Create more, better jobs--World Bank tells Philippines

By Jojo Malig, ABS-CBNnews.com

Posted at 05/30/2013 10:54 PM | Updated as of 05/30/2013 10:54 PM

MANILA, Philippines - The Aquino administration should create more and better jobs by fast-tracking reforms, the World Bank said.

The international lending institution, in its May 2013 economic update on the country, said while the Philippine economy performed better than expected in 2012, it must focus its attention on generating higher, sustained, and more inclusive growth that creates jobs and reduces poverty.

"With almost 10 million unemployed or underemployed Filipinos as of end-2012, around 1.1 million 5 potential entrants to the labor market each year, and poverty incidence that hardly declined between 2009 and 2012, the country faces the enormous challenge of providing good jobs to 14.4 million Filipinos through 2016," the World Bank said.

It said a sustained GDP growth of above 5 percent will be able to provide good jobs to around 2.2 million Filipinos between 2013 and 2016.

The World Bank predicted that for 2013, the Philippines' economic growth will be around 6.2 percent and will be driven by domestic demand. "As in previous years, private consumption will provide the primary basis for growth."

However, by 2016, such economic growth pace will still leave around 12.4 million Filipinos who will have no other option but to work abroad, work in the informal sector, or create jobs for themselves, it warned.

The Philippine economy grew by an "impressive" 7.8% in the first quarter on higher consumption, manufacturing and government spending, according to the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) said Thursday.

However, the highest GDP growth rate recorded in the Aquino administration was during an election period, which is usually marked by higher spending and consumption.

"There is no silver bullet for creating more and better jobs, as it is linked to resolving deep-seated, structural issues in the economy. Only a comprehensive reform agenda implemented across sectors can foster a business environment conducive to private sector job creation," the World Bank said.
It added that the Aquino administration, which is enjoying political stability and popularity, should fast-track ongoing reforms to help create more and better jobs.

"Several reforms have successfully started, notably in public financial management, anti-corruption, and social service delivery. With further structural reforms, especially in areas which will have more impact on the lives of the poor, the government can put the country on the irreversible path of inclusive growth and meet the jobs challenge," it added.

"To better sustain these reform efforts and to increase their chances of success, the government will need to invest more in health, education, and infrastructure," the bank said.
The bank identified the areas that it believes deserve the highest priority.

These are simplifying business rules and regulations to encourage growth; enhancing competition; giving priority to sectors with the greatest potential in creating jobs; and securing property rights for rural and urban dwellers.

Amid the pressure on the Aquino government to prioritize a freedom of information law to promote transparency, the World Bank also urged the Philippine government to promote open data and open government policies as part of public financial management reforms.

Filipino death row prisoner sees end of ordeal

• 
                                       Rodelio Celestino “Dondon” Lanuza

The 13-year ordeal of a Filipino death row prisoner is nearing its end after he received notification that the family of his victim has waived all future legal rights against him, Arab News has learned.This means that there can no longer be any possible court action against him and that the Dammam governorate has to issue the final release order. This could see him walk free within a month. He is currently being held in Dammam Prison in the Eastern Province.

The requested blood money of SR 3 million has already been paid to the victim’s family. Of this amount, SR 2.3 million was paid by the Saudi government after an order was issued by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah in January.
Arab News has received confirmation that Rodelio Celestino “Dondon” Lanuza received a text message from a government official at 2 p.m. yesterday saying that the Saudi family of his victim has issued a tanazul, or legal waiver.

Following the publication of his plight in Arab News earlier this week, Lanuza informed Arab News that he received the text message in Arabic which said: “Peace and mercy upon you, a waiver has been signed by the family for Isa.” Isa is Lanuza’s Muslim name.

Arab News then spoke to a source in contact with the government official, who said: “In Saudi Arabia, if you secure a waiver from the immediate family, the execution is abolished.”
The source added: “Now that we have the waiver, we have to take this to the governorate’s office (amarah) to finalize his release. That may take less than one month.”
Philippine Ambassador Ezzedin Tago, who was contacted yesterday, said: “We have to verify the news with authorities.”

Arab News reported earlier this week that Lanuza was still waiting for a hearing at the Dammam High court before he could be released. This hearing is no longer necessary now that the waiver has been issued by the victim’s family.

Lanuza sent messages to Arab News yesterday thanking the newspaper for highlighting his case. He said he would be sending copies of the report to Filipino-American philanthropist Loida Nicolas-Lewis, a businesswoman who helped raise funds for his release.
Lanuza also disclosed that a Yemeni incarcerated in Dammam is also scheduled for release after a waiver was issued for him.

