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News
Release - August 19, 2005
References: Connie Bragas-Regalado, Chairperson,
0927-2157392
Vince Borneo, Information Officer, 0927-7968198; 926-2838
Government should protest situation of Filipina workers
in UAE
"The Philippine government should immediately lodge
a diplomatic protest and review our relations with the
United Arab Emirates in view of new reports of abused
Filipina workers."
Thus declared MIGRANTE Sectoral Party chairperson Connie
Bragas-Regalado on the new reports that tens of Filipina
domestic workers who fled abusive employers are languishing
at the Philippine Consulate in Dubai.
"These 'new reports' reflect the actual miserable
situation face by domestic workers in the United Arab
Emirates and the Middle East in general. It would be the
right first step for the Philippine government to file
appropriate diplomatic protests and reviewing relations
with the United Arab Emirates in defending our compatriots
from further abuse," Bragas-Regalado said.
Media reports have ascertained that at least 60 Filipina
housemaids are living in a makeshift shelter at the Philippine
consulate, who ran away from beatings, sexual harassment
and unpaid wages.
"These Filipino compatriots of ours have been taking
domestic worker jobs that pay a measly US$160 (P8,960)
a month. Since the time of Sarah Balabagan, nothing has
improved with the way guest workers - especially domestic
workers - are treated in the UAE. The Philippine government
must take immediate action to teach host countries that
it is not right to condone abusive employers and leave
guest workers without a livelihood, without food and without
justice," Bragas-Regalado said.
But Migrante also criticized the Philippine authorities
for praising overseas Filipinos in the context of commodities
and exports.
"The plight of OFWs and government's neglect is
evident in Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's lip-service
praising of Cristeta Comerford, a Filipino-American
recently designated as first minority executive chef
of the White House. The government only shows concern
for the few who have succeeded in getting over great
odds. But for those who need help from Malacanang do
not even get a comment and diplomatic action,"
Bragas-Regalado said.
"I cannot miss the chance to talk about our one
export who has risen to the top of her game and does
the Philippines proud. Congratulations, Cristeta,"
the President said in a speech before members of the
Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry,"
"We are treated just like coconuts, pineapples
and semi-conductors by the fake President Arroyo. We
are the number one export of this government and we
are neglected and treated like rags under this administration,"
Bragas-Regalado ended. #
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Special Feature:
The Impact of Remittances to the Philippine Economy
Paper presented at the Outrage! Forum
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