In a significant development, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. announced that displaced Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) have finally received their long-awaited back pay from bankrupt Saudi Arabian companies. This positive news has been met with gratitude from several lawmakers who have been actively involved in advocating for the rights and welfare of OFWs.
According to President Marcos, 1,104 indemnity cheques worth P868 million from Alinma Bank of Saudi Arabia have been processed through the Overseas Filipino Bank and Landbank of the Philippines. This substantial amount will benefit 10,544 OFWs who were terminated from their jobs in Saudi Arabia.
Sen. Rafael “Raffy” Tulfo, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, expressed his appreciation for President Marcos’ commitment to prioritizing the welfare of OFWs. He also extended his thanks to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman for their cooperation in resolving this issue.
“As chairman of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, I am delighted that our Saudi OFWs will finally receive their insurance claims after nearly nine years of waiting,” Tulfo remarked. This acknowledgment highlights the importance of the President’s efforts in ensuring that the rights and entitlements of OFWs are protected.
Kabayan Partylist Rep. Ron Salo, the chairman of the House Committee on Migrant Workers, along with the Department of Migrant Workers led by Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac and his predecessor, the late Secretary Susana “Toots” Ople, played a crucial role in facilitating the release of the unpaid salaries and benefits of the affected OFWs. Their relentless dedication and commitment to resolving this matter deserve commendation.
“The DMW has worked tirelessly to achieve this significant milestone. I would like to commend and express my gratitude to OIC USec. Cacdac, as well as the late DMW Secretary Ople, for their unwavering determination in resolving the labor claims of OFWs in Saudi Arabia through numerous bilateral talks and meticulous collation of every detail to ensure that each OFW receives their rightful claim,” Salo emphasized.
OFW Partylist Rep. Marissa del Mar-Magsino also lauded President Marcos for his unwavering stance on securing the back pay of OFWs, reaffirming that the welfare of these hardworking individuals remains a top priority for the administration.
“We are assured that our government will work diligently to expedite the process of providing these insurance claims to all our affected OFWs,” Magsino expressed.
This development brings much-needed relief to the affected OFWs who have faced financial hardships due to the non-payment of their salaries and benefits. It is a testament to the government’s commitment to addressing the concerns of OFWs and ensuring that their rights are protected.
The successful resolution of this issue also underscores the importance of international cooperation in safeguarding the welfare of migrant workers. The collaboration between the Philippines and Saudi Arabia serves as a positive example of how bilateral talks and meticulous processes can lead to favorable outcomes for the affected individuals.
As the government continues to prioritize the welfare of OFWs, it is crucial to sustain efforts in providing support and assistance to those who have been displaced or faced challenges while working abroad. This includes implementing proactive measures to prevent similar situations from arising in the future and ensuring that the rights of OFWs are upheld at all times.
In conclusion, the recent announcement of the release of back pay for displaced OFWs from bankrupt Saudi Arabian companies is a significant step forward in addressing the concerns of these hardworking individuals. The dedication and collaboration of lawmakers, government agencies, and international partners have played a pivotal role in achieving this milestone. Moving forward, it is essential to maintain this momentum and continue working towards the welfare and protection of OFWs in an ever-evolving global landscape.
Source: The Manila Times