Statement of Secretary Del Rosario on the Protection of Overseas Filipinos in Partnership with Congress and other Stakeholders

Statement of Secretary Del Rosario on the Protection of Overseas Filipinos in Partnership with Congress and other Stakeholders

The Philippine Government gives the highest importance to the safety and welfare of overseas Filipinos and we continue to reinforce our partnership with Congress and other stakeholders on this crucial issue.

Pursuant to Republic Act  (RA) 10022 of 2009, amending Republic Act No. 8042, otherwise known as the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995, which took effect on 08 March 2010, the deployment of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) will only be made to countries which protect OFWs.

In the implementation of that law, on October 28, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) issued a partial list. However, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) believes that there are compelling reasons to defer further action on the list.

The list does not seek to pass any value judgment on any country. It serves as a crucial benchmark for all government agencies concerned to work for the betterment of the safety, welfare and working conditions of our nationals.

There is a need for the Department to have ample opportunity to dialogue with these countries. Such a dialogue would be to the benefit of Filipino workers already there and those planning to seek gainful employment in those countries.

We will do all that is necessary to protect our nationals overseas. Ultimately, good and friendly relations with all nations allow us the ability to work on behalf of our nationals overseas.