafarers from working in
foreign vessels that ply pirate-infested waters in Somalia as interventions
on how to deal with the piracy problem have been identified during the
anti-piracy summit," said Roque noting that the proposed ban would result in
Filipino seafarers losing their jobs that surely will affect their families
and the Philippine seafaring industry and the economy as well.

Earlier, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) recommended to the
President the total ban on the deployment of Filipino seafarers to foreign
flagships that ply pirate-infested waters in Somalia.

As provided for by the joint communiqué, three measures are now being
implemented for the protection of the Filipino seafarers against sea piracy.
The measures cover the formulation of anti-piracy regulations, and the
conduct of anti-piracy training and psycho-social counseling for seafarers.

Roque said that more than 200 agencies out of 350 manning firms have already
submitted their anti-piracy training modules to the Philippine Overseas
Employment Administration (POEA). The final approval of the said modules
will be based on the standard training module which the POEA is preparing in
coordination with the Maritime Training Center (MTC).

Based on the POEA Memorandum Circular No. 02, Series of 2010, "all manning
agencies must require seafarers to undergo training on practical measures to
avoid, deter or delay piracy/ attacks prior to deployment." The anti-piracy
training is separate and in addition to the regular Pre-Departure
Orientation Seminar (PDOS) conducted for departing seafarers. In addition,
manning agencies will have to submit to POEA a list of all the trainees each
month indicating the name, date of training and name of company.

Aside from the anti-piracy training, the POEA has also approved a resolution
allowing the deployment of Filipino seafarers on board vessels transiting in
pirate-infested areas provided that the ship owners, principals, managers or
manning agencies will ensure that the vessel will pass within the maritime
security patrol area.

The ship owner and manning agencies will also submit appropriate security
measures such as security escorts or joining convoy to all ships passing
through known pirate-infested areas.

Meanwhile, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) is providing
psycho-social counseling and other support services for families and their
kin who could become victims of piracy.

OFW Journalism Consortium
www.ofwjournalism.net

OFWs told to report abusive employers

 

---

 

 

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is looking into the veracity of a report alleging that some Filipino household service workers (HSWs) have been maltreated by their employers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. 

 

Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito D. Roque said there was no mention of the real name of the HSW cited in the report.  However, he instructed Riyadh-based Labor Attache Rustico dela Fuente to determine which particular case the report was referring to.

 

Roque also took the opportunity to call on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families to contact the nearest Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) or the DOLE and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in the Philippines for assistance in all cases of abuse and exploitation that the OFWs may encounter in the hands of their employers onsite. 

 

He asked the OFWs' families, in case their kin suffer abuses in their jobs abroad, to contact and coordinate with DOLE and OWWA rather than with certain groups which apparently are just using complaints against OFW abuses and exploitation to advance their propaganda and vested interests.

 

Distressed OFWs onsite must also immediately contact the nearest POLO for assistance, Roque said.

 

Seeking other groups would only delay assistance as these groups will also refer the cases of distressed OFWs to DOLE and OWWA, he said adding that it will be more beneficial to OFWs and their kin to directly contact the two agencies for needed assistance.

 

In a similar development, Roque said efforts have been set in place to improve the delivery of services to OFWs onsite.

 

He said the Foreign Labor Operations Information System (FLOIS) will soon be implemented to improve the management and operations of 38 POLOs in various destinations overseas, particularly in extending assistance to needy OFWs onsite.  The system will be integrated with the DOLE's Information Systems Plan.

 

FLOIS, Roque said, will provide Internet-based information on profiles of OFW and their foreign employers and a listing of local and foreign recruitment agencies. 

 

The DOLE's International Labor Affairs Bureau and the Planning Service have been directed during the recent DOLE-wide planning sessions to complete the FLOIS project early this year to facilitate the provision of assistance and services to OFWs.