Arab News has been working with the Philippine Embassy to get Lanuza released for months, having sent letters on April 14, 21 and 30 this year to various government agencies highlighting his case.
Lanuza was pardoned by the victim’s family almost three years ago.

He had been active in trying to gain his freedom by sending letters via Arab News and through this reporter to fellow Filipinos and members of the royal family, including Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah, Prince Alwaleed bin Talal and Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Manila, Abdullah Al-Hassan.

In September last year, an international nongovernmental organization with goodwill ambassadors in 193 countries around the world had asked the people of Saudi Arabia to help free him.
Many Filipinos have campaigned to save his life using networking sites including Facebook and Twitter.

Source:  http://www.arabnews.com/news/452616

Mendicant Society-- The New form of social illness

What are some examples of mendicant societies, how do these societies come to be, and what can be done to help them help themselves? We exemplify the Philippines as a case and point because of its long history of government-sponsored human exportation which adds a great sense of calculated malignancy to this problem: 1) by creating a society at that sustains itself by way of remittances home sent to them by family members working abroad; and 2) by supporting a national government that lends itself to being mendicant to the very people it serves.

In the case of the Philippines, its mass exportation of human labor breaks up families, leaving for instance mother and child at home while the father sends remittances home from abroad. Given the scarcity of employment opportunities in the Philippines, family members left behind often begin to self-identify as hopeless and helpless victims of circumstance. To compound this dilemma, these family members receive remittances: an at-first enticing prospect which gives them (however) very little motivation to seek employment themselves. The figurative door is thrown open as a result to sloth, greed and corruption.

Such corruption is largely reflected in the Filipino national government, an entity that profits enormously at the expense of its own citizens–the overseas foreign workers. It may not be so far-fetched to reason that many Filipinos who stay on the Islands subconsciously, if not consciously, structure within their own minds false expectations for the world, for example that we need not sow anything to reap. By looking closely at the dynamics between parties, Mendicant Society aims to uncover some worldwide truths, not to mention deeper inquiry.

Source:  http://graciesuzara4mdsf.wordpress.com/

Guidelines to OFW's in handling your Finances---Great Tips

How to deal with ‘unli-give me’ from relatives....

By Susan K   Philippine Daily Inquirer

2:50 am | Sunday, May 19th, 2013

 

Many Filipinos go abroad to earn money. But after returning home, they soon find themselves broke. This prompts them to look for another job overseas—year after year after year.
Financial counselor Joyce Delovieres, Bantay OCW “Pera Eskwela” segment host, shared timely savings tips for our overseas Filipino workers (OFW):

(1)  Talk to your partner and determine spending and saving styles. Is your partner good in handling finances or are you more comfortable with an allowance type set-up? Should you send all your money home and leave all the savings to your local partner?

(2) Work on a financial goal for you and your family:  Map your financial plan. Start with the usual three “musts”—basic needs, protection needs and retirement needs.
Basic needs usually include payments for the house, car, education and debt repayment. Protection needs include life and property insurance. Retirement needs entail consideration of how long a worker wants to work abroad and how much income one would need to retire.

(3) Pay yourself first.  No matter how secure your company and job post, it is always prudent to have extra money.  Make it a habit to set aside at least 10 percent of your income as personal savings.

(4) Utilize online tools. Look up websites that offer financial wellness tips and forums.

(5) Educate yourself. Financial seminars abound these days. Pick one in your area.

(6) Use sale events wisely. Mall sales are not licenses to go on a shopping spree. Determine which items you really need.  Find out the expiry dates of things that you can stock.

(7)  Write down your budget.  It’s like having a financial flashlight. It tells you where your money is going. Make a list of expenses and stick to it. Do not do reverse accounting.
(8) Say no to ‘unli-give me.’  Be slow in saying ‘yes’ to unlimited requests from relatives seeking financial help. Determine not only the need but also the capability of the person asking for help. Urgent matters of course have to be dealt with. Luxury spending by relatives should not be supported by the OFW.

(9) Avoid investment deals you are not familiar with. OFWs are is a huge market not only for basic consumer needs but also for investment scams. So many sectors now want to tap OFW remittances for investments and social projects. Social networking sites make it look easy and enticing.  Basic rule:  If you don’t understand, don’t dare.

