Is PH gov’t turning tail in conflict-torn Bahrain?

THE PHILIPPINE Embassy in Bahrain requires returning overseas Filipino workers to sign a waiver prior to their return to Bahrain. In effect, the waiver frees the Philippine government from its accountability to protect OFWs, popularly known as Balik Manggagawa, who will insist on returning to Bahrain after their vacation in the Philippines.

A government that relinquishes its primary responsibility of protecting its own working people abroad is an irresponsible government.

We understand that the peace and order situation in Bahrain, like in Yemen, Syria and Libya, is still fragile; but requiring OFWs to sign a waiver so that they’ll be allowed to go back to Bahrain shows a government turning its back on its primary duty to protect its own working people.

OFWs going back to Bahrain are not naïve not to see what’s happening there. On the other hand, they are so worried about their families’ daily survival, in the face of the unabated increases in the prices of basic commodities and services, and the grinding poverty in the Philippines. With the Oil Deregulation Law holding sway, the government has become powerless against oil price hikes.

What would happen if OFWs failed to return to their employers in Bahrain, who are requiring them to report for work after their vacation, otherwise they’ll be fired.

Requiring OFWs to issue this kind of waiver betrays the hypocrisy of a government that pretends to be ready to care and protect OFWs but, in fact, has done little about protecting Filipino workers abroad.

I suggest, for one, that the Philippine Embassy in Bahrain arrange with the host government to escort arriving OFWs from the airport to their respective accommodations upon their arrival in Bahrain, just to secure their safety. The Philippine Embassy could even talk to the OFWs’ employers so that the same service can be provided the OFWs as they travel to and from their job sites and accommodations.

With these arrangements, of what use would the waiver be? To safeguard our OFWs?

We call on fellow OFWs in Bahrain, especially those going back there, to oppose this waiver requirement. The government can’t just turn tail and run away from its responsibilities to OFWs.

—JOHN LEONARD MONTERONA,

Middle East regional coordinator,

Migrante, [email protected]