Saudi Gazette
29 July 2005
JEDDAH -- Ministry of Social Affairs has reactivated a law that allows fleeing housemaids to be employed by other employers rather than sponsors, according to a report by Al-Jazirah the Arabic language daily newspaper.
The law will be applied to housemaids who escape from their sponsors and seek refuge at the ministry s center caring for runaway maids. However, the law that has been drafted to secure maids rights besides enabling to seek employment with other employers than their sponsors.
The ministry hopes to cut down the numbers of the housemaids who desert their sponsors for being mistreated or unpaid and who seek refuge at the ministry s center or its anti-beggary centers. The ministry s budget has been strained caring for maids.
The law stipulates that the new employer under the loan law should be a Saudi national, married, have a permanent income not less than SR3,000 a month and should be a government or private sector employee.
The new employer should undertake to conduct medical examination of the maid to make sure that she has no diseases. The employer should be responsible for her airfare if she completes three consecutive months of employment.
The law also grants the employer a grace period of 10 days as a trial period to determine her efficiency and fitness. After the expiry of the 10-day probationary period the employer shall bear the expenses of her return to her home.
And if for any reason the housemaid refuses to complete the period then she must bear the fees of her return to her country.
In case the original employer appears , asking for the termination of her services with the new employer then he shall bear the fees of her return home.
However in such a case, the law makes it mandatory for the new employer to release the maid.
Read more..... http://www.saudigazette.com.sa/sgazette/Data/2005/7/29/Art_247450.XML
Saturday, July 30, 2005
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Illegal OFWs in Oman told to leave before August crackdown
First posted 04:25pm (Mla time)
July 24, 2005
INQ7.net
THE Department of Labor and Employment on Sunday urged overstaying Filipinos in the Sultanate of Oman to leave the country before its scheduled August crackdown on foreigners with expired visas.
Oman-based labor attach Eleuterio Cojuangco said he is making the call to the estimated 2,300 to 2,500 overstaying undocumented OFWs in the sultanate after the Royal Oman Police (ROP) ordered foreign workers and other expatriates in Oman with expired visit or tourist visas to leave the country on or before the August 19 deadline.He said the order is part of the sultanate's bid to rid itself undesirable aliens.
Acting Labor Secretary Manuel Imson, for his part, urged the families of OFWs who are working illegally in Oman, or whose visas have already expired or about to expire to tell their relatives about the crackdown. He said that to avoid consequences that may pose a threat to their lives and welfare, affected OFWs may seek assistance from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Oman.
To encourage voluntary departure before August 19, Cojuangco said, the ROP would only impose a fine to overstaying foreigners when they leave through Al Seeb International Airport and would not be detained and charged for violating Oman immigration laws.
Read more.... http://news.inq7.net/breaking/index.php?index=1&story_id=44624
July 24, 2005
INQ7.net
THE Department of Labor and Employment on Sunday urged overstaying Filipinos in the Sultanate of Oman to leave the country before its scheduled August crackdown on foreigners with expired visas.
Oman-based labor attach Eleuterio Cojuangco said he is making the call to the estimated 2,300 to 2,500 overstaying undocumented OFWs in the sultanate after the Royal Oman Police (ROP) ordered foreign workers and other expatriates in Oman with expired visit or tourist visas to leave the country on or before the August 19 deadline.He said the order is part of the sultanate's bid to rid itself undesirable aliens.
Acting Labor Secretary Manuel Imson, for his part, urged the families of OFWs who are working illegally in Oman, or whose visas have already expired or about to expire to tell their relatives about the crackdown. He said that to avoid consequences that may pose a threat to their lives and welfare, affected OFWs may seek assistance from the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Oman.
To encourage voluntary departure before August 19, Cojuangco said, the ROP would only impose a fine to overstaying foreigners when they leave through Al Seeb International Airport and would not be detained and charged for violating Oman immigration laws.
Read more.... http://news.inq7.net/breaking/index.php?index=1&story_id=44624
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Why OFWs Want Gloria to Resign
http://bulatlat.com/news/5-24/5-24-readerofws.htm
Migrants are understandably outraged over the recent expose of Mrs. Arroyo's massive electoral fraud during the last elections. She stole and denigrated our historic first time overseas absentee votes. She flagrantly violated the sanctity of the ballot and now, she dares hide under "image make-overs", public relations gimmicks, smear campaigns and outright harassment tactics directed against those demanding her resignation.
The following is a glimpse into some of the reasons why many migrants and their families want Gloria to resign:
1. She is guilty of the gross misuse and plunder of the P8 billion OFW trust fund at the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration. She demonstrated this clearly when she essentially ordered the Department of Foreign Affairs on March 12, 2003 to charge OWWA US$293,500 to cover the Philippine government's so-called preparations for the then impending US invasion of Iraq. This was evidenced by her handwritten "Ok charge to OWWA" note on the memo requesting the funds.
2. She is also responsible for the transfer of approximately P530 million from the OWWA Medicare Fund to PhilHealth – a move instigated in 2002 by then PhilHealth President Francisco Duque who explained the infusion of OFW funds into the ailing PhilHealth coffers will have a "significant bearing on the 2004 national elections…"
3. Under her administration, benefits and welfare assistance at OWWA has gone from bad to worse. OFWs and their dependents were hit with the anti-migrant OWWA Omnibus Policies passed September 2003. Under these new policies, many OFWs were disenfranchised from accessing services while some legal and medical assistance programs were diminished or wiped out completely.
4. She single-handedly jeopardized the lives of 1.5 million OFWs in the Middle East when she declared her avid support for Bush's so-called War on Terror and unjust wars of aggression. As such, we hold her responsible for the (at least) 11 OFWs killed, 21 injured and 4 abducted in Iraq and Afghanistan.
5. During the past four years, OFWs are also increasingly victims of the Arroyo administration's criminal neglect of their rights and welfare. Along with being abused and exploited by employers and host governments, the Arroyo administration often serves us a double-whammy by criminally neglecting our rights and welfare and playing deaf to our cries for justice. Numerous unsolved cases of OFW "mysterious deaths" attest to this.
