Susan Ople, head of the Blas F. Ople Policy Center. INQUIRER.net file photo
MANILA, Philippines — The Blas F. Ople Policy Center has expressed willingness to extend legal and livelihood assistance to the Filipino household staffer who was seen in videos being maltreated by the Philippine ambassador to Brazil.
Susan Ople, former labor undersecretary and president of the non-profit organization that assists overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who are victims of exploitation and human trafficking, said it would be the decision of the abused worker if she will pursue a case against her employer.
“We just want her to know that our organization is willing to help her get through this, legally and even financially, because we know how difficult it is to be caught in a situation wherein you need to defend yourself against a person of authority, which in this case is no less than a Philippine ambassador,” Ople said in a statement on Tuesday.
She said it would be difficult for ambassador Marichu Mauro, who was already recalled to face investigation, to refute the news report in a media network in Brazil where the videos were shown.
“The question remains: had that video not come out in the news, how much longer would the domestic worker have suffered? And in the middle of a global pandemic where the entire department has been working tirelessly and at great risk to their lives to repatriate thousands of OFWs, how could the ambassador even think of harming her own staff?” the policy center also said.
“The ambassador should remember that she represents the Philippine flag, and that flag is well known throughout the world for being the voice of foreign domestic workers,” it added.
The Center said that the household staffer of Mauro can contact them at 09618114288 and look for case handler Jenny Sespene, or message Ople via Facebook www.facebook.com/susan.ople if she is willing to avail assistance.