(10) Spend time wisely. Time is money.  To augment your salary, try part-time jobs or sidelines.  This will keep you busy, allow you to earn more, and bring you closer to your financial goals.
***
Susan Andes, aka Susan K. is on board at Radyo Inquirer 990 dzIQ AM, Monday to Friday 11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon & 12:30-2:00 p.m. with audio/video live streaming: www.dziq.am  Helpline: 0927-6499870.  E-mail:  susankbantayocw@yahoo.com or  bantayocwfoundation@yahoo.com

Read more: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/74909/how-to-deal-with-unli-give-me-from-relatives#ixzz2TqaT1ejS
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PH ready to evacuate Pinoys in Taiwan

ABS-CBNnews.com

Posted at 05/19/2013 7:09 PM | Updated as of 05/20/2013 10:06 AM

MECO confirms 2 OFWs attacked there

MANILA - The Philippine government is ready to evacuate Filipinos in Taiwan in case tensions and attacks further escalate. Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) chairman Amadeo Perez Jr. told the families here not to worry.

According to Perez, there is already a specific instruction from President Benigno Aquino III to primarily focus on the welfare of the Filipinos and a task force has been created in this regard.
This comes after two overseas Filipino workers were injured there by Taiwanese nationals.
The attacks were made after a Taiwanese fisherman was shot dead in Philippine waters. Malacanang has already sent its apologies, although the Taiwan government still wants more sanctions.
“The first victim, we have a video report in the office. The second one was hit by a baseball bat in the face,” Perez told ANC.

He said the first victim was identified as a certain Danilo Paterla. The second victim, supposedly hit by teenagers who have been victimizing other foreigners in the past, has yet to be named.
Philippine officials they are already attending to the needs of the two Filipinos.
Perez advised Filipinos in Taiwan to remain indoors after work and avoid being in public places.
However, he also noted that the attacks have eased following calls from Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou on nationals not to vent their ire on Filipinos.

Perez earlier told radio dzMM that the government would wait for tempers to cool before settling the dispute. "We are waiting for the right time because I was told by the secretary-general for Asian affairs, we should wait for the temperature in Taiwan to cool," Perez said.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/05/19/13/ph-ready-evacuate-pinoys-taiwan

Group of Pinay nurses repatriated from Saudi

BY ABS-CBN NEWS, ON MAY 17TH, 2013

MANILA – A total of 10 Filipino nurses, majority of whom had to work even after their contracts expired, arrived safely from Saudi Arabia.

“I am pleased that these 10 OFW-nurses have safely arrived in the Philippines after going through various difficult circumstances in their work in Saudi Arabia,” Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said in a statement.

The nurses, identified as Meldie Fabros, Shiel Marie Gutierrez, Mary Ann Ngateb, Gemma Medina, Jinky Concepcion Iguidez, Tracy Franzuela, Angelyn de Lleno, Jennylyn Alimbuyao, Precious Ann Pablo, and Sarah Lipura arrived in Manila on board different airlines.

“Our POLO (Philippine Overseas Labor Office) assisted them all throughout the process of their repatriation,” Baldoz said.

The cases of the nurses were brought to the attention of DOLE through POLO Riyadh Welfare Officer Leonardo Rodrigo.

Rodrigo reported that the first four nurses sought the help of POLO after their employer, the Safad Medical Center, did not allow them to go home even after their contracts of employment have expired. The nurses were deployed to Saudi Arabia by Mi Amori International Services, Inc.

The POLO was able to convince Safad Medical Center president and general manager Wael Ghoneim to release the nurses by providing them their exit visas.

He added that Iguidez, Franzuela and Lleno were deployed by Al Awa El International Manpower, Inc. However, like the case of the first four nurses, their two-year employment contracts ended last January 31 but their employer, Dr. Khalid Idress, president and general manager of Dr. Khalid Idress Hospital Company, did not allow them to leave.

They were also not paid the vacation leave benefits and end of service awards, prompting them to seek help from the POLO.

After several mediation and conciliation hearings, the POLO finally convinced Dr. Idress to pay the nurses their benefit claims and allow them to go home.

The last three nurses, Alimbuyao, Pablo, and Lipura, were deployed by Wright International Manpower, Inc. to Al Khareef Medical Clinic for a two-year work contract which would have ended 14 December 2014.

However, the three complained that their employer committed serious contract violations, such as underpayment of salary; non-payment of overtime pay; and unsafe working condition to the detriment of the nurses’ welfare.

Using the Single Entry Approach (SEnA) mediation-conciliation process, the POLO succeeded in convincing the employer to settle the claims of the nurses and to allow them to go home.

ABS-CBN News

DOLE: No freeze order on OFW hiring in Taiwan....

