Hotels reject OFWs for quarantine stay

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Some hotels and inns in this city are refusing to accommodate returning overseas Filipino workers for quarantine due to the failure of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to pay for the services extended to the OFWs.

At least five establishments reportedly refused to accept the OFWs unless the OWWA settles its financial obligations.

There are 21 hotels and inns in the city that serve as quarantine facilities for returning OFWs, in compliance with health protocols to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19.

Pending settlement of unpaid bills amounting to P17.5 million, the OWWA granted a request of the city government for a one-week moratorium on OFW repatriation, according to Councilor Renecito Novero.

OWWA-Bacolod focal person Rizza Joy Mapa-Moldes said the agency had settled its financial obligations in some hotels.

Other establishments have to wait as the OWWA needs to address procedural and technical difficulties, Moldes said.

While they are grateful for the one-week moratorium, the city government expressed hope that OWWA would not repatriate a large number of OFWs to prevent a repeat of the problem.

Meanwhile, the provincial government of Rizal yesterday shuttered the capitol building in Antipolo City for disinfection after 16 employees tested positive for COVID.

The provincial health offices of Bataan and Abra reported seven new COVID infections each while Pangasinan had 13.

In Isabela, five members of a family tested positive for Covid after they attended a wake in Naguillian.

In Pampanga, eight detainees tested positive for the virus. – Neil Jayson Servallos, Ric Sapnu, Raymund Catindig