Ople challenges BSP to state moral, legal grounds for outsourcing circular

 

Former labor undersecretary Susan Ople criticized the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) for issuing a circular that allowed the outsourcing of human resources in banks and other financial institutions. "This will lead to the wholesale replacement of hundreds and thousands of regular bank employees with agency-hired contractual workers at lower pay, less experience, and with no job security at all," Ople, a senatorial bet of the Nacionalista Party said, as she challenged the BSP to explain the legal and moral grounds behind its pro-outsourcing circulars. The daughter of the late senator and Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople called on the Department of Labor and Employment to immediately meet with BSP officials to thresh out this intrusion into the department's mandate of promoting industrial peace and decent work. She said that information technology upgrades should not be used as a reason in shedding more regular jobs. "We cannot afford to shed more full employment jobs amid rising unemployment and underemployment rates. This is a fight for economic survival for regular employees not just in the banking sector, but everywhere else," Ople added. Leaders of the Banking and Financial Unions and employees' union officers from the Philippine National Bank (PNB), Bank of Philippine Islands (BPI), Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC), Citibank, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC), Veterans Bank and Planters' Bank are up in arms against the BSP circular. BSP Circular 268 sets forth policies related to outsourcing of jobs including identification of functions and operations that could be outsourced to service providers. Among the operations that can be outsourced are Information Technology Systems/Processing, Data Imaging, Storage and Retrieval, Clearing and Processing of Checks, Printing of Bank Deposit Statements, Credit Card services, Printing of Bank Loan statements, credit investigation and collection, processing of export, imort and other trading transactions, messengerial, courier and postal services, security guard services and vehicle service contracts. Ople said that with this circular, only managerial positions will be retained, leading to a massive demolition of regular jobs and weakening of trade unions within the banking sector. "Clearly, there is a sensitivity chip missing on the part of the BSP and unless it withdraws Circular 268, it should brace itself for a firestorm of protests not only from bank employees but also from leaders and members of the entire labor movement," Ople warned. The circular states: Section 4.1  Subject to prior approval of the Monetary Board, banks may outsource data imaging, storage, retrieval and other related systems; clearing and processing of checks not included in the Philippine Clearing House System; printing of bank deposit statements; and such other  activities as may be determined by the Monetary Board. The bank concerned must submit the same documentary requirements listed in  Section 3.2 hereof, except where they exclusively pertain to information technology operations.  Section 4.2. Banks may outsource credit card services; printing of bank loan statements and other non-deposit records, bank forms and promotional materials; credit investigation and collection; processing of export, import and other trading transactions; transfer agent services for debt   and   equity  securities; property appraisal; property   management services; messenger, courier and postal services; security guard services; vehicle service contracts; janitorial services; and such other activities as may be determined by the Monetary Board.  "Such issuances given its impact on the lives of so many bank employees should have gone through consultations with bank unions, the labor department, and other stakeholders. The BSP should realize that one of the major push factors for migration is the lack of regular jobs in the country. Ironically, the chief tracker of dollar remittances is now pushing more workers out the door with its circular," Ople lamented.

With looming protest, Pag-IBIG backs out mandatory OFW membership Gabriela-HK calls to stop government exaction from overseas Pinoys

"It is a victory for the militant and vigilant OFWs resisting schemes for government exactions. While the GMA government is bent in squeezing more income from our labor, we shall always be there to fight its schemes every step of the way."
 
This was declared by Cynthia Abdon-Tellez, chairperson of Gabriela in Hong Kong, after Pag-IBIG president and CEO Jaime Fabiaña categorically declared that they will not force OFWs to become members of Pag-IBIG nor will it be made a requirement to process OFW documents. Fabiaña issued the statement in a forum with leaders of OFW organizations yesterday at the Philippine Consulate General.
 
According to Abdon-Tellez, the plan to make Pag-IBIG a mandatory requirement for OFWs came on the heels of their successful campaign opposing the forced membership of OFWs to the OWWA to enable them to get an overseas employment certificate. Since November last year, a moratorium has been imposed on the OWWA collection for an OEC.
 
"The militance that OFWs in Hong Kong have shown has forced Pag-IBIG to think twice about the mandatory membership. We shall surely be even more vigilant for while it will not be implemented now, there is always the possibility that it will be slyly enforced if we let our guards down," she added.
 
The Gabriela-HK chair hit the government for being a "consistent extortionist" to OFWs. She also noted that government exaction intensifies especially at the onset of every electoral poll.
 
"Just before the 2007 elections, the POEA Guidelines on hiring Filipino household workers was implemented that carried provisions for training and accreditation requirements which translated to more fees for migrant Filipinos. Now, a few months before the 2010 polls, here comes the mandatory Pag-IBIG membership. It is reasonable to assume that the GMA government, desperate to oil its faltering electoral machine, has its eyes again on OFW money," she remarked.
 
Additionally, the group recalled that in 2004, the GMA government forced the transfer of the OWWA Medicare Fund to PhilHealth after, then PhilHealth head and now, Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque sent a missive to GMA saying that the transfer will have a significant impact to the year's elections.
 
