DMW seeks Comelec spending ban exemption on OFW aid

 (INQUIRER FILES)

MANILA – Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said they will ask the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to exempt from the spending ban the implementation of its financial assistance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Cacdac said responding immediately to distress calls from abroad is part of DMW’s responsibilities.

“Kasi ‘di ba (Isn’t it that) during campaign periods, may mga (there are) prohibition(s) on handing out financial assistance at saka sa mga (and even in) appointments, promotions and transfers,” he said at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City.

“We usually seek exemption from the Comelec kasi (because of) exigency ng service sa linya ng trabaho namin (in the line of duty),” he said.

Cacdac said if the DMW needs to immediately deploy staff overseas, they cannot wait until after the elections.

“Emergency na iyon. Kailangan na iyon ng OFWs natin (It is an emergency. We are needed by our OFWs). So, we seek exemption from the Comelec,” he added.

Comelec Resolution 11060 states that a certificate of exemption is needed to implement activities and programs on social welfare projects and services during the public spending ban from March 28 to May 11.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) was granted exemptions on 28 programs under the following conditions: no candidates or politicians during distribution and the Comelec must be informed of the guidelines. 

Thus, the DSWD is not covered by the ban on “release, disbursement or expenditure of public funds.” 

Cacdac added they are also partnering with Comelec on its campaign to encourage migrant workers to vote on May 12.

Help for Jenny

Meanwhile, Cacdac assured the government has been helping the family of Jenny Alvarado, the migrant worker who died of coal smoke inhalation in Kuwait early this month.

He said Overseas Workers Welfare Administration head Arnell Ignacio has been coordinating with the family

Authorities are not discounting the possibility of foul play but Cacdac said they will stand by the result of the autopsy conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation on Friday. 

Philippine lawyers in Kuwait are likewise looking into the potential liability of the service provider for the erroneous repatriation of a different body on Jan. 14. Instead of Alvarado’s, the remains of her Nepalese co-worker arrived.

Alvarado and two co-workers reportedly died of coal smoke inhalation from the heating system of their employer’s house on Jan. 2.