Palace vows to help stranded Pinoys after death of woman who waited for bus ride to Bicol

MANILA, Philippines — The government Thursday vowed to help stranded passengers following the death of a house helper who was waiting for a bus ride to Bicol.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said Malacañang was shocked by the death of Michelle Silvertino, who reportedly walked for five days from Cubao in Quezon City to Pasay to get a ride to Bicol.

"We condole with the family of Michelle Silvertino, who died while waiting for a ride to the province... Nobody wanted this to happen. We will do something to ensure that what happened to Michelle won't happen again," Roque said at a press briefing Thursday.

"Because of what happened to Michelle, we have a new policy that the government will help all those who are stranded in the airport and in the bus. The DOTr (Department of Transportation) is taking care of this," he added.

Roque said stranded persons would be brought to the Villamor golf course in Pasay for rapid testing. He said agencies are just waiting for the Villamor Airbase to allow stranded persons to stay in the golf course while waiting for their flights or bus rides.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Roque said, also started assisting stranded passengers and students last week. Stranded persons may also call the agency's crisis intervention unit at 8734-8635.

"We also urge local governments: If you notice stranded people in bus stations and in the airports, inform the DSWD if we cannot help them," Roque said.

Previous reports said Silvertino, 33, was found unconscious at a footbridge along EDSA. The 33-year-old house help had suffered high fever and shortness of breath, according to the police.

"If we could move back in time, barangay officials who knew that she was stranded and was staying on the sidewalk should have done something. They should have informed the city hall or DSWD or Malacañang...It's saddening," Roque said.  

Roque also reminded the public to be vigilant against scammers who promise them jobs in other countries, saying some stranded persons are victims of illegal recruiters.

"Do not believe them. We also warn illegal recruiters. The government is not blind. We know that your acts are illegal. Stop that because we know who you are. You will land in jail," the Palace spokesman said.

Roque also denied that some stranded overseas Filipino workers are forced to spend the night under the Ninoy Aquino International Airport skyway. While there are online videos showing OFWs staying under the skyway, Roque claimed all OFWs are staying in hotels and their accommodations are being shouldered by the government.