OFWs vow protest action over terminal fees

MANILA, Philippines - Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in various countries warned the government of a series of protest actions to call for a stop to the “illegal collection” of terminal fees.

John Leonard Monterona, Migrante Middle East coordinator, said the collection of the P550 terminal fee from OFWs violates the Migrant Workers Act and must be stopped.

“The OFW is overburdened under the Aquino government,” Monterona said.

He added that although government promised to refund the amount, around 200 Filipino workers would form a beeline toward a single teller at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, thus creating the impression that the refund was a bum steer.

The coordinator also said many OFWs no longer bother to get a refund after seeing the long queues.

“By the way, where did the un-refunded fee go?” Monterona asked.