By ABS-CBN News, on May 16th, 2013

 

MANILA – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) clarified on Thursday that Taiwan has not implemented a freeze order on the hiring of Filipinos, but is only seeking additional documentary requirements to the visa application of incoming workers.
“These are additional requirements. It takes a little longer now to process a visa application,” DOLE Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said.

Some of the additional requirements, Baldoz said, are government issued identification cards, like the Social Security System ID, birth certificate from the National Statistics Office, and clearance from the National Bureau of Investigation, both authenticated by the DFA and the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO).

“So, from an original 7-day processing of visa application, it will now take a little longer which is an additional 7 days for a total of 14 days,” she said.

Baldoz clarified that the additional requirements were not there before.
“These are additional requirements and so it’s very clear, based on the information that we got from TECO, and these are available from their website, there is really no freeze on the hiring, but a slowdown in the processing of visa application,” she said.

She said earlier media reports stated that the freezing on hiring of workers is one of the effects of the fatal shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman on Philippine waters.

“But it turned out, based on the clarification that I sought yesterday with the TECO in Manila, there is really no freeze,” she said.

According to Baldoz, there are around 85,000 Filipinos in Taiwan, with 72 percent employed as production workers or those in the manufacturing industry; 26 percent personal services; and two percent working as fishermen.

“Ang advice po namin sa ating mga OFW at kanilang deployment agency ay mag comply lang po sa requirement at maghintay po ng 14 days na kinakailangang i-proseso ang application,” she said.
Baldoz said that on a yearly basis, data from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration show that there 41,461 documented Filipino workers.

“This would be around 2,900 on a monthly deployment,” she said.
On the issue of harassment and attacks allegedly experienced by Filipinos in Taiwan, Baldoz said it’s better to have the reports documented.

“We advise them to remain calm, remain focused, giving their best to their jobs as issues related to this are being attended by our government and so they should show more tolerance and patience just in case there are some provocations,” she said.

She added that the Manila Economic and Cultural Office and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Taiwan will assist Filipinos who may be affected by the tension.
“Importante na may documentation. May affidavit sila dini-detalye kung ano ang pangyayari, sino ang involved at palagay ko kung napakaliwanag ng insidente makakahingi naman tayo ng kaukulang investigation sa competent authority ng Taiwan,” she said.
ABS-CBN News

DFA: Saudi employers now obliged to hand over to workers their passports, other docs

By GMA News, on May 14th, 2013

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Tuesday said Saudi employers are now obliged to hand over to the worker all his personal documents – such as passports and residency permit (iqama) – upon request.

“Employers are also obligated to make sure that the residency permit (iqama) of workers are valid. Failure to do so is sufficient grounds for a worker to end their contractual relationship,” the DFA said in a press release on Tuesday.
The DFA made the statement as it issued guidelines on how undocumented Filipinos can take advantage of the concessions given by the Saudi government to correct their residency and labor status.

The Saudi Ministries of Interior and Labor announced on May 10 new concessions that allow undocumented workers to leave the country without penalties and come back if they obtain a valid working visa, the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh said.
The concessions allow irregular workers to correct their status or leave the country without obtaining the required “No Objection Certificates” from their employers.
The DFA urged irregular Filipino workers to read the guidelines carefully and head to the nearest Passports Office (Jawazat) or Labor Office, depending on their status:

1. For illegal Filipino workers who need a Final Exit: Passports Office (Jawazat)
2. For absconded (“huroob”) workers wanting to return to their original employer or transfer to a new employer: Labor Office
3. For runaway household service workers wanting to return to their original individual employer or transfer to a new individual employer: Passports Office (Jawazat)
4. For runaway household service workers wanting to transfer to a private sector company: Labor Office
5. For Hajj and Umrah overstayers wanting to correct their status with original individual employer: Passports Office (Jawazat)
6. For Hajj and Umrah overstayers wanting to correct their status with private sector companies: Passports Office (Jawazat), then Labor Office

Numbers to call
The DFA said irregular OFWs may call the following numbers for further inquiries:

• Riyadh, Hail, Qassim, Northern Border, Al-Jouf: 054-591-7834
• Eastern Region: 050-126-9742
• Jeddah, and regions under the jurisdiction of the Philippine Consulate General in Jeddah (Makkah Al-Mukarramah, Tabuk, Al-Madinah, Abha, Jizan, Najran): 0555-219-613/0561-956-14

Options for irregular OFWs
The DFA explained that rregular OFWs have the following options:

