On the 15th death anniversary of Flor Contemplacion, repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFW) marched to historic Mendiola in Manila to call for an end to government policies which they said continue to undermine migrant workers’ rights and welfare.
Garry Martinez, chair of the migrants’ rights group Migrante International, said that 15 years after the nation was galvanized into protest by the unjust hanging of Contemplacion in Singapore, the plight of OFWs has turned for the worse. “Appalling stories of abuse in foreign lands and the government’s neglectful response” have become everyday stories, he added. FULL STORY.
The Philippine government declared Overseas Filipino Workers as modern day heroes of our time.These are men and women who bravely leave their families and loved ones behind to find ways to give their families a better future. Despite the reported abuses, both physical and emotional- most of them endured and chose to continue working under stressful and sometimes dangerous work environment. The Philippine government, with it’s labor officials and agencies are not helping and at times contributing to the continuous perpetration of abuses against OFWS. Shame on the government and its officials. I can only offer my thought and prayers to these brave men and women of our beloved Philippines.Mabuhay po kayong lahat.