It is also distressing to note that instead of being alarmed over the exodus of Filipino workers overseas, Mrs. Arroyo actually boasts about how her goal of exporting one million workers this year is on target. We agree with Archbishop Rosales when he pointed out that the exodus of OFWs manifests the utter failure of this administration's economic policies.
For these reasons, migrants that demand Gloria's resignation are on solid ground.
Thus, the option of sending their remittances through informal or non-bank channels – to manifest their withdrawal of support against Gloria's anti-migrant and anti-people regime is a valid one.
Instead of Mrs. Arroyo, we support calls for the creation of a Transition Council composed of representatives of various sectors and organizations, including migrant groups. Among the items this council can oversee is the implementation of pro-people reforms and the subsequent election of a new leader.
Clearly, Mrs. Arroyo has no moral or legal basis to the Presidency and given her systematic betrayal of our rights and welfare, we resoundingly reiterate – Gloria Resign Now!
For reference: Connie Bragas-Regalado, Chairperson, MIGRANTE International and Migrante Sectoral PartyJuly 21, 2005
###############################################
MIGRANTE Sectoral Party
Office Address: 49 Mayaman corner Matahimik Sts., UP Village, Quezon City, Philippines
Telefax: (63-2) 926-2838NEW
Tel: (63-2) 920-3705
Email: migparty@tri-isys.com
###############################################
Migrants are understandably outraged over the recent expose of Mrs. Arroyo's massive electoral fraud during the last elections. She stole and denigrated our historic first time overseas absentee votes. She flagrantly violated the sanctity of the ballot and now, she dares hide under "image make-overs", public relations gimmicks, smear campaigns and outright harassment tactics directed against those demanding her resignation.
The following is a glimpse into some of the reasons why many migrants and their families want Gloria to resign:
1. She is guilty of the gross misuse and plunder of the P8 billion OFW trust fund at the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration. She demonstrated this clearly when she essentially ordered the Department of Foreign Affairs on March 12, 2003 to charge OWWA US$293,500 to cover the Philippine government's so-called preparations for the then impending US invasion of Iraq. This was evidenced by her handwritten "Ok charge to OWWA" note on the memo requesting the funds.
2. She is also responsible for the transfer of approximately P530 million from the OWWA Medicare Fund to PhilHealth – a move instigated in 2002 by then PhilHealth President Francisco Duque who explained the infusion of OFW funds into the ailing PhilHealth coffers will have a "significant bearing on the 2004 national elections…"
3. Under her administration, benefits and welfare assistance at OWWA has gone from bad to worse. OFWs and their dependents were hit with the anti-migrant OWWA Omnibus Policies passed September 2003. Under these new policies, many OFWs were disenfranchised from accessing services while some legal and medical assistance programs were diminished or wiped out completely.
4. She single-handedly jeopardized the lives of 1.5 million OFWs in the Middle East when she declared her avid support for Bush's so-called War on Terror and unjust wars of aggression. As such, we hold her responsible for the (at least) 11 OFWs killed, 21 injured and 4 abducted in Iraq and Afghanistan.
5. During the past four years, OFWs are also increasingly victims of the Arroyo administration's criminal neglect of their rights and welfare. Along with being abused and exploited by employers and host governments, the Arroyo administration often serves us a double-whammy by criminally neglecting our rights and welfare and playing deaf to our cries for justice. Numerous unsolved cases of OFW "mysterious deaths" attest to this.
It is also distressing to note that instead of being alarmed over the exodus of Filipino workers overseas, Mrs. Arroyo actually boasts about how her goal of exporting one million workers this year is on target. We agree with Archbishop Rosales when he pointed out that the exodus of OFWs manifests the utter failure of this administration's economic policies.
For these reasons, migrants that demand Gloria's resignation are on solid ground.
Thus, the option of sending their remittances through informal or non-bank channels – to manifest their withdrawal of support against Gloria's anti-migrant and anti-people regime is a valid one.
Instead of Mrs. Arroyo, we support calls for the creation of a Transition Council composed of representatives of various sectors and organizations, including migrant groups. Among the items this council can oversee is the implementation of pro-people reforms and the subsequent election of a new leader.
Clearly, Mrs. Arroyo has no moral or legal basis to the Presidency and given her systematic betrayal of our rights and welfare, we resoundingly reiterate – Gloria Resign Now!
For reference: Connie Bragas-Regalado, Chairperson, MIGRANTE International and Migrante Sectoral PartyJuly 21, 2005
###############################################
MIGRANTE Sectoral Party
Office Address: 49 Mayaman corner Matahimik Sts., UP Village, Quezon City, Philippines
Telefax: (63-2) 926-2838NEW
Tel: (63-2) 920-3705
Email: migparty@tri-isys.com
###############################################
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
World Bank to issue general rules on remittance flow
By Isagani de la Paz
OFW Journalism Consortium, Inc
Tuesday, 19 July, 2005
The World Bank will release this month its general principles for international remittance systems as it and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) attempt to capture migrant workers money flowing through informal channels.
Marilou Uy, World Bank director for financial sector operations and policy, revealed this in a paper she presented to more than a hundred financial executives during the second Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) policy dialogue held on May 26-27 in Bangkok, Thailand.
The dialogue centered on the role of the private sector in shifting from informal to formal remittance systems and came in the wake of the WB report, Global Development Finance 2003, saying that remittances have become an important and stable source of financial inflows to developing countries.
According to copies of the papers given to the OFW Journalism Consortium, Uy said that remittances to developing countries reached more than $120 billion by the end of 2004 from less than $40 billion in 1990.
She defined remittances as the sum of workers remittances, compensation of employees, and migrant transfers. In the Philippines alone, OFW remittances hit $8.54 billion in 2004, which is 52.65 percent of the country's gross international reserves and roughly 14 percent of the Philippines gross domestic product, according to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Nestor A. Espenilla Jr. who spoke at the Bangkok conference.
He also cited six key regulatory challenges in OFW remittance flows namely money laundering channels, low transaction cost, convenience and access, consumer protection, operational risk management, and proper recording and monitoring.Uy presentation, meanwhile, emphasized five key issues for public policy and remittances and underscored the international lender seriousness in tackling the issue of remittances, so much so that the WB Global Economic Prospects 2006 for release this year would center on international remittances and migration.
