Binay vows to punish erring embassy execs

Vice President Jejomar Binay. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Vice President Jejomar Binay on Wednesday urged Filipino workers abroad to file complaints against embassy officials and staff who have committed any acts of abuse as he promised to punish them  “to the fullest extent of the law.”

“I encourage those who know of any abuse or mistreatment inflicted on our OFWs to report these cases to me so my office could extend to them the needed assistance,” said Binay, who is also presidential adviser on overseas Filipino workers’ affairs (OFW).

He said his office would see to it that the reports would be given due action immediately.

Binay was responding to allegations that three labor officials in Syria, Jordan and Kuwait sexually abused distressed female workers in exchange for free flights back to the Philippines.

“The Aquino administration cares for our OFWs and as OFW adviser, I will make sure that our government will keep them safe from any form abuse or exploitation,” he said.

“I will also make sure that those who take advantage of our OFWs will be punished to the fullest extent of the law,” he added.

In 2012, Binay said his office acted on 1,325 requests for assistance from migrant workers and their families.

These requests ranged from repatriation, assistance on salary and benefits claims, legal assistance for detained OFWs, and grievances against recruiters and agents.