Binay helps Danao widow

CEBU, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar C. Binay yesterday assured the widow of an engineer who died after having a heart attack while working in Saudi Arabia, that he we will facilitate for the immediate return of his body to the country.

Binay, who visited Danao City yesterday morning with the senatorial bets under the United Nationalists Alliance, made the announcement after one Conchita Ponce asked for her assistance.

Ponce, a teacher and a resident of Barangay Maslog in Danao City, visited the office of Mayor Ramon “Boy” Durano, Jr. yesterday after learning of Binay’s visit to Danao.

Mayor Durano assured Mrs. Ponce that he will bring her request directly to Binay once he arrives in Danao City.

When Binay arrived, Mayor Boy Durano informed the vice president of the Ponce’s concern.

Ponce’s husband, an engineer, died last week while working in Saudi Arabia. The family is having a hard time transporting the body from Saudi Arabia to the Philippines.

Mrs. Ponce, who joined the 5,000 people gathered at the Macapagal-Durano Plaza, was asked to see Vice President Binay onstage.

Mrs. Ponce told Vice President Binay about her problem and was assured of his help.

The vice president personally called up the office of the Philippine Amabassador to Saudia Arabia and directed them to facilitate the transportation of Engr. Ponce’s remains to the country.

Binay assured Mrs. Ponce that he directed his staff to closely coordinate with the Philippine Embassy in Saudi Arabia. The vice president said his office will prioritize the issues and concerns that all the Overseas Filipino Workers will bring to his office.

He also asked those who wanted to work abroad to closely coordinate with their local officials and examine first if the agency and company who hired them abroad have a license from the Philippine Employment and Overseas Administration and other government agencies concerned.

Mayor Boy Durano thanked Binay for his assurance to help the immediate transportation of the remains of Mrs. Ponce’s husband.

“Dako kayo ang among kalipay nga mipasalig gayud ug tabang sa atong igsoon dinhi sa Danao si Vice President Binay, (We are very happy that Vice President Binay promised to help our constituent from Danao.)” Mayor Durano said.  (FREEMAN)