Treading carefully

The Philippines has a lot to learn from Taiwan. It all began when the Labor attaché of the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Taichung ordered the deportation of a Filipino female caregiver who was critical on social media of President Duterte's actions regarding the COVID-19 response. In other words, they did not like someone criticizing the president, hence the deportation request so cases like cyber libel can be filed against the OFW.

But the Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) immediately rejected the request and said all its citizens and foreign workers were protected under their laws, including freedom of expression and speech. The Palace issued a statement saying they respected Taiwan's rejection of the deportation and leaves the fate of the OFW to Taiwan and China, obviously referring to the One China Policy that the government accepts.

This is where the MOFA of Taiwan objected to presidential spokesman Harry Roque's statement and reiterates Taiwan has never been part of China. Angelito Banayo, chairman of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) also reminded Roque that he should tread carefully when it comes to Taiwan and China. There was no reason to dabble into the sensitivities between Taiwan and China. Approximately 160,000 Filipino OFWs are working in Taiwan who are treated very well. This was evidenced by the rejection of the deportation order.

Imagine that. It took another country to defend the rights of our citizens. A country not afraid of China. Is free speech limited to praise and not criticism? Taiwan answered this. I also agree with Banayo that caution should be taken when it comes to Taiwan and China. The small country has been demanding sovereignty for the longest time to no avail. The One China Policy is accepted by many countries, the Philippines included. But Taiwan became a friend way before China so respect must also be given. The issue between the two countries should be left to themselves. The welfare of our OFWs must be the focus of our representatives and not just watch out what they say on social media particularly those critical of the president.

There are still so many problems right here for the labor department to address. The loss of jobs, the providing of financial assistance, what happens to workers in the new normal, and much more. Surely these need more attention than one person criticizing the government. We live in a different time where some priorities are more pressing than what others may think.