Key issues
A key issue that the WB considers in its policy recommendation to be included in its report is reducing remittance costs through improved financial systems and infrastructure.
Uy said this is important since reducing remittance fees is likely to increase annual remittance flows to developing countries. Uy added, To date, remittance costs remain regressive and high on average.
On the average, sending money to the Philippines and Mexico through Moneygram and Western Union is higher compared to the rates of other remittance firms.
Sending $100 through Moneygram and Western Union to the Philippines from the US exacts above 14 percent in fees. Other remittance firms charge below that range.
However, the two firms charge less for every $1,000 sent to Mexico from the U.S. compared to other remittance companies.Another key issue for public policy on remittances is the regulatory regime for anti-money laundering and financing terrorism.
Read more....http://www.cyberdyaryo.com/features/f2005_0719_01.htm
OFW Journalism Consortium, Inc
Tuesday, 19 July, 2005
The World Bank will release this month its general principles for international remittance systems as it and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) attempt to capture migrant workers money flowing through informal channels.
Marilou Uy, World Bank director for financial sector operations and policy, revealed this in a paper she presented to more than a hundred financial executives during the second Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) policy dialogue held on May 26-27 in Bangkok, Thailand.
The dialogue centered on the role of the private sector in shifting from informal to formal remittance systems and came in the wake of the WB report, Global Development Finance 2003, saying that remittances have become an important and stable source of financial inflows to developing countries.
According to copies of the papers given to the OFW Journalism Consortium, Uy said that remittances to developing countries reached more than $120 billion by the end of 2004 from less than $40 billion in 1990.
She defined remittances as the sum of workers remittances, compensation of employees, and migrant transfers. In the Philippines alone, OFW remittances hit $8.54 billion in 2004, which is 52.65 percent of the country's gross international reserves and roughly 14 percent of the Philippines gross domestic product, according to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Nestor A. Espenilla Jr. who spoke at the Bangkok conference.
He also cited six key regulatory challenges in OFW remittance flows namely money laundering channels, low transaction cost, convenience and access, consumer protection, operational risk management, and proper recording and monitoring.Uy presentation, meanwhile, emphasized five key issues for public policy and remittances and underscored the international lender seriousness in tackling the issue of remittances, so much so that the WB Global Economic Prospects 2006 for release this year would center on international remittances and migration.
Key issues
A key issue that the WB considers in its policy recommendation to be included in its report is reducing remittance costs through improved financial systems and infrastructure.
Uy said this is important since reducing remittance fees is likely to increase annual remittance flows to developing countries. Uy added, To date, remittance costs remain regressive and high on average.
On the average, sending money to the Philippines and Mexico through Moneygram and Western Union is higher compared to the rates of other remittance firms.
Sending $100 through Moneygram and Western Union to the Philippines from the US exacts above 14 percent in fees. Other remittance firms charge below that range.
However, the two firms charge less for every $1,000 sent to Mexico from the U.S. compared to other remittance companies.Another key issue for public policy on remittances is the regulatory regime for anti-money laundering and financing terrorism.
Read more....http://www.cyberdyaryo.com/features/f2005_0719_01.htm
Lankan Maid Had a Dream to Fulfill
Mohammed Rasooldeen,
Arab News
Tuesday, 12, July, 2005 (05, Jumada al-Thani, 1426)
RIYADH, 12 July 2005
"The Sri Lankan maid who died in a fire rescuing the child in her charge last week in Jeddah came to the Kingdom just three months after her marriage.
She promised her relatives that she would find the funds to build her dream house back home. Asiyath Umma, 27, in the Kingdom for 18 months, sacrificed her life to rescue her employer eight-year-old boy.
She died of smoke inhalation; the child was subsequently admitted to the hospital for treatment. y niece, who was the only daughter in the family, told her mother and husband that she opted to work abroad since her goal was to build a house of her own,"her uncle, Aboobucker Mohammed Ismail told Arab News.
Ismail, a driver working for a Saudi family, said he was shocked to get the death news of his niece from the Sri Lanka Consulate in Jeddah. o fulfill her dream, the maid had kept her 11 months?salaries as savings with her sponsor,"he added. Ismail said the deceased relatives in Pulmoddai in eastern Sri Lanka had contacted the Foreign Ministry in Colombo to bring Asiyath body home.
It took hours for me to convince them to bury her in the Kingdom, he noted.
Read more.....http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&article=66807&d=12&m=7&y=2005&pix=kingdom.jpg&category=Kingdom
Arab News
Tuesday, 12, July, 2005 (05, Jumada al-Thani, 1426)
RIYADH, 12 July 2005
"The Sri Lankan maid who died in a fire rescuing the child in her charge last week in Jeddah came to the Kingdom just three months after her marriage.
She promised her relatives that she would find the funds to build her dream house back home. Asiyath Umma, 27, in the Kingdom for 18 months, sacrificed her life to rescue her employer eight-year-old boy.
She died of smoke inhalation; the child was subsequently admitted to the hospital for treatment. y niece, who was the only daughter in the family, told her mother and husband that she opted to work abroad since her goal was to build a house of her own,"her uncle, Aboobucker Mohammed Ismail told Arab News.
Ismail, a driver working for a Saudi family, said he was shocked to get the death news of his niece from the Sri Lanka Consulate in Jeddah. o fulfill her dream, the maid had kept her 11 months?salaries as savings with her sponsor,"he added. Ismail said the deceased relatives in Pulmoddai in eastern Sri Lanka had contacted the Foreign Ministry in Colombo to bring Asiyath body home.
It took hours for me to convince them to bury her in the Kingdom, he noted.
Read more.....http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1§ion=0&article=66807&d=12&m=7&y=2005&pix=kingdom.jpg&category=Kingdom
Indonesian Maid Miyati Sent to Jail
Maha Akeel, Arab NewsTuesday, 12, July, 2005
(05, Jumada al-Thani, 1426)
JEDDAH, 12 July 2005 ?Nour Miyati, the Indonesian maid who was severely injured and lost limbs as a result of alleged torture by her sponsor ?has been jailed.
