Politicos also use and dupe OFWs

We often hear stories of OFWs being abused, duped and exploited overseas. But overseas Filipino workers should not only be wary of recruitment agencies and bad employers. They must also watch out for people “pretending” to be public servants.

One neophyte lawmaker went to see overseas workers in various countries by joining a religious group. In her speech, she promised to help each and every OFW who sought her assistance.

After her visit, one OFW sent her an e-mail asking for help. When her staff told her about the e-mail, the legislator immediately asked: How big was the family of the OFW and how many votes would she get if she helped the person?

A disgusting public servant! The election is still too far off but, from her action, we can conclude that only votes—not persons—matter to her. We heard that this lawmaker is raising funds to win again in 2013.

Another lawmaker advertised himself as pro-OFW in the last elections.  But when Filipino workers went to his office to ask for help, he advised them to go to Bantay OCW Foundation, claiming it was his extension office, as if he was the one funding the Bantay OCW. He lost in the last elections.

Even our Bantay OCW program is not being spared. These politicians act as if they are really helping our OFWs and that they can be depended upon by our troubled kababayans overseas. But the truth is some of them just dupe our kababayans.

By the way, Bantay OCW will partner with Kabalikat ng Marino in a themed Radyo Inquirer program entitled “Seaman’s Hour,” especially dedicated to Filipino seafarers around the world, every Thursday both on NBN 4 (10:10 p.m.-11:10 p.m.) and Radyo Inquirer 990 AM (7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.).

Seaman’s Hour will feature recent news, issues, laws, complaints relevant to seafaring Filipino workers, and job opportunities.  It is in collaboration with Kabalikat ng Marino partners Leo Santiago and Capt. Edwin Itable, president and secretary, respectively. Itable is also the national secretary of Masters and Mates Association of the Philippines (MMAP).

Resource persons include Rear Admiral Adonis Donato of OSM Maritime Services, Director Christina Salinas Manzano, Capt. Ronaldo Enrile and engineer Peter Lugue of Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc. (PTC), Capt. Rodolfo Aspillaga, MMAP president and maritime lawyer Dennis Gorecho.

The joint forces of Bantay OCW and Kabalikat ng Marino are supported by Maritect, Argonaut, CFSharp, SBR Maritime Services and Protect.

Seaman’s Hour is open to all interested parties who want to support our world-class Filipino seafarers, in the spirit of genuine public service.

Susan Andes, a.k.a. Susan K, is on board at Radyo Inquirer 990 DZIQ AM, Monday-Friday, 7-8:30 p.m. (live streaming: www.dziq.am); and at NBN Channel 4, Monday-Friday, 10:10 p.m.-11:10 p.m. (live streaming: www.ptni.tv). Bantay OCW hotlines: 5357209/8819423/0919-214.0699; e-mail [email protected]/[email protected]