• Workers can return to their original employer upon mutual agreement, or transfer to a new employer even without permission or consent of the original employer.
• Companies can correct the occupations of their workers during the grace period, free of charge.
• Runaway household workers (“huroob”) can return to their original individual employer or transfer to a new individual employer. The prospective individual employer may complete the procedure for the transfer of the worker through the Jawazat Offices (Saudi Passport Office).
• Household workers can also transfer to a private sector company through the Saudi Labor Offices.
• Illegal Filipino workers have the option to leave the country (final exit) instead, without the need to obtain No Objection Certificates from their current employers, provided that they do not have criminal charges or records against them. They will also be allowed to return to the country in the future if they are able to obtain valid working visas.
• Hajj and Umrah (pilgrims) overstayers who arrived in the Kingdom before July 04, 2008 can correct their status as either a household service worker or as private sector company worker. Overstaying Hajj and Umrah who arrived after that date may leave without penalties.

All penalties and fines for an illegal worker before April 6 this year will be waived, except for regular processing charges.
The DFA said the deadline for availing of these concessions is July 3 this year.
“After this deadline, the Saudi Government will resume its inspections and arrest and / or apply fines against violators – both employers and employees.
Meanwhile, private rights claims between a Filipino worker and his/her current employer will be settled through the court. This will not prevent the Filipino worker from transferring to a new employer, the DFA explained.

The DFA said there is no need to coordinate with the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) for the transfer to a new employer or verify the new employment contract before the transfer.
“Filipinos who need to look for a prospective employer may also wish to check the Ministry of Labor’s www.redyellow.com.sa which has jobs posted with entities that are in the green or excellent zone. They may also call MOL customer service hotline, 920011884,” it noted.

Extended working hours
Meanwhile, the DFA said specific details of the guidelines are available in both Filipino and English on the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh’s website: www.philembassy-riyadh.org
“Affected OFWs may also contact the Saudi Ministry of Labor’s (MOL’s) customer service number, 920 001 173,” the DFA added.
It also noted that the MOL will be open from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. aside from its regular working hours.

Crackdown
The crackdown operations against undocumented workers in Saudi started on March 28 this year because of the “Saudization” policy (nitaqat) or the policy encouraging the employment of Saudi nationals in private firms.
The migrant workers advocacy group Migrante-Middle East said undocumented Filipinos started camping outside the Philippine Consulate on April 11, or five days after the Saudi King announced a three-month reprieve on the crackdown against illegal workers.
Saudi Arabia‘s King Abdullah on April 6 ordered a three-month delay to a crackdown on illegal migrant workers that has led to thousands of deportations.
Andrei Medina, Veronica Pulumbarit, GMA News

Japanese mayor: Wartime Sex Slaves were necessary....

Toru Hashimoto - Mayor of Osaka

TOKYO (AP) — An outspoken nationalist mayor said the Japanese military's forced prostitution of Asian women before and during World War II was necessary to "maintain discipline" in the ranks and provide rest for soldiers who risked their lives in battle.

The comments made Monday are already raising ire in neighboring countries that bore the brunt of Japan's wartime aggression and have long complained that Japan has failed to fully atone for wartime atrocities.

Toru Hashimoto, the young, brash mayor of Osaka who is co-leader of an emerging conservative political party, also said that U.S. troops currently based in southern Japan should patronize the local sex industry more to help reduce rapes and other assaults.

Hashimoto told reporters on Monday that there wasn't clear evidence that the Japanese military had coerced women to become what are euphemistically called "comfort women" before and during World War II.

"To maintain discipline in the military, it must have been necessary at that time," Hashimoto said. "For soldiers who risked their lives in circumstances where bullets are flying around like rain and wind, if you want them to get some rest, a comfort women system was necessary. That's clear to anyone."

Historians say up to 200,000 women, mainly from the Korean Peninsula and China, were forced to provide sex for Japanese soldiers in military brothels.

China's Foreign Ministry criticized the mayor's comments and saw them as further evidence of a rightward drift in Japanese politics under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

"We are appalled and indignant about the Japanese politician's comments boldly challenging humanity and historical justice," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said at a daily media briefing. "The way they treat the past will determine the way Japan walks toward the future. On what choice Japan will make, the Asian neighbors and the international community will wait and see."
Asked about a photo of Abe posing in a fighter jet with the number 731 — the number of a notorious, secret Japanese unit that performed chemical and biological experiments on Chinese in World War II — Hong again urged Japan not to whitewash history so as to improve relations with countries that suffered under Japanese occupation.