She was removed from hospital yesterday evening and taken to an unspecified public jail. Her embassy was not informed. Indonesian labor attache, M. Sukiarto, confirmed that the embassy was not informed of this development. very disappointed. I dont know why she was sent to jail,The told Arab News.
In March, Miyati was taken to a Riyadh hospital by her sponsor in critical condition and severe injuries causing gangrene to her fingers, toes and part of her right foot; some of her fingers and toes had to be amputated.
At first she claimed that her sponsor tied her up for a month in a bathroom and beat her severely injuring her eyes and knocking several of her teeth out.
A report in May said that Miyati had retracted earlier accusations that her sponsor tied her up and tortured her. Consequently she was charged with making false allegations against her sponsor.
Read more....
(05, Jumada al-Thani, 1426)
JEDDAH, 12 July 2005 ?Nour Miyati, the Indonesian maid who was severely injured and lost limbs as a result of alleged torture by her sponsor ?has been jailed.
She was removed from hospital yesterday evening and taken to an unspecified public jail. Her embassy was not informed. Indonesian labor attache, M. Sukiarto, confirmed that the embassy was not informed of this development. very disappointed. I dont know why she was sent to jail,The told Arab News.
In March, Miyati was taken to a Riyadh hospital by her sponsor in critical condition and severe injuries causing gangrene to her fingers, toes and part of her right foot; some of her fingers and toes had to be amputated.
At first she claimed that her sponsor tied her up for a month in a bathroom and beat her severely injuring her eyes and knocking several of her teeth out.
A report in May said that Miyati had retracted earlier accusations that her sponsor tied her up and tortured her. Consequently she was charged with making false allegations against her sponsor.
Read more....
Filipinos in Dubai liken Arroyo's credibility to 'soiled laundry'
By Jay Hilotin, Staff Reporter
Published: 9/7/2005, 06:55 (UAE)
Gulf News
Dubai: Philippine President Gloria Arroyo's credibility is like heavily soiled laundry after she admitted calling a key election official last year to rig poll results.
This was the view expressed by several groups of Filipino civil society in Dubai in a meeting held here yesterday."She would only soil the rest of the country if she tries to wash her dirty linen," said Carlos Bacho, leader of Bayanikasan, a Filipino anti-corruption watchdog in Dubai."She has the option to quit and come clean".
There were some who did not agree to calls for Arroyo to resign.A.F., a middle-aged Filipina who has been working in Dubai for nine years, said: "Calls for our president to resign is futile because she has not been proven guilty in an impeachment trial."Leo Canceran, a community leader, said: "Arroyo is like a discredited head of the family .
She violated the law. A family that has lost respect for its head will disintegrate in no time."Wilfredo Lopez, leader of the UAE chapter of Kalahi International, an NGO closely related to the Arroyo administration, also called for the president to step down.Cyrine Pinpin, representative of Migrante International in Dubai, joined the chorus of anti-Arroyo groups.
"Arroyo lost the moral right to stay in Malacanang," she said.Pinpin also asked OFWs to show their withdrawal of support for Arroyo by using the door-to-door or "padala" remittance system, instead of remitting through the formal banking sector."We're not waiting for her to resign.
If she does not quit voluntarily, she will be ousted," said Pinpin.
Read more.....http://www.gulfnews.com/Articles/WorldNF.asp?ArticleID=172230
Published: 9/7/2005, 06:55 (UAE)
Gulf News
Dubai: Philippine President Gloria Arroyo's credibility is like heavily soiled laundry after she admitted calling a key election official last year to rig poll results.
This was the view expressed by several groups of Filipino civil society in Dubai in a meeting held here yesterday."She would only soil the rest of the country if she tries to wash her dirty linen," said Carlos Bacho, leader of Bayanikasan, a Filipino anti-corruption watchdog in Dubai."She has the option to quit and come clean".
There were some who did not agree to calls for Arroyo to resign.A.F., a middle-aged Filipina who has been working in Dubai for nine years, said: "Calls for our president to resign is futile because she has not been proven guilty in an impeachment trial."Leo Canceran, a community leader, said: "Arroyo is like a discredited head of the family .
She violated the law. A family that has lost respect for its head will disintegrate in no time."Wilfredo Lopez, leader of the UAE chapter of Kalahi International, an NGO closely related to the Arroyo administration, also called for the president to step down.Cyrine Pinpin, representative of Migrante International in Dubai, joined the chorus of anti-Arroyo groups.
"Arroyo lost the moral right to stay in Malacanang," she said.Pinpin also asked OFWs to show their withdrawal of support for Arroyo by using the door-to-door or "padala" remittance system, instead of remitting through the formal banking sector."We're not waiting for her to resign.
If she does not quit voluntarily, she will be ousted," said Pinpin.
Read more.....http://www.gulfnews.com/Articles/WorldNF.asp?ArticleID=172230
Taiwan ex-lawmaker gets jail term for raping Filipina maid
July 08, 2005
Updated 03:16pm (Mla time)
Agence France-Presse
http://news.inq7.net/express/html_output/20050708-42807.xml.html
TAIPEI--A former Taiwanese lawmaker received a four-year jail term Friday for sexually assaulting his maid from the Philippines, a court official said.Fung Hu-hsiang, a former lawmaker from the pro-reunification New Party, was convicted of raping his Filipino maid who returned home last year soon after filing the charge.
Fung, who remains free pending an appeal, has insisted he is innocent and claims the maid made up the story.
Updated 03:16pm (Mla time)
Agence France-Presse
http://news.inq7.net/express/html_output/20050708-42807.xml.html
TAIPEI--A former Taiwanese lawmaker received a four-year jail term Friday for sexually assaulting his maid from the Philippines, a court official said.Fung Hu-hsiang, a former lawmaker from the pro-reunification New Party, was convicted of raping his Filipino maid who returned home last year soon after filing the charge.
Fung, who remains free pending an appeal, has insisted he is innocent and claims the maid made up the story.
Monday, July 04, 2005
500,000 Pinoys now working abroad
The Department of Labor and Employment yesterday said that overseas Filipino Workers abroad has reached half a million mark and continues to increase for the first six months of the year.
Acting Labor Secretary Danilo P. Cruz said the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) data showed that OFWs deployed abroad has reached 502, 772 in late June.
