“Philippine diplomats abroad who are duty-bound to come to the defense of abused and mistreated overseas Filipino workers in their areas of jurisdiction should be above reproach and must treat their workers in the manner by which we want our OFWs to be treated by their own employers.”
This was the reaction of Manila 6th District Rep. Benny Abante Jr. after the government decided to recall Philippine Ambassador to Brazil Marichu Mauro after video footage surfaced showing her physically abusing a member of her household staff.
“Our envoys abroad may lose the moral high ground in their efforts to ensure the proper treatment of OFWs abroad because of this unfortunate episode.”
The preacher-solon, who routinely meets with OFWs when he visits his congregations in foreign countries, on Thursday, cautioned that “our envoys abroad may lose the moral high ground in their efforts to ensure the proper treatment of OFWs abroad because of this unfortunate episode.”
“This is why we welcome the action immediately taken by DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) Sec. Locsin in this matter. By recalling Amb. Mauro and having her investigated, we are showing that we have zero tolerance for this kind of deplorable behavior.”
The lawmaker urged the DFA to fast-track the inquiry as he believes “the video footage speaks for itself.”
“Of course, due process requires that the side of the accused is heard, but I cannot think of anything that would justify what we all saw in the video. I believe it speaks for itself,” said the legislator.
“Our ambassadors and members of our foreign service are expected to represent our country––to represent us––in the countries where they are assigned.”
Abante pointed out that the majority of OFWs who are reportedly abused by their employers are domestic workers. Following the murder of OFW Joanna Demafelis in Kuwait, Philippine Ambassador to Kuwait Renato Pedro Villa revealed that an estimated 80% of overstaying OFWs in Kuwait are domestic workers, many of whom have reported maltreatment by their employers.
“Nakakalungkot at nakakagalit na habang ipinaglalaban natin ang karapatan at dignidad ng ating mga OFW sa ibang bansa, isang kababayan natin––at embahador pa––ang lumalabag mismo sa karapatan ng ating kababayan,” lamented Abante.
“Our ambassadors and members of our foreign service are expected to represent our country––to represent us––in the countries where they are assigned. It is my belief that the majority of our foreign service serve our country with honor, dignity, and grace––but all it takes is one bad example to alter this perception.”