US may place Phl under 'Temporary Protected Status'

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine embassy in Washington said the US may place the country under Temporary Protected Status which would allow Filipinos affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) to stay and work there.

The Embassy said it welcomes the announcement made by the US Customs and Immigration Services last November 15 that certain immigration relief measures can be extended to Filipinos affected by the typhoon on humanitarian grounds.

The Embassy added that it is also aware of the strong interest of the Filipino community, supported by members of the US Congress and leaders of the Catholic Church, for the US Government to place the Philippines under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and enable eligible Filipino nationals to support relief and rehabilitation efforts in the Philippines by allowing them to legally stay and work in the US for a certain period.

"The consultation process is still ongoing. When the decision on what action to take is finally made, it would be based on what the Philippine Government believes would be best for our country and our people," Philippine Ambassador Jose Cuisia said on the Embassy's website.

He said during the past several weeks, the Embassy has been consulting with American authorities on the TPS program and the designation process while simultaneously coordinating the typhoon relief efforts for the Philippines.

Cuisia added that the Embassy has also been actively involved in consultations with leaders of the Filipino Community and other stakeholders, including the Department of Foreign Affairs and other concerned agencies in Manila.

Super Typhoon Yolanda wrought slammed into the central Philippines over a month ago and wrought havoc in Eastern Visayas.

Nearly 6,000 have been reported dead due to the calamity that affected about 12 million people including four million displaced.