This is 19,276 more than the 483,496 OFWs deployed in the same period last year and the first time that half a million OFWs have been deployed globally in only one semester, according to Cruz.
"We are confident that our goal to deploy a million OFWs globally continues on a firm and stable track," he said. It is expected that with the increase of OFW deployments, remittances would also increase. The Labor department early in June reported that OFWS remittances for first five months of the year has increased by 17 percent compared to the same period in 2004.
The global deployment of 422,801, from January 1 to May 29, 2005, -- from 410,142 of the same period last year, was complemented by a 17 percent increase in dollar remittances from OFWs, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) figures showed. For the first five months of the year, remittances reached US$3.072 billion compared to $2.621 billion in the same period in 2004.
Cruz said that the total OFW remittance to the Philippines is estimated to reach US$10 billion this year.
Read more....http://www.malaya.com.ph/jul04/metro2.htm
Acting Labor Secretary Danilo P. Cruz said the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) data showed that OFWs deployed abroad has reached 502, 772 in late June.
This is 19,276 more than the 483,496 OFWs deployed in the same period last year and the first time that half a million OFWs have been deployed globally in only one semester, according to Cruz.
"We are confident that our goal to deploy a million OFWs globally continues on a firm and stable track," he said. It is expected that with the increase of OFW deployments, remittances would also increase. The Labor department early in June reported that OFWS remittances for first five months of the year has increased by 17 percent compared to the same period in 2004.
The global deployment of 422,801, from January 1 to May 29, 2005, -- from 410,142 of the same period last year, was complemented by a 17 percent increase in dollar remittances from OFWs, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) figures showed. For the first five months of the year, remittances reached US$3.072 billion compared to $2.621 billion in the same period in 2004.
Cruz said that the total OFW remittance to the Philippines is estimated to reach US$10 billion this year.
Read more....http://www.malaya.com.ph/jul04/metro2.htm
Saturday, July 02, 2005
Indian women's groups slam Muslim fatwa on rape
July 02, 2005 Updated 02:39am (Mla time)
Agence France-Presse
NEW DELHI--A ruling by a powerful Islamic body that a woman raped by her father-in-law must separate from her husband has sparked a storm in India, with angry rights groups and Muslim women slamming the fatwa although the victim says she is resigned to her fate.
"The Islamic clerics have failed to differentiate between sex by consent and rape by force," president of the All India Muslim Women's Personal Law Board, Shaista Amber, was quoted Friday by the Asian Age newspaper as saying.
"The victim has been further victimized by the 'fatwa' (edict)," Amber said. "We've all decided that Imrana was and is still innocent. She can live with her husband.
"The ruling was against the "spirit and essence of Islam, which gives equal rights to women," Amber's organization said separately.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Monday ordered 28-year-old Imrana Ilahi, who was allegedly raped by her father-in-law Ali Mohammed in northern Uttar Pradesh state about two weeks ago, to separate from her husband, who was tasked with bringing up their five children.
The Muslim law board was set up in 1972 to protect the rights of Muslim women in India.Several women's organizations, led by the All-India Democratic Women's Association, meanwhile staged demonstrations Thursday in Muzafarnagar, where Ilahi lives, demanding punishment for her rapist.
Read more.....http://news.inq7.net/express/html_output/20050702-42106.xml.html
Agence France-Presse
NEW DELHI--A ruling by a powerful Islamic body that a woman raped by her father-in-law must separate from her husband has sparked a storm in India, with angry rights groups and Muslim women slamming the fatwa although the victim says she is resigned to her fate.
"The Islamic clerics have failed to differentiate between sex by consent and rape by force," president of the All India Muslim Women's Personal Law Board, Shaista Amber, was quoted Friday by the Asian Age newspaper as saying.
"The victim has been further victimized by the 'fatwa' (edict)," Amber said. "We've all decided that Imrana was and is still innocent. She can live with her husband.
"The ruling was against the "spirit and essence of Islam, which gives equal rights to women," Amber's organization said separately.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Monday ordered 28-year-old Imrana Ilahi, who was allegedly raped by her father-in-law Ali Mohammed in northern Uttar Pradesh state about two weeks ago, to separate from her husband, who was tasked with bringing up their five children.
The Muslim law board was set up in 1972 to protect the rights of Muslim women in India.Several women's organizations, led by the All-India Democratic Women's Association, meanwhile staged demonstrations Thursday in Muzafarnagar, where Ilahi lives, demanding punishment for her rapist.
Read more.....http://news.inq7.net/express/html_output/20050702-42106.xml.html
500,000 OFWs dispatched in first half of 2005, says DOLE
First posted 03:16pm (Mla time) July 02, 2005
INQ7.net
by: Veronica Uy
http://news.inq7.net/breaking/index.php?index=1&story_id=42144
A TOTAL of 502,772 overseas Filipino workers have been deployed for the first half of the year, breaching the half a million mark of OFW deployment for the first time since the country started sending workers abroad, acting Labor Secretary Danilo Cruz said Saturday.
"We are confident that our goal to deploy a million OFWs globally continues on a firm and stable track," he said.
Citing reports from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Cruz said the figure, noted as of June 26 this year, is 19,276 more than the 483,496 OFWs deployed in the same period last year.
Cruz said that with this development, the total OFW remittances to the Philippines could approach the 10-billion-dollar mark this year.
Earlier, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines) reported that OFW remittances rose by a double-digit 17.22 percent to 3.072 billion dollars (around 170.9 billion pesos) from January to April 2005, compared to 2.621 billion dollars during the same period in 2004.
INQ7.net
by: Veronica Uy
http://news.inq7.net/breaking/index.php?index=1&story_id=42144
A TOTAL of 502,772 overseas Filipino workers have been deployed for the first half of the year, breaching the half a million mark of OFW deployment for the first time since the country started sending workers abroad, acting Labor Secretary Danilo Cruz said Saturday.
"We are confident that our goal to deploy a million OFWs globally continues on a firm and stable track," he said.
Citing reports from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), Cruz said the figure, noted as of June 26 this year, is 19,276 more than the 483,496 OFWs deployed in the same period last year.
