‘Not about power but kindness’: Senate honors Toots Ople

Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan Ople. (INQUIRER.net file photo)

MANILA, Philippines — Praises and kind words poured in for Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople as Senate on Wednesday adopted a resolution expressing its profound sympathy and condolences on her passing.

Many lawmakers, including Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, stood up to sponsor the resolution on the Senate floor.

Zubiri described Ople as a “remarkable public servant, who showed us that true leadership is not about power and authority, but about kindness and compassion.”

“She was soft-spoken but self-assured; unassuming but accomplished,” the Senate leader said.

“We will always remember Toots Ople as a singularly kind individual, who poured her heart and soul into serving our least privileged, and least heard,” he noted.

For Zubiri, Ople was the “rightful choice” to lead DMW.

This sentiment was shared by Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, who said Ople was the “perfect person for the job.”

“Her vision for the OFW home in the government was well-aligned with the purpose for which the department was created,” Villanueva said.

The senator said under Ople’s leadership, DMW was able to accomplish significant milestones.

These achievements include the establishment of One Repatriation Command Center, digitalization and national reintegration programs, forging of bilateral labor agreements, and launching of campaigns against illegal recruitment and trafficking in persons.

Senator Jinggoy Estrada, meanwhile, believes the highest recognition of the chamber should be given to Ople, given her contributions particularly on improving the lives of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).

He noted how the late DMW chief served as the voice of OFWs who fell victims to bullet-planting incidents, pilferage of balikbayan boxes, extortion and other illegal activities at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

“Karapat-dapat lamang na bigyan ng pinakamataas na pagkilala ng Senado ang pinakamasugid na tagapagtaguyod ng kapakanan at karapatan ng mga OFW at tapat na lingkod-bayan,” the lawmaker said.

(It is only right that Senate bestows the highest recognition upon the most dedicated advocate of the welfare and rights of OFWs and a faithful public servant.)

Other senators who paid tribute to Ople include Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, Senators Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., Christopher “Bong” Go, Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, Pia Cayetano, Raffy Tulfo, and Robin Padilla.

Ople had long been battling breast cancer.

She died on Tuesday afternoon.

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