"There is a mountain of definitive iron-hard evidence for the crimes they committed in the Second World War. We hope Japan will face and contemplate their history of aggression and treat it correctly," Hong said.

Abe posed, thumbs up, in the aircraft during a weekend visit to northeastern Japan.
South Korea's Foreign Ministry expressed disappointment over what it called a senior Japanese official's serious lack of historical understanding and respect for women's rights. It asked Japan's leaders to reflect on their country's imperial past, including grave human rights violations, and correct anachronistic historical views.

Hashimoto said he recently visited Okinawa in southern Japan and told the U.S. commander there "to make better use of the sex industry." "He froze, and then with a wry smile said that is off-limits for the U.S. military," he said. "I told him that there are problems because of such formalities," Hashimoto said, explaining that he was not referring to illegal prostitution but to places operating within the law. "If you don't make use of those places you cannot properly control the sexual energy of those tough guys."

Calls to the after-hours number for U.S. Forces in Japan were not answered.
Hashimoto's comments came amid continuing criticism of Abe's earlier pledges to revise Japan's past apologies for wartime atrocities. Before he took office in December, Abe had advocated revising a 1993 statement by then Prime Minister Yohei Kono acknowledging and expressing remorse for the suffering caused to the sexual slaves of Japanese troops.

Abe has acknowledged "comfort women" existed but has denied they were coerced into prostitution, citing a lack of official evidence.

Recently, top officials in Abe's government have appeared to backpedal on suggestions the government might revise those apologies, apparently hoping to ease tensions with South Korea and China and address U.S. concerns about Abe's nationalist agenda.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga repeated the previous government position and said those women went through unbearable pain.

"The stance of the Japanese government on the comfort women issue is well known. They have suffered unspeakably painful experiences. The Abe Cabinet has the same sentiments as past Cabinets," he said.

Education Minister Hakubun Shimomura said Hashimoto's remark was unhelpful given the criticism Japan faces from neighboring countries and the U.S. over its interpretation of history.
"A series of remarks related to our interpretation of (wartime) history have been already misunderstood. In that sense, Mr. Hashimoto's remark came at a bad time," Shimomura told reporters. "I wonder if there is any positive meaning to intentionally make such remarks at this particular moment."

Hashimoto, 43, is co-head of the newly formed Japan Restoration Party with former Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara, who is a strident nationalist. Sakihito Ozawa, the party's parliamentary affairs chairman, said he believed Hashimoto's remarks reflected his personal views, but he expressed concerns about possible repercussions.

"We should ask his real intentions and stop this at some point," he said.
___
Associated Press writers Elaine Kurtenbach, Miki Toda and Mari Yamaguchi in Tokyo, Sam Kim in Seoul and Zhao Liang in Beijing contributed to this report.

Taiwanese officials mull "complete ban" on Philippines labor.....

By GMA News, on May 13th, 2013

 

A complete ban on Philippine labor may be imposed by Taiwanese government officials within the week to get back at the Philippines for the fatal shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman in disputed waters last May 9.

Government departments spent Monday drafting and evaluating such punitive measures over the May 9 shooting, Taiwan’s Central News Agency reported.
The CNA report posted on TaiwanNews.com said “a complete ban on Filipino labor” is likely to take effect by May 15.

It quoted an official of the Taiwan Cabinet’s Council of Labor Affairs as saying such a ban is “the most severe measure” of its kind and may take effect if a 72-hour ultimatum for the Philippines lapses.

Earlier, Taiwan gave the Philippines until midnight of Tuesday to apologize for the incident, compensate the fatality’s kin, probe the incident and punish those found guilty, and enter into fishery talks with Taiwan soonest.

The CNA report quoted the official as saying no new applications of Filipino workers for employment in Taiwan will be processed, and those who have permits to work in Taiwan will not be granted a visa if they have not yet entered there.

On the other hand, those required to leave Taiwan after their three-year work permits expire will not be allowed to re-enter as before.

The CNA report said there are about 87,000 Filipino workers in Taiwan, most of them employed in the electronics sector.

Economics Minister Chang Chia-Juch tried to downplay the impact, saying there are migrant workers from other sources. Chang added the number of Filipino workers in Taiwan is low compared with those from other countries.

But as of end-March, the CNA report said the Philippines was the third largest source of migrant workers in Taiwan, next to Indonesia with more than 198,000 workers and Vietnam with nearly 102,000.

