Thursday, April 26, 2007
Promises sought for domestic help
LOCAL candidates and party-list representatives signed yesterday a covenant to protect children and women working as domestic helpers.
But no sixth district congressional candidate came. Nor did any Lapu-Lapu City mayoral or vice mayoral candidate. They only sent their representatives.
Pinoy Votes: Sun.Star Election 2007
Organized by the Visayan Forum Foundation Inc., the forum asked each candidate what they can do to assist those working as “kasambahay” or domestic help.
“We commit ourselves to enact policies and devise programs and services in accordance with our mandate to alleviate the situation,” the covenant read, in reference to the trafficking of women and children for domestic or commercial sex work.
The covenant mentioned “challenges and gaps in the prevention, protection and rehabilitation of victims.”
Lawyer Gonzalo Malig-on, representing reelectionist Rep. Nerissa Soon-Ruiz, assured the crowd that Ruiz will support the passage of Batas Kasambahay, a proposed legislation that aims to protect domestic workers.
Association of Barangay Councils President Eduardo Cuizon, a candidate for councilor, attended in behalf of Mayor Arturo Radaza and his vice mayoral candidate Mario Amores.
Another council candidate, Bobby Cuenca, represented Acting Mayor Norma Patalinjug and vice mayoral candidate Eugene Espedido at the forum.
Representatives from Akbayan, Abanse Pinay, Cibac and Partido ng Manggagawa pledged their support. (OCP)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (April 26, 2007 issue)
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