August 20, 2008

VILLAR GIVES AID TO RETURNING OFWs ANEW

Despite heavy rains, Senate President Manny Villar was not deterred from personally welcoming three severely distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Jordan who arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport via Etihad Airways today.

“The government must extend full assistance to our distressed OFWs,” Villar said, “There are still many others who are awaiting help and long to come home,” he emphasized.

The repatriated OFWs met by Villar were: Rowena Marticio Ulay from San Rafael, Bulacan; Dullina Aradais Malali from Maluso, Basilan; and Joan Faith Banglot from Tabuk, Kalinga.

Villar’s help was earlier sought by Banglot’s mother Veronica on behalf of the OFW who experienced maltreatment in the hands of her employer abroad.

The Nacionalista Party president has initiated an OFW helpline through which distressed workers abroad and their families can report their situations and seek assistance.

On Aug. 17, Villar also welcomed five distressed OFWs who arrived in the country from Jordan: Karen Magno, May Ann Abat, Lynn Sarol, Celia Gawat, and Bailanie Kayao.

Villar has been providing transportation and livelihood assistance from his own personal funds to returning distressed OFWs and their families.

Likewise, the Senate President has been pushing for the application of the "no-fault insurance system" for OFWs, a form of indemnity plan in which the injured in an accident or misfortune receives direct payment from the company with which they are insured, eliminating the need for victims to establish another's liability or fault through a civil case.

Over eight million Filipinos currently work and live in at least 197 countries and territories, making the Philippines the top labor sending country in the world following China and India in 2005.