Hontiveros in Taipei: Meeting with OFWs, Taiwanese officials and president’s cat

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Risa Hontiveros’s trip to Taiwan for several discussions may revolve around regional stability issues and overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) concerns, but she and Taiwanese president Tsai Ing-wen made sure to share a light moment.

In a tweet from Tsai’s official Twitter account, it appears that aside from Taiwanese officials,  Hontiveros also had a chance to meet Think Think, the Taiwanese president’s cat.

“Pleased to welcome a delegation led by #Philippines Senator @RisaHontiveros to #Taiwan, & to introduce her to my cat Think Think. I am grateful for Senator Hontiveros’ longstanding support for Taiwan & look forward to building on our countries’ friendship,” Tsai said.

Pleased to welcome a delegation led by #Philippines Senator @RisaHontiveros to #Taiwan, & to introduce her to my cat Think Think. I am grateful for Senator Hontiveros’ longstanding support for Taiwan & look forward to building on our countries’ friendship. pic.twitter.com/QO6AdM3wbp

— 蔡英文 Tsai Ing-wen (@iingwen) May 12, 2023

Aside from the Taiwanese president, Hontiveros also had the chance to talk to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) head Jaushieh Joseph Wu.

“Minister Wu’s meeting with Sen. Risa Hontiveros of the #Philippines was warm & sincere. They discussed critical issues including #Taiwan’s work to protect migrant workers & safeguard regional peace to achieve greater economic equity & prosperity in the #IndoPacific,” MOFA said on its Twitter page.

Minister Wu's meeting with Sen. Risa Hontiveros of the #Philippines🇵🇭 was warm & sincere. They discussed critical issues including #Taiwan's🇹🇼 work to protect migrant workers & safeguard regional peace to achieve greater economic equity & prosperity in the #IndoPacific. pic.twitter.com/2CVli5lKWq

— 外交部 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ROC (Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MOFA_Taiwan) May 12, 2023

Earlier, Hontiveros met with OFWs in Taipei, who told her there was a mismatch between the contract signed in Manila and the work they offered upon arrival in Taiwan.

While most OFWs do not experience such incidents, Hontiveros said that the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) must act promptly since some OFWs reported abuses. 

Hontiveros also discussed with Tsai several security issues like China’s supposed aggression in the region.

 gsg/abc