Clean DFA ranks to improve services to OFWs: Zozobrado

DAVAO City Councilor Rachel Zozobrado said the government must clean its ranks of foreign affairs personnel especially those in embassies abroad in order to improve its services to overseas Filpino workers.

This as reports of maltreatment and illegal activities of an ambassador recently surfaced.

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"[The government should] investigate those cases, impose strict sanctions on erring employees and officials and maybe stop appointing people who are not qualified for the position. Usahay man gud (Sometimes, political accommodations or by virtue of friendship ang (the) appointment," Zozobrado said Friday.

Re-orienting foreign affairs personnel, especially those assigned in embassies abroad on their functions, she added, is a way to go.

"Usahay man gud makalimot sila, imbes na maoy mutabang, sila na hinuo'y muduot (At times they forgot, instead of helping they aggravate things)," Zozobrado said.

Zozobrado, chair of the SP committee on international relations, however,
welcomed the 2nd Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) in Manila on October 29-30, 2008.

"Timely ug welcome move ni siya as it would provide needed information to protect those planning to migrate or work abroad from falling prey to illegal recruiters," Zozobrado said.

Councilor Peter Laviña, meanwhile, said, that it is the responsibility of the government of both sending and receiving countries to work together to ensure rights and safety of migrant workers are promoted and respected.

"The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) should focus its services to help OFWs especially those in distress and victims of human trafficking," Laviña said. (GLP)