Migrant Workers Secretary Susana “Toots” Ople speaks during the Committee on Migrant Workers (OFWs) public hearing on the discrimination against overseas Filipino workers in this file photo taken on September 28, 2022. Senate PRIB file photo / Voltaire F. Domingo
MANILA, Philippines — Several lawmakers, in separate statements, have expressed their sorrow over the passing of Migrant Workers Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople, saying that her death is a great loss to the nation.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri described Ople as a dedicated public servant with a huge heart for the Filipino people.
“She showed us that true leadership is about kindness and compassion, dedicating her life and her career to the least privileged and the least heard. Ople’s passing leaves an irreplaceable void, but one that we will strive to fill with the same remarkable warmth, conviction, and passion that she had in life. In her honor, we will continue the great gains she has made to protect and uplift our migrant workers and all of our laborers,” said Zubiri.
On the other hand, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda highlighted that Ople played a huge role in upholding the rights of Overseas Filipino Workers.
“[She served] as a beacon of hope and protector of our countrymen working abroad. We are thankful for her contributions to society and the Filipino people,” said Legarda.
Similar to what Legarda pointed out, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano stated that Ople’s life was dedicated to improving the welfare and protecting the rights of Filipinos abroad.
“[S]he fearlessly fought against labor exploitation and human trafficking. Her work transcended borders and made a profound impact on the lives of countless OFWs and their families. Her legacy will inspire generations to come, reminding us of the importance of justice, compassion, and relentless service to our migrant workers,” said Cayetano.
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III likewise stressed that Ople “did not waste a day to organize and establish” the Department of Migrant Workers.
“Under her tenure, DMW is truly the home of overseas Filipinos. Her compassion and advocacy for the rights of overseas Filipino workers were truly commendable. The Blas F. Ople Policy Center and Training Institute, an organization she founded, is a testament to her dedication and love for our countrymen,” said Pimentel.
Meanwhile, Senator Grace Poe said she was allowed to work with Ople, adding that she saw the DMW official’s “passion and dedication” in what she does.
The Department of Migrant Workers announced Ople’s death on Tuesday, detailing that it transpired at around 1 p.m. while surrounded by her loved ones.
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DMW chief Susan ‘Toots’ Ople dies