SEN. Joel Villanueva yesterday urged concerned government agencies to review the bilateral agreements on overseas Filipino workers protection amid the recent deaths of two Filipina workers, and the involvement of another in the death of an infant all in Kuwait.
Villanueva said the government must ensure that the bilateral agreements with host countries are strictly enforced and adhere to international laws which are critical in preventing abuses to migrant workers.
“It is unacceptable that there are reports of repeated maltreatment, abuse, and even death of our new heroes. We must put an end to this,” Villanueva said.
“The government must stop the abuse in its tracks by strengthening the recruitment policy and ensuring that those countries comply with bilateral agreements on the welfare and rights of OFWs,” he added.
In the case of Kuwait, Villanueva said the Philippines signed an agreement with that country in 2018 and renewed it in 2021. The deal outlines the rights of OFWs, including the right to keep their passports and mobile phones, and the right to guaranteed provision of food, housing, and health insurance by employers.
He said that if needed, a review of the agreement could be initiated by the Philippine government to ensure that they serve the best interest of the Filipino workers.
“We cannot be reactive and rely on a ban-lift-ban cycle of OFW deployment. Every OFW we allow to work in a foreign land must be assured of a safe workplace, decent living conditions, timely pay of correct wages and benefits. They must be able to return to their families alive and with gainful income worthy of their sacrifices,” he said.
Villanueva, principal author and sponsor of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Act, said all concerned sectors must make sure all the provisions in the bilateral agreements are followed amid the pronouncement of the DMW that it is studying another possible deployment ban to Kuwait.
Last December 28, Dafnie Nacalaban, a 35-year-old house helper in Kuwait, was found dead. Her body in a decomposed state was found buried in the garden of her employer in Saad Al-Abdullah, in Jahra district.
On January 2, Jenny Alvarado reportedly died to due to coal smoke inhalation when the heating system in her workplace malfunctioned.
Also, a 26-year-olf Filipina house helper reportedly admitted to killing an 18-month infant who allegedly annoyed her in Kuwait.