We called him Manoy when he once complained on Bantay OCW in Radyo Inquirer dzIQ 990 AM.
Manoy is a native of Bicol and shared his sad story that happened six years ago. He was so upset when his wife called him and told him that she was already in the airport and was about to leave the country. His wife even added that it wasn’t important for him to know where she was going.
Manoy quickly rushed to the airport, desperate to prevent his wife from leaving, and pleaded to her. He wasn’t able to see her anymore. His wife called him after three months saying that she was in Abu Dhabi and that was the last communication they had.
Manoy has many questions, but despite everything that has happened, he persevered to work for his two sons’ education, hoping that one day, his wife will return home so their family will be complete again.
Six years have passed but his wife never showed up nor called them. Manoy didn’t stop searching for his wife; according to him, he did not stop and tried to seek help from several agencies, both from government and private offices.
Manoy came back to the Bantay OCW program and we advised him to move on for his own peace of mind and let go of his resentment.
He said that he has no resentment toward his wife. He cried it all off for the past six years. He doesn’t fully understand why his wife left him for he has a job. His salary might not be that huge but it is enough to sustain the needs of his family.
At present, he just wants to make sure if his wife really left the country, or if she’s back in the country. After waiting too long, he already believes his wife will no longer go back to them and has totally abandoned them. He gave up his hope now for a possible reconciliation. Manoy surrenders.
Manoy asked us, what if he meets the person he wants to spend the rest of his life with?
Is six years enough for him to remarry? These are the questions that Manoy has asked lawyer Deo Grafil, legal head of OFW Concerns of the Office of Vice President Jejomar Binay and Bantay OCW regular Thursday cohost in Radyo Inquirer.
Grafil advised him that he could file a case in court and tell them about his situation and express his desire to marry again.
He only needs to prove that he searched for his wife and no collusion has been made between them. That their separation was not planned.
If the court needs to prove that Manoy really searched for his wife, Bantay OCW and even Garfil are willing to stand witness for his case.
Manoy was so grateful when he left the Radyo Inquirer studio. He felt that a great burden has been unloaded from him and was hopeful that he still has a chance to be happy again after all that has happened. We are also happy that Manoy has faced his problems positively. Truly, everybody deserves a second chance.
(Susan Andes, also known as Susan K., can be heard over Radyo Inquirer dzIQ 990, Monday to Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon. Audio/video live streaming is at www.ustream.tv/channel/dziq; helpline: 0927-6499870; e-mail: bantayocwfoundation@yahoo.com/susankbantayocw@yahoo.com)