Cruz said that with this development, the total OFW remittances to the Philippines could approach the 10-billion-dollar mark this year.
Earlier, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (Central Bank of the Philippines) reported that OFW remittances rose by a double-digit 17.22 percent to 3.072 billion dollars (around 170.9 billion pesos) from January to April 2005, compared to 2.621 billion dollars during the same period in 2004.
O U T R A G E !
Overseas Filipinos, their families and advocates Unite,
Rise to Oust the Arroyo regime!
News ReleaseJuly 1, 2005For reference: Broad group of migrants and advocates launch Oust Gloria alliance: Calls to withhold remittances until Gloria steps downNo resign, no remit.
This was the call issued today by a new alliance formed by migrants and advocates to press for Gloria’s immediate resignation or ouster. OUTRAGE or Overseas Filipinos, their families and advocates Unite, Rise to oust the Arroyo regime is an umbrella formation of groups and individuals across the Philippines and around the world, in more than 20 countries.
“Foremost among our forms of protest actions is the call for the withholding of remittances through formal banking channels as long as Gloria Arroyo remains in power in order to illustrate our complete withdrawal of support from the Gloria administration,” says OUTRAGE in their Basis of Unity Statement. OUTRAGE was launched this morning during a Quezon City press conference.
Other forms of action the group will lead include coordinated days of action, forums and petition signings.“Instead of trying to cover-up her fraudulent foul-play by resorting to repressive measures and harassment tactics, she must face the people’s cry for justice to be served,” says the group’s petition which will be circulated in various communities, countries and on the internet.
“Across the country and around the world, the Filipino people will not be fooled. We will not be deceived by diversionary tactics of self-exile or a purported revamp of the Cabinet. Clearly, Gloria is an anti-people, corrupt and fake President with no legal or moral basis. If she does not resign, the people will oust her from Malacanang,” says OUTRAGE.
On Tuesday, July 5, OUTRAGE will hold a forum at UP’s Asian Center Conference Room (2pm to 4pm) entitled “No Resign, No Remit (through bank channels)” to further raise awareness about the impact of remittances on the national economy.OUTRAGE convenors and members at the press conference include: Dr. Minguita Padilla, President, Sinag ng Bayan Foundation; Connie Bragas-Regalado, Chairperson, Migrante Sectoral Party; Amado Gat Inciong, Alyansang Nagkakaisa para sa Inang Bayan; Prof. Ruel Pepa, of Trinity College of Quezon City; Hanah Seneres, External Vice-President, OFW Family Club; Prof. Millie R. Espinas, of Asian Center, UP Diliman; Maita Santiago, Secretary-General, Migrante International; Josue Loyola, Chairperson Friends of Migrante; Dr. Rommel Linatoc, Migrante - United Kingdom and Josh Castro, Secretary-General of the League of Filipino Students - California; and Mazel Trinidad of Migrante Youth.
#Spokespersons for reference:
Dr. Minguita Padilla, 0915.584.2394
Connie Bragas-Regalado, 0927.215.7392
Rise to Oust the Arroyo regime!
News ReleaseJuly 1, 2005For reference: Broad group of migrants and advocates launch Oust Gloria alliance: Calls to withhold remittances until Gloria steps downNo resign, no remit.
This was the call issued today by a new alliance formed by migrants and advocates to press for Gloria’s immediate resignation or ouster. OUTRAGE or Overseas Filipinos, their families and advocates Unite, Rise to oust the Arroyo regime is an umbrella formation of groups and individuals across the Philippines and around the world, in more than 20 countries.
“Foremost among our forms of protest actions is the call for the withholding of remittances through formal banking channels as long as Gloria Arroyo remains in power in order to illustrate our complete withdrawal of support from the Gloria administration,” says OUTRAGE in their Basis of Unity Statement. OUTRAGE was launched this morning during a Quezon City press conference.
Other forms of action the group will lead include coordinated days of action, forums and petition signings.“Instead of trying to cover-up her fraudulent foul-play by resorting to repressive measures and harassment tactics, she must face the people’s cry for justice to be served,” says the group’s petition which will be circulated in various communities, countries and on the internet.
“Across the country and around the world, the Filipino people will not be fooled. We will not be deceived by diversionary tactics of self-exile or a purported revamp of the Cabinet. Clearly, Gloria is an anti-people, corrupt and fake President with no legal or moral basis. If she does not resign, the people will oust her from Malacanang,” says OUTRAGE.
On Tuesday, July 5, OUTRAGE will hold a forum at UP’s Asian Center Conference Room (2pm to 4pm) entitled “No Resign, No Remit (through bank channels)” to further raise awareness about the impact of remittances on the national economy.OUTRAGE convenors and members at the press conference include: Dr. Minguita Padilla, President, Sinag ng Bayan Foundation; Connie Bragas-Regalado, Chairperson, Migrante Sectoral Party; Amado Gat Inciong, Alyansang Nagkakaisa para sa Inang Bayan; Prof. Ruel Pepa, of Trinity College of Quezon City; Hanah Seneres, External Vice-President, OFW Family Club; Prof. Millie R. Espinas, of Asian Center, UP Diliman; Maita Santiago, Secretary-General, Migrante International; Josue Loyola, Chairperson Friends of Migrante; Dr. Rommel Linatoc, Migrante - United Kingdom and Josh Castro, Secretary-General of the League of Filipino Students - California; and Mazel Trinidad of Migrante Youth.
#Spokespersons for reference:
Dr. Minguita Padilla, 0915.584.2394
Connie Bragas-Regalado, 0927.215.7392
UN releases compensation for Filipinos in Gulf War
By Dennis D. Estopace, Reporter
Saturday, July 02, 2005
A unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs directly taking orders from the United Nations confirmed the release of nearly a million dollar for late claims for payment for Filipinos who died, were harmed or displaced during Iraq’s war against Kuwait more than a decade ago.
A staff of the Philippine Claims and Compensation Commission has confirmed that the commission is processing a UN Security Council resolution in April on the “late-claims program.” Created in 1991, the PCCC is the operating arm of the UNCC, the UN council that approves and processes the claims of the 1991 Gulf War victims around the world.