"Together with progressive partylist representatives and other Philippine groups, we resisted the POEA guidelines that forced GMA to exempt current OFWs from the rule. We vow to work for a decisive victory against the mandatory OWWA and Pag-IBIG membership schemes. We were, and will be, consistent in our opposition against government exaction plans," she added.
 
The group said that they will use the scheduled proclamation rally of Gabriela Women's Party in Hong Kong this Sunday, February 7, to call for the scrapping of the mandatory Pag-IBIG membership provision of RA 9679. She said that the call, together with other concerns on government exactions, will be forwarded as an OFW agenda to Makabayan-Nacionalista Party senatorial bets Rep. Satur Ocampo and Rep. Liza Maza who will grace the coming rally.
 
"The mandatory Pag-IBIG membership is still a Damocles sword poised above our heads. Ocampo and Maza have championed the rights of OFWs in the past and we are sure that they shall do so again with this current government exaction scheme that will not be used for OFW interests," she remarked.
 
Abdon-Tellez said that they will oppose the new rule as vigorously as they resisted other government exaction policies.
 
"OFWs are sick and tired of being the milking cows of the GMA government and we look forward to the day that she is removed from power after the May elections. With this new order to make membership to Pag-IBIG mandatory, it is even more definite that there will be no love lost between OFWs and GMA once she is out of office," she concluded.

DOLE assistance to Filipino repatriates from Haiti assured

Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito D. Roque assured that all forms of
assistance will be provided to the returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW)
from Haiti.

"We will extend whatever assistance that is available for them," Roque said,
following the arrival of additional five (5) OFWs (Victor Torrizo, Viccina
Torrizo, Allan Vincent Torrizo, Badette Villagracia and Art Raymart
Villagracia) on Saturday, comprising the second batch that the government
repatriated from the quake-devastated country.

Roque said he has already directed OWWA and the regional offices of DOLE to
use every means necessary to make sure that the welfare of these OFWs will
be well-taken cared of.

"I have also tasked all the concerned agencies of the Department to conduct
a needs assessment analysis to the repatriates to identify the kinds of
assistance they need," the Labor Chief added, as he stressed the importance
of this process to fast-track the provision of the necessary assistance.

He said, DOLE will explore every possible effort to retrain and retool these
OFWs to make them more competitive in the future and ready for possible
deployment to other countries.

The first batch of Filipino repatriates from the quake-ravaged country of
Haiti arrived last Friday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)
Terminal II on board PAL Flight PR 103. They are Gregorio Bacurin, Donna
Bacurin, Rucelle Cruz, Sonny Maning, Rosario Santos and Mikaela Santos.

Roque said, the repatriates underwent a debriefing session and brought to
the doorsteps of their homes for a well-deserved rest.

Ordeal in Haiti

"Nabagsakan ang kamay at paa ko ng semento habang nasa third floor ako ng
opisina. Gumuho ang buong building namin at gumapang lang ako sa isang
maliit na butas kaya ako nakaligtas," said Donna Bacurin, with tears rolling
down her cheeks as she was being given first aid treatment by the Red Cross.

She added that she was not even given the chance to have an x-ray because
many hospitals were either destroyed or already filled with badly-injured
people. "Kaya nga, napakalaki ng aking pagpapasalamat sa Department of Labor
at Philippine government sa kanilang magandang ginawa," she said.

On the other hand, Rosario Santos, mentioned that she has just went for a
gas refill, when the quake completely destroyed the facility, instantly
killing everyone on site. "Maraming salamat sa gobyerno natin sa
napakagandang pag-handle nila sa amin noong nasa Haiti kami, hindi nila kami
pinabayaan," Santos added.

Gregorio Bacurin, husband of Donna pointed out that he saw lifeless bodies
lined-up on the streets of Port au Prince, while the government of Haiti
struggled to put order to the chaotic scene of the quake.

"Hindi pa nga kami halos natutulog simula noong nagkalindol kasi natatakot
kami, baka kasi magkaroon ng aftershock at madisgrasya kami," he added.

He also revealed that they were sleeping in an open lot beside their house
for fear that their house might collapse anytime an aftershock hits.

"Nagkaroon din ng patrolya ang mga kalalakihan sa aming Filipino community
doon para maprotektahan ang aming komunidad at mahadlangan ang mga
magnanakaw na nagkalat sa paligid," he further said.

He exclaimed that he is very happy to finally return safe and sound here in
the Philippines, as he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the DOLE, OWWA,
DFA and the Philippine government for bringing them back home.