Binay calls on gov’t to help abused OFW

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Jejomar Binay asked yesterday national government agencies to assist a repatriated overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who was reportedly abused by her employer in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Christine Afante was sent home though the help of the Office of the Vice President (OVP).

On Thursday, the presidential adviser on OFW concerns visited Afante at her home in Parañaque to check on her situation.

“I encourage those who know of any abuse or mistreatment inflicted on our OFWs to report these cases to my office so that we could extend the needed assistance,” Binay said.

Afante’s mother, Marissa, went to the OVP to ask for assistance in bringing her home after hearing of her plight from friends.

Binay directed his office to coordinate closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) and the Philippine embassy in Abu Dhabi to help facilitate her repatriation.

Binay endorsed Afante to OWWA and the National Reintegration Center for OFWs (NCRO) for her to avail of the livelihood starter kits of the government’s Balik-Pinas Balik Hanapbuhay Project.

The NCRO also offers job referral assistance, temporary shelter, medical care and counseling for returning  OFWs.

Binay said the OVP has acted on 410 requests for assistance from OFWs and their families in the first quarter of this year. These range from repatriation, assistance on salary and benefits claims, legal assistance for detained OFWs and grievances against recruiters and agents.