DFA sends P200-K financial aid to recalled PH envoy’s Filipino housekeeper

MANILA, Philippines — A P200,000 financial aid was given to the Filipino household helper maltreated by a Philippine ambassador, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. said Friday.

In a tweet, Locsin said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has sent over the assistance  to the Filipino maid “to tide her over.”

“She doesn’t have to do or say anything for it. It’s hers for being what she is: an OFW (overseas Filipino worker). Plus it’s her tax money,” he wrote on Twitter.

Just sent her P200,000 to tide her over. She doesn’t have to do or say anything for it. It’s hers for being what she is: an OFW. Plus it’s her tax money. https://t.co/KaL7kt5ONf

— Teddy Locsin Jr. (@teddyboylocsin) October 30, 2020

“[W]e help the helpless period, no exchange; helping is its own exchange. It is our job to help,” he said in another tweet.

Earlier in the day, Locsin said he had already formed a fact-finding team composed of diplomats and several foreign affairs officials to investigate Philippine Ambassador Marichu Mauro, who was caught on video maltreating her Filipino household staffer.

The household helper is already back in her hometown in South Cotabato and is feeling “physically and mentally better,” according to Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, who was able to speak with her on the phone. [ac]