Domestic job creation pushed
AS the national govenrment confirmed that Mary Jane Veloso may soon return to the Philippines after years on death row in Indonesia, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go emphasized the need for long-term solutions to combat forced migration and to create more domestic opportunities for Filipinos.
While expressing relief over Veloso’s homecoming, Go pointed out that the systemic challenges pushing Filipinos to seek employment abroad remain unaddressed.
“Ikinagagalak natin ang balitang posibleng makauwi na si Mary Jane. Gayunman, masakit na paalala ito na marami pa rin sa ating mga kababayan ang napipilitang umalis ng bansa para lang mabuhay. Kailangan nating tutukan ang pagbibigay ng mas maraming trabaho dito sa ating sariling bayan,” said Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers.
Veloso, arrested in 2010 for drug trafficking and sentenced to death, has consistently claimed she was a victim of human trafficking. Go acknowledged the diplomatic success that led to her return but reiterated the importance of tackling the root causes of economic migration.
“Hindi madali ang malagay sa sitwasyon kung saan ang tanging opsyon ay pumunta sa ibang bansa kahit napakaraming panganib. Mahirap mawalay sa pamilya. Kung may sapat na oportunidad dito, hindi na kailangang mapalayo sa pamilya at sumugal sa ibang lugar,” he added.
Go highlighted the need to invest in rural development and localized employment initiatives, ensuring opportunities are not concentrated in urban centers alone. He pointed to the ongoing challenges faced by families left behind by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who suffer from separation, possible exploitation, and risk of abuse.
As an advocate for OFW welfare, Go authored and co-sponsored Republic Act No. 11641, which established the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), streamlining support and services for OFWs.
He also proposed Senate Bill No. 2414, or the “OFW Ward Act,” to ensure dedicated healthcare services for OFWs and their families in all Department of Health (DOH) hospitals. Additionally, Go filed Senate Bill No. 2297, seeking to institutionalize the OFW Hospital in Pampanga, ensuring its sustainability and improving healthcare for OFWs and their loved ones.
Go also emphasized the need for stricter enforcement of labor laws and increased investment in programs that generate employment locally.
He called for enhanced protections for OFWs to prevent situations similar to Veloso’s, where exploitation and human trafficking put lives at risk. He stressed the broader implications of Veloso’s story for OFWs worldwide, urging a more comprehensive approach to protecting Filipino workers at home and abroad.
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