Arrangements
According to the CNA report, two major employers of Filipino workers in Taiwan said they will make necessary arrangements in line with the proposed ban.
LCD panel makers Innolux Corp. and AU Optronics Corp. (AUO) said they will comply with the government’s policy on hiring foreign workers.
Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs said it would postpone or suspend bilateral economic exchanges, including annual vice ministerial talks in July or August and a ministerial meeting scheduled before end-2013.
BM, GMA News

Malaysia labor tack may cut OFW deployment

by Recto Mercene, BusinessMirror

Posted at 05/13/2013 5:37 AM | Updated as of 05/13/2013 5:37 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The implementation of new hiring scheme is expected to negatively impact the number of overseas Filipinos workers (OFWs) to Malaysia, said a group of recruiters.
According to consultant Manny Geslani, the group of recruitment agencies fears a information technology-based medical system to be implemented by the Malaysian government will add financial burden and lengthen documentation processing for OFWs.

“Eventually, this will contribute to a drop in deployment.”

There is an estimated 900,000 Filipinos in Malaysia and, every year, the Philippines sends there an average of 10,000 workers.

In particular, deployment of Filipino household service workers (HSWs) to Malaysia rose dramatically in 2011 to 16,797, based on current government statistics. The number increased by 80 percent from the 8,902 Filipino household service workers recorded for 2010.

But industry sources say the number of HSWs in 2012 has almost doubled, estimated to 25,000 HSWs. Geslani said the demand came from the Malaysian private sector who prefer to hire Filipino women domestic workers, preferably from Mindanao and who can also speak Bahasa.
Geslani said directors of the Philippine Association of Manpower Agencies for Malaysian Affiliates (Pamana), an association of 85 licensed agencies actively deploying contract workers to Malaysia, expressed to him fears the number can dwindle if the country’s Asian neighbor fully implements a new medical IT system.

Pamana said in a briefing material the medical IT scheme would require applicants to electronically upload their medical records.

However, this may result in further delay in the issuance of “Calling Visas,” the group’s statement read. The Calling Visa is part of an application for employment of foreigners. An application is made in Malaysia by the employer and, once approved, the employee can be issued a Calling Visa which needs to be taken to the Malaysian embassy or high commission in the employee’s own country to get further approval.

Currently, it takes a month or two before the Malaysian Immigration office releases a Calling Visa, according to Geslani.

In addition, the new scheme, to be made effective on June 15, 2013, involves the payment of $15 (P615, at $1=P41) by each applicant for every medical result uploaded. This would then be electronically sent to the Malaysian Embassy in Manila and to the Malaysian Immigration system as part of the Calling Visa process.

“Such a scheme is a huge burden also on each accredited medical clinic [that] will have to pay $8,000 in order to be made part of the group allowed to conduct medical testing for Malaysia-bound applicants under the new system,” Geslani said.

Pamana President Buddy S. Curameng said applicants for household service work in Malaysia would “certainly take the medical uploading cost as additional burden… since most of them are financially hard-up.

Pamana members have designated Curameng to officially inform Malaysian Ambassador to the Philippines Dato Mohd. Zamri Mohd. Kassim, and convey the apprehensions of the agencies.
Geslani added that the group is asking both the government’s foreign affairs and labor departments to also immediately address the issue.

Source:

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/05/12/13/malaysia-labor-tack-may-cut-ofw-deployment

Food, water supplies withheld from stranded OFWs by Philippine Embassy in Riyadh...

By Migrante International, on May 7th, 2013

Migrante Partylist today condemned the ongoing food and water embargo being implemented by the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh against stranded OFWs presently holding their campout inside the embassy compound.

According to latest reports from the stranded OFWs, food and water supplies from supporters were being withheld by PH embassy authorities upon orders from PH Ambassador to Saudi Ezzedin Tago.

Quoting a text message from one of the OFWs in the campout, “Puro pananakot at panggigipit sa mga stranded. (They are complaining of) verbal abuse. Pinutol ang supply ng pagkain mula sa labas, walang supply ng tubig. Hindi sila makaligo at makaluto ng kanilang pagkain dahil ni-cut ang kanilang supply ng tubig sa loob ng compound. Walang tubig sa kanilang CR at banyo.”
“Iyong kanilang pagkain na ibinibigay ng embahada sa umaga ay isang kubos (pita bread) at isang maliit na mineral water (330 ml) per head. Sa tanghalian ay isang itlog at 2 cup of rice per head at ganoon lang ulit sa gabi. Walang makapasok na supply ng pagkain, gamot, damit at iba pang personal na pangangailangan nila dahil iyong main gate at lahat ng gate ng PH embassy compound ay nakakandado at nilagyan ng padlock.”

