President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday, June 12, said he would personally fly to Kuwait to extend his gratitude after the signing of the labor deal that seeks to protect the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Gulf state.
During the oath-taking ceremony of the newly-elected barangay captains in Pampanga, Duterte expressed his intentions to visit Kuwait for approving his demands with regard to the labor deal.
Among the president’s personal demands that are included in the deal are at least one day off per week, right to hold their own passport and other important documents, possession of cellphone in case of emergencies, and ability to prepare their own meals.
The president admitted that he was harsh with his words when a rift arose between the two countries following the release of the “uncoordinated” rescue of OFWs, spearheaded by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), which caused the Kuwaiti government to expel then ambassador Renato Villa and declare him persona non grata.
“Pinalagpas lang nila yung mga mura ko,” Duterte said.
In May, the Kuwaiti and Philippine government signed the labor deal that aims to protect OFWs in the Gulf state from abuse following the discovery of the body of OFW Joanna Demafelis in a freezer in Kuwait.
Aside from Duterte’s personal demands, the deal also states that OFWs will be asked to have their passports deposited at the Philippine Embassy.
The Kuwaiti government also agreed to create a special unit within their police force which the Embassy can coordinate with in times of emergency calls from OFWs.
A special phone number for OFW assistance will also be set up.
