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OFWs Must Pay for Their Rides Home During Emergency

So it is, OFWs keep on making the Philippine Economy afloat and as if it’s not enough, OFWs must pay so that the Philippine government can extend assistance to the distressed Filipinos working abroad. That is according to the “Idea” of Manila Rep. Ma. Theresa Bonoan-David (Para sa Emergency Repatriation Fund: OFWs, sisingilin ng $50 bago umalis).

I don’t know how many OFWs know about the OWWA fund, and I guess only a few of them have benefitted from it, in one way or the other. Personally I don’t even know where all those money are being spent except one program I came across with “OWWA LOANS".
And now this, according to “Maritess” the government must make sure that the emergency fund for the repatriation for the Overseas Workers during calamities must be sufficient. Bravo! That is a noble intent and I couldn’t agree more. But to take it from them is like telling a kid.. “Hoy bata, dadalhin kita sa peryahan kaya lang ikaw ang magbabayad ng rides mo ah?”.

Most of THE time I am not even sure if the intentions of some legislators in proposing new laws “for” OFWs is really “for” OFWs or are just mere attempts in trying to get the sympathy of OFWs and their families for political agenda. Does this legislators even know how hard it is to earn money abroad, how hard it is to serve abusive employers and go to the ‘accommodation” depressed (I cannot use “Home” because a room where you sleep cannot be called home without your love ones). Self-pity and esteem degradation is very common for OFWs.

I hope “Maritess” can join me in Starbucks to have a coffee chat so I can inform her of how it is to be an OFW. Miss Maritess whatever your intentions are, the idea is good, it’s the source of the fund that is not. Let me give you an idea on how to get the sympathy of the majority of Overseas Filipino Workers. Read this “One Car for OFW, Tax Free”. We might even collect funds for your candidacy as President of the Republic of the Philippines.

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