Protection for OFWs

Out here in the Middle East frontlines, where our government engages in real action protecting, nurturing and caring for OFWs, especially the distressed ones, we are often attacked from two fronts: one from the radical left, which accuses us of not doing enough for the migrant workers, and on the other hand, by the conservative right, which charges government of “spoiling”, “over protecting” the OFWs and for defending them whether right or wrong. This time, we want to take up this last accusation, that we, in government, allegedly, are overdoing our concern for the OFWs and that many of the recipients of government's compassion are supposedly unworthy of our time, efforts and resources.

Questions, for instance, are being asked, why government spends much of the Legal Assistance Fund of the DFA in order to pay foreign lawyers for Filipinos who murder young children of their of their employers. We are also being taken to task in order to explain why we spend a lot of money supporting the judicial defense of married Filipinos abroad who are being accused of killing their Filipino girlfriends or paramours. And then again, inquiries are being made why 90% of our operational budget in the overseas labor office are being spent for the foods and health care of thousand of domestic helpers who break their two-year contract and run away from their employers.

The meaning of protection

Protection to OFWs is not only a government program. It is a Constitutional mandate imposed on the State to afford FULL PROTECTION to labor, whether local or overseas. This protection is FULL, UNCONDITIONAL and UNCOMPROMISING. It encompasses five (5) dimensions. First, is protection against cruel and oppressive employers. Second, is protection against dishonest, illegitimate and scheming recruiters and their agents. Third, is protection against harsh laws, procedures and regulations of the host government. Fourth, is protection against the undue exploitations and importuning of inconsiderate and too demanding friends, relatives and families. And Fifth, protection to OFWS also means government (As PARENS PATRIAE or guardian of the people's welfare), should protect OFWs against their own gullibility, ignorance, naiveté and recklessness.

Our government protects OFWs from employers who hurt them physically or abuse them sexually. The government also provides protection against recruiters who exploit, cheat and scheme against poor job applicants. The government also, by diplomacy and bilateral negotiations, seek better terms and conditions of employment in order to protect OFWs from unfavorable laws and regulations and anti-labor policies of the host government. By counseling and other interventions, the OFWs are also protected from undue impositions of relatives, friends and families. Lastly, if the OFWs are made to sign documents with undue influence, pressures or deceptive schemes, the government nullifier such illegal and immoral agreements.