Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) have long been dubbed as the new breed of Filipino Heroes; for without their constant remittances and contributions to the country, the Philippines would have long been damned into hellfire and oblivion. So, it is just proper, that the government –our government, take strides in trying to watch out for the welfare of these new heroes.
In Hong Kong, this is not the case.
First time OFW Agnes Tenorio found herself in a predicament when she arrived at her employer’s house only to find that she had been terminated from her contract. Desperate and new to Hong Kong, without knowing anyone, she did the most sensible thing to do—seek assistance from the local RP consulate.
Sensible is not the word to what happens next.
Upon her visit to the RP Consulate in HK, she was able to meet Labor Attache Romulo Salud. During their brief meeting, Tenorio, without knowing her rights as a contract worker, expressed her desire to just return home. Salud agreed immediately without even telling her of the options that wrongfully dismissed workers like her had.
Apparently, someone was able to properly advise Tenorio of what to do with her case—file a labor kase with the proper Hong Kong Labor Department. Filing a case will at least entitle her to proper wages and benefits that she rightfully deserves.
Armed with this newfound knowledge, Tenorio returned to the RP Consul office to see Salud again. Instead of showing support, the Labor Attache started a tirade at her, even scolding her for changing her mind about going home and not trusting her..wait, let me do you better, here is the actual conversation and you judge the whole thing from there;
This just made my blood boil over.
Foreign service officials like Salud have been assigned to foreign offices for the purpose of helping out their countrymen who have ended up in distressed situations and predicaments. They are there to serve and provide assistance, not scold and berate us.
How dare you, Mr. Salud, speak about rights when you did not even inform Ms. Tenorio of the choices and options she had (Wasn't this your duty in the first place?).
How dare you call yourself a labor attaché, when you can’t even inform a person of their labor rights.
How dare you sir.
Being an OFW myself, I rely on the privilege (or is it my right) to be able to go to the nearest RP Consul or Embassy to seek help if I need it. However, I also dread the fact that when I go there, I will be dealing with people like you. Arrogant sons of bitches who think we should bow down to your every instruction.
Well, let me tell you this. It’s the other way around you nincompoop. It’s our money that makes sure you’re there; it’s our money that allows you to serve us—SO SERVE US WELL.
Here is a lady, who has just arrived in a foreign land, not knowing anyone and suddenly finds herself in a situation that is all too stressful. She comes to you for help and what do you do? You lecture her on the finer points of Karapatan and how it is earned.
Wala kang karapatan, Gago. Wala ka diyan, kung wala kami.
I am not surprised if after this whole brouhaha, you will barely even get a slap on your wrist. But believe me, people like you do not deserve to represent my country in a foreign land. People like you should be sent back home.
Go home, Mr. Salud.
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