The money for the claims, an estimated $12 billion worldwide, comes from a special fund that receives 25 percent of the proceeds from sales of Iraqi oil. The United Nations Compensation Commission Governing Council has approved in May the claims of 245 of 305 Filipinos for whom the foreign affairs department has filed late claims in March last year.
According to a council report dated March 10, 2005, a total of 3,450 category “A” claims and 672 category “C” claims were filed by the governments of the Philippines, Iran, Pakistan and Sri Lanka as part of a “late-claims program.”
“On various occasions from 2000 to 2004, [the Philippine Government] approached the governing council with request[s] to file claims with the Commission on behalf of some of their nationals who were allegedly unable to file claims for losses resulting from Iraq’s invasion and occupation of Kuwait during the Commission’s regular filing period,” the report said. The UN council’s regular filing period was from January 1, 1992, to January 1, 1996.
Read more.....http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2005/jul/02/yehey/top_stories/20050702top6.html
Saturday, July 02, 2005
A unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs directly taking orders from the United Nations confirmed the release of nearly a million dollar for late claims for payment for Filipinos who died, were harmed or displaced during Iraq’s war against Kuwait more than a decade ago.
A staff of the Philippine Claims and Compensation Commission has confirmed that the commission is processing a UN Security Council resolution in April on the “late-claims program.” Created in 1991, the PCCC is the operating arm of the UNCC, the UN council that approves and processes the claims of the 1991 Gulf War victims around the world.
The money for the claims, an estimated $12 billion worldwide, comes from a special fund that receives 25 percent of the proceeds from sales of Iraqi oil. The United Nations Compensation Commission Governing Council has approved in May the claims of 245 of 305 Filipinos for whom the foreign affairs department has filed late claims in March last year.
According to a council report dated March 10, 2005, a total of 3,450 category “A” claims and 672 category “C” claims were filed by the governments of the Philippines, Iran, Pakistan and Sri Lanka as part of a “late-claims program.”
“On various occasions from 2000 to 2004, [the Philippine Government] approached the governing council with request[s] to file claims with the Commission on behalf of some of their nationals who were allegedly unable to file claims for losses resulting from Iraq’s invasion and occupation of Kuwait during the Commission’s regular filing period,” the report said. The UN council’s regular filing period was from January 1, 1992, to January 1, 1996.
Read more.....http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2005/jul/02/yehey/top_stories/20050702top6.html
Friday, July 01, 2005
Arroyo assailed for neglecting OFWs in Lebanon
Thursday, 06/30/2005
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/20050630.nat05.html
A militant group yesterday assailed on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) for neglecting Filipinos in Lebanon who had been raped and got impregnated by abusive employers.
In a statement, Migrante sectoral party chairman Connie Bragas-Regalado said President Arroyo, along with her diplomats, had neglected their mandate to protect OFWs in Lebanon.
Regalado added they received reports that 10 distressed OFWs, including a domestic helper, who was raped and got pregnant, are still seeking government assistance for their plight in Beirut. “This revelation was brought about by the arrival of Dina Palangre, 35-year-old OFW, a native of Passi, Iloilo, who was lucky to return home after eight months of suffering at the hands of her Lebanese employer,” she noted.
“We are quite aghast at these developments as justice has not been attained for at least three domestic workers who were killed in Lebanon last year due to the criminal neglect of embassy officials themselves,” she added.
Regalado identified victims Louella Montenegro, Catherine Bautista and Luz Pacu-an were all killed by their Lebanese employers in a span of three months last year. She said only former Ambassador Ramoncito Marino was recalled and given a lower post in a different country. “Palangre identified some of the domestic helpers needing immediate repatriation as Maricel Dema-ala, Monaliza Nodalo, Editha Jabiar, Helen Espiritu, and Quitora Corros-all temporarily sheltered at the Philippine embassy in Beirut, Lebanon,” she added.
“What is Charge d' Affaires Nestor Padalhin doing in Beirut? The Philippine government knows fully well that Lebanese employers treat OFWs like animals, made to work more than 10 hours without sufficient food and not paying their salaries,” she added.
She noted despite the non-existence of social and labor accords to protect OFWs, the current administration continues to deploy OFWs to Lebanon in violation of Republic Act 8042 or the Migrants Act of 1995. The militant leader said OFWs also suffer violations of their rights as foreign workers, are being raped and experience other forms of abuse.
Based on reports, there are at least 30,000 OFWs in Lebanon. “This just shows that Philippine diplomatic officials in Lebanon, and the Arroyo administration for that matter, ceaselessly violates laws and neglects OFWs in distress,” she added. Sherwin C. Olaes
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/20050630.nat05.html
A militant group yesterday assailed on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) for neglecting Filipinos in Lebanon who had been raped and got impregnated by abusive employers.
In a statement, Migrante sectoral party chairman Connie Bragas-Regalado said President Arroyo, along with her diplomats, had neglected their mandate to protect OFWs in Lebanon.
Regalado added they received reports that 10 distressed OFWs, including a domestic helper, who was raped and got pregnant, are still seeking government assistance for their plight in Beirut. “This revelation was brought about by the arrival of Dina Palangre, 35-year-old OFW, a native of Passi, Iloilo, who was lucky to return home after eight months of suffering at the hands of her Lebanese employer,” she noted.
“We are quite aghast at these developments as justice has not been attained for at least three domestic workers who were killed in Lebanon last year due to the criminal neglect of embassy officials themselves,” she added.
Regalado identified victims Louella Montenegro, Catherine Bautista and Luz Pacu-an were all killed by their Lebanese employers in a span of three months last year. She said only former Ambassador Ramoncito Marino was recalled and given a lower post in a different country. “Palangre identified some of the domestic helpers needing immediate repatriation as Maricel Dema-ala, Monaliza Nodalo, Editha Jabiar, Helen Espiritu, and Quitora Corros-all temporarily sheltered at the Philippine embassy in Beirut, Lebanon,” she added.
“What is Charge d' Affaires Nestor Padalhin doing in Beirut? The Philippine government knows fully well that Lebanese employers treat OFWs like animals, made to work more than 10 hours without sufficient food and not paying their salaries,” she added.
