DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Right after setting his feet on the Philippine soil Sunday morning, President Rodrigo Duterte announced, the Philippine government is ready to take all the Overseas Filipino Workers from Kuwait, following the controversial rescue video which provoked the Kuwaiti government.
During his arrival press conference here, early Sunday, April 209, 2018, Duterte stated:
-The Philippines and Kuwait have a shared history that both sides must learn to value. We have good relations with Kuwait. We helped Kuwait before. We can still help each other now.
-Current developments, however, test our commitment to work together. We must be undeterred in the work of helping our fellow human beings as we pursue our shared interests with due respect [for] each other’s sovereignty.
-But if my go — but if my people are considered a burden to some of them… [then as their Government] mandated to protect them and uphold their rights, then we will do our part.
-For Filipino professionals who may wish to stay in Kuwait, there is really no problem. But at the same time, I would like them to cherish and nurture patriotism.
-You can stay there. For Filipino household Service workers, if your Kuwaiti employers want you to leave, then please come home.
-Your government will do its best to help you return and resettle. I appeal to your sense of patriotism and to your love of country and family.
-For the household workers whose employers want them to stay, that is their choice, but choose the better option. All I ask is that the employers treat the Filipinos with the humanity they deserve.
-Please do not abuse Filipino workers.
-In the face of aggression in the past, the Philippines and Kuwait were on the same side of history. On upholding the dignity of the human person, we would similarly find ourselves on the same side, with due regard for our sovereignty and obligations.
-The Philippine government is willing and able to work with our friends and partners on this matter.
-Under my watch as the father of the country, I will do [my] utmost to remain true and loyal to this mandate.
Meanwhile, Duterte said he haven’t heard of abuses among OFW in Honglong and Singapore “No. I’ve yet to hear even a single abuse in — of a woman Filipino worker. Wala akong narinig hanggang ngayon. So with Hong Kong and the others.”
He continued “Minor maybe [unclear]. But never, never ends up with a physical abuse like whipping and being kicked and being boxed and suffering injuries.
On the plight of undocumented migrant workes, Duterte stated “There are aplenty of them. That’s the reason why I am as worried as you… concerned.
Alam mo, marami nagpupunta doon undocumented and those who are really victims of recruiters. That is why I fired the Labor undersecretary.”-Editha Z. Caduaya/Newsline.ph
