Duterte eyes separate agency focused on welfare of Filipino seafarers abroad

(File Photo) Repatriated OFWs arrive at the NAIA Terminal 2 to board their flights as the NAIA resumes operations starting Monday, June 1, 2020, under the General Community Quarantine.
INQUIRER/ MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte is eyeing the creation of a separate agency to address the welfare of Filipino seafarers.

“I will also create another agency and that is the maritime… the seafarers. Kasi sinabi ko, sila,  iba-iba yung treatment ko doon because of the so many international laws involved dito,” Duterte said in an address aired Tuesday.

The President, likewise, called on the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to look into the situation of a stranded Filipino seafarer in Vietnam.

“I’ve read that one Filipino [is] stranded in Vietnam right now. I’d like to ask [Labor] Secretary [Silvestre Bello III] to look into the matter. He has been there for two years,” Duterte said.

“That is unconscionable. I cannot accept that kind of mistake of the government. We should bring him home. No Filipino should be left stranded like a person with no nationality.  Tignan mabuti itong problemang ito para ma-solve kaagad. I hope the DOLE will take this suggestion seriously,” he added.

Duterte also renewed his push for Congress to pass measures creating a department for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

“I’d like to hurry up Congress in this. Iba yung Department of Labor [and Employment], they take care of the internal na mga trabahante dito…I propose in the coming months and I hope to come up with a department for overseas workers,” he said.

“Overseas kasi ‘yan ang ano ko sa mga kababayan ko na naghihirap sa labas that there will be a more thorough review sa policies for you protection and that somebody should look after you,” he added.

EDV