She noted despite the non-existence of social and labor accords to protect OFWs, the current administration continues to deploy OFWs to Lebanon in violation of Republic Act 8042 or the Migrants Act of 1995. The militant leader said OFWs also suffer violations of their rights as foreign workers, are being raped and experience other forms of abuse.
Based on reports, there are at least 30,000 OFWs in Lebanon. “This just shows that Philippine diplomatic officials in Lebanon, and the Arroyo administration for that matter, ceaselessly violates laws and neglects OFWs in distress,” she added. Sherwin C. Olaes
8 OFWs quit jobs in Kuwait over unfair labor
First posted 04:51pm (Mla time)
June 30, 2005
By Veronica Uy
INQ7.net
http://news.inq7.net/breaking/index.php?index=1&story_id=41928
EIGHT Filipino truck drivers were repatriated in two batches after their resigned from a transport company in Kuwait over unlawful salary deductions and unpaid overtime.
Labor Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas said the overseas Filipino workers still chose to return to the Philippines even after a successful mediation by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office.They did not finish their two-year contracts.The drivers were all contracted by the BMW Recruitment Agency to work with the Jassim Transport Company, a subsidiary of the Transport and Warehousing Group Co. in Kuwait.
They stayed within the Philippines embassy premises in Kuwait from April 7 until their repatriation on June 22 and June 26, according to a report of Labor attaché to Kuwait Leopoldo De Jesus.
De Jesus named the overseas workers as Valeriano de la Cruz, Willie Hernandez, Protacio Valenzuela, Romeo Gonzales, Vergel Gonzales, Freddie Malbueso, Nicanor Badonio, and Edwin Cruz.
De Jesus said that as the OFWs failed to complete their contracts, the company required them to pay back employment expenses in bringing them to Kuwait. These amounted to 183 Kuwaiti dinars (about 528 dollars) for each of the repatriated workers.
Jassim Transport Company deducted the amount from their remaining salaries and overtime pay, said De Jesus, adding that the balance was charged to the contracting agency. He did not specify the amount.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration said it assisted in their repatriation and provided necessary airport and other assistance upon arrival in the Philippines. #
June 30, 2005
By Veronica Uy
INQ7.net
http://news.inq7.net/breaking/index.php?index=1&story_id=41928
EIGHT Filipino truck drivers were repatriated in two batches after their resigned from a transport company in Kuwait over unlawful salary deductions and unpaid overtime.
Labor Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas said the overseas Filipino workers still chose to return to the Philippines even after a successful mediation by the Philippine Overseas Labor Office.They did not finish their two-year contracts.The drivers were all contracted by the BMW Recruitment Agency to work with the Jassim Transport Company, a subsidiary of the Transport and Warehousing Group Co. in Kuwait.
They stayed within the Philippines embassy premises in Kuwait from April 7 until their repatriation on June 22 and June 26, according to a report of Labor attaché to Kuwait Leopoldo De Jesus.
De Jesus named the overseas workers as Valeriano de la Cruz, Willie Hernandez, Protacio Valenzuela, Romeo Gonzales, Vergel Gonzales, Freddie Malbueso, Nicanor Badonio, and Edwin Cruz.
De Jesus said that as the OFWs failed to complete their contracts, the company required them to pay back employment expenses in bringing them to Kuwait. These amounted to 183 Kuwaiti dinars (about 528 dollars) for each of the repatriated workers.
Jassim Transport Company deducted the amount from their remaining salaries and overtime pay, said De Jesus, adding that the balance was charged to the contracting agency. He did not specify the amount.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration said it assisted in their repatriation and provided necessary airport and other assistance upon arrival in the Philippines. #
Fil-Aussie woman seeks damages for deportation
manilastandardonline
An Australian woman wrongly deported to the Philippines will probably seek more than $1 million Australian (P43 million) in compensation from the government, her lawyer said. Vivian Alvarez, a Philippine-born dual citizen since 1986, was mistakenly identified as an illegal immigrant and deported in 2001 following a car accident.
She was tracked down last month in a hospice outside Manila and has since been negotiating with the government conditions for her return. Australian Broadcasting Corp. television reported late Monday it had evidence that Alvarez was suffering a partially severed spinal cord when she was deported and was apparently unable to sign her own name.
She used thumbprints to endorse identity papers, the ABC reported in its “Lateline” program. Kim Beazley, leader of the opposition Labor Party, slammed the government Tuesday for bungling the case. “When that sort of thing is found out, when this sort of gross incompetence by a government takes place, then we, the taxpayers, pay a penalty,” he said.
Her Australian lawyer Marcus Einfeld said Alvarez was keen to return to Australia where she has two sons but the government would not commit to care for her beyond six months. Einfeld, a former judge, said he had a compensation figure in mind but had not asked the government for a lump sum. “It’s a substantial sum and, yes, it certainly probably is more than a million dollars,” Einfeld told Lateline.
Read more...http://www.manilastandardonline.com:8080/mnlastd/ContentLoader?page=news05_june29_2005
An Australian woman wrongly deported to the Philippines will probably seek more than $1 million Australian (P43 million) in compensation from the government, her lawyer said. Vivian Alvarez, a Philippine-born dual citizen since 1986, was mistakenly identified as an illegal immigrant and deported in 2001 following a car accident.
She was tracked down last month in a hospice outside Manila and has since been negotiating with the government conditions for her return. Australian Broadcasting Corp. television reported late Monday it had evidence that Alvarez was suffering a partially severed spinal cord when she was deported and was apparently unable to sign her own name.
She used thumbprints to endorse identity papers, the ABC reported in its “Lateline” program. Kim Beazley, leader of the opposition Labor Party, slammed the government Tuesday for bungling the case. “When that sort of thing is found out, when this sort of gross incompetence by a government takes place, then we, the taxpayers, pay a penalty,” he said.
Her Australian lawyer Marcus Einfeld said Alvarez was keen to return to Australia where she has two sons but the government would not commit to care for her beyond six months. Einfeld, a former judge, said he had a compensation figure in mind but had not asked the government for a lump sum. “It’s a substantial sum and, yes, it certainly probably is more than a million dollars,” Einfeld told Lateline.
Read more...http://www.manilastandardonline.com:8080/mnlastd/ContentLoader?page=news05_june29_2005
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