Impose ban until there’s better work conditions

Well done, President Duterte, for sending a clear message to the Middle East about the mistreatment of Filipino women working as domestic workers. This takes courage!

Just because someone in your house works as a domestic helper does not mean you can abuse them be it sexual, physical or verbal.

This is the 21st century and they are not slaves. They work to be paid, leaving behind families and loved ones thinking they will be better-off with a job. Little do they know that it’s hell on earth in many of these homes in the Middle East.

They provide a valuable service because people cannot be bothered doing “household” tasks in these countries such as cleaning and caregiving. They should be treated with respect and the same goes here in the Philippines for those with helpers at home.

I do believe that it is only a matter of years before no woman would want to work in the Middle East because of the reported horrible conditions.

Then maybe the locals can learn to do things for themselves. Let’s impose this ban for women working in these countries until there’s better work conditions. Keep Filipino women at home safe.

Good on you, Mr. Duterte, for sending this message. I hope it’s the start of the end of workers abuse!

R. FLANAGAN, [email protected]