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“It is not enough for the Philippine government to just warn OFWs of the virus. They have to be more pro-active and deploy medical personnel to attend to the needs of our OFWs, especially those stranded and lacking medical assistance and facilities in shelters and detention centers.” – Garry Martinez, Migrante International
“The hike in Philhealth contributions came at a very opportune time when the Commission on Audit reported that in 2012, Philhealth issued some P1.5 billion in bonuses and allowances to its top officials and employees.”
“Unlucky Filipinos who couldn’t get a time slot in the Philippine embassy’s outreach services have to go to Vancouver to simply renew their passports—a process that could cost up to $700 in airfare and accommodations, plus the $69 passport fee.”
“The growing number of undocumented OFWs worldwide is indicative of the ongoing crisis of forced migration and the systemic economic crisis in the country.” – Migrante International
“The Philippines has its own share of such crimes against domestic workers.” – Migrante International
"Last year, the government deployed two million OFWs and professionals abroad, the biggest in history. So again, how can the DOLE stomach this absurdity?"
2013 was no different for OFWs as they continue to face government neglect. But the year also showed what OFWs could accomplish through their concerted action.
Migrante Middle East and North Africa suggests that the Philippine government seeks the intervention of the Saudi Reconciliation Committee to appeal to the victim’s family to issue a conditional waiver on Zapanta’s execution until the payment of the blood money will be completed.
“The Aquino government had been too busy defending its Disbursement Acceleration Program and trillions of its presidential pork while allocating a paltry P50 million ($1.15 million) repatriation fund in the 2014 budget and a P2 billion ($46 million) reintegration fund for those who will be repatriated home.” – Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Luzviminda Ilagan
“Migrant workers are particularly vulnerable as they are easily intimidated because of their unfamiliarity with the local place and culture.” Migrante-Alberta
Louie Bedaho Belista, 36, who died due to a severe asthma attack, was the sixth person to die at the Tent City in Jeddah.
“Large scale migration is a symptom of underdevelopment in the sending country. The structural causes of underdevelopment driving migration and exposing migrants to vulnerable situations must be addressed.” – Migrante International
“When I learned about the pork barrel scam, I was very angry. That money should have been spent for the welfare of Filipinos. My father was forced to leave us so he could provide for our needs. But our family ended up torn apart.” – Rolando Ypil Jr., son of an OFW
“We are very happy for Dondon and the Lanuza family. All our efforts have not been in vain, and we attribute this mainly to Dondon’s fighting spirit and the collective efforts of friends, supporters and family.” – Migrante International
“There were lots of posts circulating in Facebook. Why just one day? They said it would be better if we do it for a week or a month.” – Migrante International
OFWs are angry over the continuing corruption, slow prosecution of culprits, and Aquino’s special treatment of Janet Lim-Napoles, while Filipino migrant workers are deprived of basic support and services to protect their well-being and human rights. – United Filipinos in Hong Kong-Migrante
“The power to send or not to send remittances rests on Filipino im/migrants and OFWs alone. By not remitting for one day, Filipinos all over the world will use their economic power to make a stand against corruption, patronage politics and social injustice.” – Migrante International
“At this point, it’s clear that there was abuse of authority, there is abuse of women. Whatever you may call it, it definitely requires strong measures and strong disciplinary action and a revamp of the system of treating OFWs abroad.” – Senator Teofisto Guingona III
“Employers often abuse this power in violation of Saudi law to confiscate passports, withhold wages, and force migrants to work against their will or on exploitative terms.” – Human Rights Watch
Since 2010, thousands upon thousands of OFWs in distress have been deported or forcibly repatriated back to the country due to civil unrest, calamities, economic instability, and other similar factors in migrant-receiving countries.” Garry Martinez, Migrante International
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