Former Vice President Jejomar Binay urged concerned government agencies to extend immediate assistance to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) affected by the surge in COVID-19 cases in their host countries.
Binay, who served as presidential adviser for OFW Concerns during his term as vice president, issued the appeal following media reports of foreign domestic workers being abandoned or neglected by employers in Hong Kong.
Reports showed that foreign domestic workers have not been allowed by their employers to leave their homes, and those who tested positive for the virus are being denied treatment.
Binay, who is running for senator in the May 9 elections, cited a statement from a group of recruiters that around 4,000 OFWs bound for Hong Kong are stranded as a result of travel restrictions.
“This is a disturbing development that needs to be addressed immediately. Aside from Hong Kong, there are also surges in other countries in Europe. Authorities should know the conditions of our countrymen and extend immediate assistance,” he said.
Binay also said OFWs who may not be able to travel to Hong Kong should be given aid such as cash and food, and their tickets should also be rebooked, as well as assist them in work visa renewal.
Binay said if needed, the funds of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) should be replenished so it can extend help for its OFW members.
“The OWWA Fund is a trust fund. It is funded by the OFWs through their contributions, similar to the SSS and GSIS. But last year, OWWA officials have raised concerns that the fund could be depleted,” he said.
Binay added that the OWWA fund would be needed to help OFWs who have lost their jobs because of the pandemic through livelihood assistance and other services covered by the agency’s reintegration program.
Last year, labor officials had asked the national government to replenish the OWWA funds after the agency repatriated OFWs from countries hit by the pandemic.
Officials had said the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released P3.3 billion in July to cover the agency’s repatriation efforts. The agency earlier asked for an additional P7 billion to help cover the cost of food, accommodations, and other needs of returning OFWs.