Did the government fail to protect OFWs?

To those criticizing the government in relation to the case of Joanna Demafiles, they better study the facts, law, and factors surrounding Philippine labor migration. Of the three missions of every Philippine embassy; political and national security, economic and trade, and protection of our nationals, it is the third mission that commands the highest priority, the biggest budget, and number of personnel. Filipinos are being protected not only by DFA and DOLE but also by POEA, OWWA, DSWD and other agencies. I should know, I was Labor attaché for nine years in Kuwait, Malaysia, and Taiwan, and DOLE Undersecretary for many years.

Often, the embassy, headed by the Ambassador and the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices headed by the Labor attaché conflict because of different priorities. There are ambassadors and consuls more focused on the first two missions rather than the protection of Filipinos in their jurisdiction. The busiest person in the embassy is the Labor attaché, especially if he has no welfare officer. The attaché has too many responsibilities and cannot afford to rest or even have a vacation, especially if he has no assistant, or has a mediocre one. Too much expectations but little support from the head office.

The attaché has to sign hundreds, if not thousands, of work contracts and job orders every day and answer queries from the head office, Malacañan, families of OFWs, media, and NGOs domestic and international. Before signing every job order, he has to go the job sites and examine if the working conditions are protective of OFWs’ health, safety and welfare. He has to interview employers and look into their records in treating OFWs. Then he has to investigate complaints against them. If the employers refuse to honor his invitation, he has no coercive powers. And if he is too harsh on them, some unscrupulous recruiters can invent trumped-up charges against him.

He has to visit sick and injured OFWs in hospitals and homes, and those who are jailed. He has to appear in court in defense of Filipinos wrongfully or rightfully accused of all sorts of crimes. He is expected to be on his toes when the DOLE Secretary calls even at night, Good Friday or Christmas. Any OFW who wants to come home at the expense of government can invent any false charges against him, and the world is ready to condemn him. I know most of the attachés and even welfare officers make many sacrifices. There are some bad eggs, of course, and many of them are political appointees. DOLE and OWWA career officials are mostly competent, committed and conscientious.

So if you ask me, did the government fail to protect Demafiles, my answer is not necessarily. There are 12 million Filipinos abroad, many don’t have complaints. People should be fair and should know the facts before opening their mouths. Or, forever keep their peace.