According to Garry Martinez, Migrante Partylist 2nd nominee and Migrante International chairperson, the PH embassy is withholding supplies and support from outside because it wants the OFWs to leave the compound. Likewise, the gates are locked because they do not want to let others who want to join the campout to come in. “What the PH embassy is doing is pure betrayal. It is illegal. It is merciless. What kind of embassy denies sanctuary and assistance to its constituents? Only in the Philippines,” Martinez said. (Please see attached photos)

Children getting sick

Martinez said that as of 10:00am, KSA time, yesterday, an argument erupted between PH embassy officials and the stranded OFWs when two babies were forcibly removed from the campout upon orders from Ambassador Tago.
One of the children, 3-year-old Faisal Asi, has hydrocephalus. His mother, Maisa Asi, was in hysterics when she found out that her child was gone.
“Ang sabi daw ni Tago ay kinuha ang mga bata para ipagamot. After a few hours, napag-alaman na itinengga lang pala ang mga bata sa loob ng embahada at hindi naman binigyan ng medical attention. Doon na nila binawi ang mga bata,” Martinez said. (Please see attached video)
Martinez called on the Aquino government and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to sanction PH officials in Riyadh. He also reiterated their group’s demand for the recall and punishment of Tago and other negligent PH officials in Saudi. “Nakakahiya sila. Dapat silang managot sa ginagawa nilang ito.
Migrante International

Saudi diplomat accused of human trafficking

Posted: May 03, 2013 12:06 AM PST    Updated: May 03, 2013 12:15 AM PST

 

Two women from the Philippines allege that a Saudi diplomat kept them as virtual slaves at his home. (Source: WJLA/CNN)

The two Philippino women worked at the residence of the Saudi Arabian defense attaché, a luxurious, guarded compound in McLean, VA, valued at almost $3 million, with bars on the windows.

State department officials tell CNN the women claim the Saudi diplomat held their passports, forced them to work extremely long hours, did not pay them, would enter their rooms and wouldn't let them lock their doors.

Officials say, so far, there appears to be no indication of physical or sexual abuse.

The women somehow contacted the Philippine embassy for help. It, in turn, informed U.S. authorities.

Agents from Homeland Security and the State Department came to the house and removed the women,

They're calling them "potential trafficking victims" and have launched an investigation.

"That is so sad someone had to cry for help that way," said Frances Roller, neighbor. "I don't know how they did that."

The neighbor says the attache and his family moved in about two years ago.

"They have a lot of people around, the security section, but everything is very quiet, and everyone was very polite if you happen to encounter anyone that works there," she said. "They were very nice."

One major complication, if these charges are proven, is that staff at the embassy has diplomatic immunity, making it virtually impossible to prosecute them.

"Diplomats are under a duty to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving state, and so that's something that holds true for diplomats here and what we hold true for our people," Patrick Ventrell, State Department spokesman, said.

A nation can waive diplomatic immunity, allowing its officials to be prosecuted.

Georgia did that when one of its diplomats, driving drunk, killed a woman pedestrian in Washington DC in 1997.

But nations - including the United States - also have flown their diplomats home so they don't have to face prosecution.

The State Department says trafficking is common in Saudi Arabia, and its annual trafficking report says workers there face "long working hours without rest, deprivation of food, threats, physical or sexual abuse, and restrictions on movement."

Source:

Saudi diplomat accused of human trafficking

Copyright 2013 WJLA via CNN. All rights reserved.

2 Filipinas 'rescued' from Saudi diplomat's home in Virginia

By Don Tagala, ABS CBN North America Bureau

Posted at 05/03/2013 9:37 AM | Updated as of 05/03/2013 6:19 PM

NEW YORK -- A case of “possible human trafficking” involving two Philippine nationals at a Saudi diplomat’s home in Virginia is under investigation according to Homeland Security.

The Philippine Embassy in Washington told Balitang America that two unnamed Filipina workers are now under protective custody, after US Immigrations and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations and Fairfax County Police were called to a home in Mclean, Virgina and reportedly rescued the two Filipinas.

NBC Washington reported that real estate records show that the compound is owned by the Kingdom of Saudi.

A bystander who works for the Embassy also confirmed to NBC that the home owners work for the Saudi Embassy.

If needed and requested, the Philippine Embassy said that the Philippine government will extend assistance to the two Filipinas who may be potential victims of human trafficking.

As the investigation continues, it may potentially be complicated by the possibility that some of those involved may have diplomatic immunity.

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