Better treatment of workers; DU30 amuses ASEAN, Trump

SOUTHEAST Asian countries have agreed to give better protection to migrant workers, President Duterte announced. A timely pro-migrant workers’ measure. Alandmark document in favor of Overse as Filipino workers (OFWs).

*** Duterte, this year’s chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), said“I am pleased to announce that ASEAN member-states have come to an agreement on the ASEAN consensus on the protection and promotion of rights of migrant workers.”

“This landmark document would strengthen social protection, access to justice, humane and fair treatment, and access to health services for our people,” he stressed. *** The President said that the consensus reached at the 31st ASEAN summit inMani will be followed with guidelines on how to treat migrant workers from fellow member-states.

Action plan implements the ASEAN Declaration on the protection and promotion of the migrant workers’ right signed 10 years ago, he added.

*** Duterte said that aside from the protection of migrant workers, health, women and youth, terrorism, radicalization and violent extremism and trafficking are among the “deliverables that will see fruition” from the ASEAN summit.

Poverty alleviation, food security, coastal and marine environment, and the pursuit of innovation for economieswere also discussed by ASEAN leaders, he said.

*** The President welcomed the “privilege” for the Philippines to chair the ASEAN this year, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of the regional bloc.

“It has been a pleasure to work with our ASEAN family and our dialogue partners in moving the ASEAN community forward in enhancing cooperation in various areas,” he said.

*** “And in all of these, towards the realization of the ASEAN vision for 2025,” Duterte concluded.

Yes to a pro-active and productive ASEAN. *** Duterte serenaded the crowd at the ASEAN gala dinner together with songstress Pilita Corrales singing the classic song “Ikaw.”

The Punisher played a generous and “rock star” host.

*** “I sang… upon the orders of the Commander-in-chief of the United States,” Duterte joked later bringing US President Donald Trump and the rest of the crowd to loud cheers and applause.

Trump – DU30 friendship further warming up.

*** Trump and Duterte also held a bilateral meeting on security, trade and related issues affecting their two countries.

Yes to cordiality between the two leaders and better US-PH relations in the coming days.