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Friday, August 11, 2006
Editorials: Filipino workers in Lebanon
Much has been said about the contribution of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to this republic’s economy.
In fact, at no other time in the nation’s history since independence has the economy enjoyed stable international dollar reserves as it has in recent months.
And this national good fortune, it is said, is generally because of the steady inflow of dollar remittances from thousands of OFWs deployed throughout the globe.
Special office
Indeed, it is in support of the welfare of our thousands of overseas workers that the national government has seen fit to establish an office specifically to look after their problems and needs.
The Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration (OWWA) is now looking after the collective well being of the increasing number of Filipinos working in foreign lands: in America, Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia.
A certain percentage of the tax imposed on Filipino workers’ foreign earnings has supposedly been set aside for use not only to maintain beneficial services in their behalf but also for their emergency needs, such as what is happening to Filipino workers in troubled Lebanon.
And here lies the point at issue right now, which the Senate inquiry is supposedly directed at: the cause of the delay in the evacuation of the endangered workers.
No funds?
The claim of a Filipino ambassador to Lebanon that he could not do anything to assist the threatened workers for lack of funds may have triggered the Senate inquiry into how the funds intended for OFWs is being used.
The amount that should have been under the disposal of OWWA has reportedly reached billions of pesos and yet thousands of Filipino workers are still reportedly stranded in Lebanon.
Where has the money gone then?
Honest answer
That is a very vital question that decidedly needs an honest answer from the government officials concerned, particularly those from OWWA.
Thus, the Senate inquiry deserves the cooperation of the Palace.
Rather than preventing from testifying key government officials who could enlighten the public on the issue, it should allow them to. The problem is much too serious to cover up.
Save the workers
The plight of Filipino workers in Lebanon does not only concern the government and the national leadership itself.
Their plight is more deeply and emotionally the concern of the families of those who are left behind, those who are still seeking a way out, those who are still struggling for their personal survival and safety.
It behooves upon the OWWA to save them.
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (August 11, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
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