A lawmaker on Monday, August 20, called the attention of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to help overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the runway mishap at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
In a statement, Senator Francis Escudero said DFA and OWWA must help OFW in re-booking their flights and explaining to the employers of the workers the mishap that happened at the airport, causing their delay.
Despite the re-opening of the runway, many OFWs are still left stranded at the airport waiting for their re-scheduled flights.
Escudero added that affected passengers should also receive “compensation” particularly the OFWs whose jobs are in danger due to the delay.
“Government must also find a way to indemnify passengers for damages caused by these inordinate delays especially in cases of non-refundable tickets, missed connection flights and additional billeting expenses,” Escudero added.
On the part of DFA, the office said they have advised embassies and consulates in the OFWs destinations to prepare certificates that OFWs can show to their employers in explaining the mishap that happened at the airport.
Meanwhile, OWWA administrator Hans Leo Cacdac said they are also coordinating with Philippine Airlines to help the stranded OFWs especially those whose visas are about to expire.
On August 16, a Xiamen airlines aircraft ripped off one of its engines resulting in multiple cancellation of flights because the runway was blocked off, leaving many OFWs stranded.
Manila International Airport Authority general manager Ed Monreal said in a radio interview that he is sure employers can understand the OFWs’ situation. He also called on airlines to issue certificates as proof that it was not the OFWs’ fault that their flights were cancelled.
Labor and Employment Secretary Silvestre Bello III is also urging OFWs to ask the department for assistance and other concerns about their visas.
More than 600 flights have already flown in and out of NAIA since the re-opening of its runway on August 17.
(Photo courtesy of Namzi Monzon Fernandez)
