President's call for unity highlight Filcom’s Independence Day ‘almusal’

 

CG Israel (middle, with glasses) and Consulate officers pose for photos with Filcom leaders

The traditional ‘almusal’ of members of the Filipino community in Hong Kong to mark Philippine Independence Day on Thursday, June 12, was, as before, highlighted by the reading of messages from the country’s top officials.

In his message, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr said independence day must be marked not just by honoring the heroic deeds of the past, but by continuing the work of nation-building.

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“For the forces that have once enslaved us – ignorance, inequality, injustice, do not vanish,” he said.

“Our task now is to free ourselves not from empires but from erosion within, to liberate our people from hatred, divisiveness and apathy that threatens to undo the union that our forefathers bled, fought and died for.”

President Marcos calls for end to divisiveness on Independence Day

In her own message, Vice President Sara Duterte whose impeachment for alleged graft and threats on the life of the president is at the centre of a political struggle between the two houses of Congress, called for Filipinos to speak out against poverty and corruption.

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“Kabilang sa hamon ng ating kalayaan ang pagmamalabis at katiwalian sa gobyerno, laganap na droga, problema sa edukasyon, kahirapan at gutom,” she said. (Among the challenges to our freedom is abuse of power and corruption in government, widespread drug abuse, educational challenges, poverty and hunger).

“Hindi tayo lumaya para masadlak lang sa pagdurusa ang ating bansa. (We didn’t win our freedom, only to leave our country mired in helplessness).

VP Duterte hits out at corruption, poverty and drug use in her message

Among the other government officials who either recorded their own messages or had their top representative at the Consulate read it out for them were outgoing Foreign Affairs Secretary Enrique Manalo, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac, Overseas Workers Welfare Administrator PY Caunan and Trade and Industry Secretary Maria Cristina Roque.

First Lady, Louise Araneta-Marcos, was a surprise addition to the list of official well-wishers featured in the traditional breakfast that kicks off Philippine Independence Day celebrations in Hong Kong.

The all-Filipino gathering hosted by the Consulate was held for the first time this year at the OFW Global Centre on the 18^th floor of United Centre Building in Admiralty.

Filipino migrants blast delay in VP Duterte’s impeachment trial

 

President Marcos is accused of complicity in VP Duterte's alleged crimes

Amid scattered rain, a group of about 30 migrant workers led by Bayan Hong Kong & Macau staged a picket outside the Philippine consulate in Admiralty to condemn the Senate’s decision to remit to the House of Representatives its impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte.

The protesters also hit out at President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., accusing him of deliberately delaying the passing of the impeachment complaint at the House, which they said was the real reason the same was not passed on to the Senate early enough.

They accused both the president and the senators who voted, 18-5,  to send back the impeachment complaint to the House of going against the will of the people so they could protect their political interests.

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“Walang tunay na kalayaan kung nananatiling walang pananagutan ang mga kurap at abusadong opisyal ng gobyerno,” said Migante chair Lai Besana, alluding to the 127^th anniversary of Philippine independence tomorrow. (There can be no real independence if corrupt and abusive officials of the government are allowed to remain unaccountable).

“Isyu at interes din ng mamamayan ang pagpapanagot sa nilustay na pera ni Sara Duterte dahil malaking pakinabang ito kung inilaan ang pondo para tugunan ang krisis ng ekonomiya, proteksiyon at serbisyong panlipunan para sa mga migrante ang mamamayang Pilipino,” she added. (Holding Sara Duterte accountable for her unexplained spending of public money should also be or interest and concern to the Filipino people because that money could have been used to respond to the economic crisis, or to protecting and providing service to Filipino migrants).

The House of Representatives adopted the impeachment complaint against VP Duterte on Feb. 5, after 215 members signed it, which was more than the 1/3 or 102 votes needed to pass the measure.

Duterte was impeached on charges of graft, corruption, plotting to assassinate President Marcos, involvement in extrajudicial killings, and incitement to insurrection and public disorder.

In particular, she is charged with betraying the public trust by failing to account for confidential funds totaling Php612.5 million.

Duterte is charged over her alleged failure to account for Php612.5 million in confidential funds

Another speaker, Shiela Tebia of Gabriela Hong Kong, lamented that instead of being put on trial, Duterte is now in Malaysia, vacationing with her family.

“Kaya walang napaparusahan, pinapayagan ng administrasyong Marcos, Jr. ang kurapsyon sa gobyerno. Kung hindi tayo kayang panindigan ng sarili nating gobyerno, tayo mismo ang kikilos para panagutin si Sara sa kanyang mga kasalanan sa taumbayan lalo na sa paglustay sa pondo ng bayan,” said Tebia. (The government of Marcos, Jr allows corruption, that’s why nobody is held accountable. If our own government cannot stand for us, we will act on our own to make Sara account for all her sins to people, especially her plunder of public funds.”

Baneng Mendez, chair of Bayan HK and Macau, said for her part that remanding the impeachment complaint to the House was worse than if the Senate rejected it.

The protesters called for the impeachment trial to begin immediately, and for VP Duterte to be convicted.

They ended their protest by handing over a copy of their petition to Vice Consul Gino Soriano, who represented the Philippine Consulate.

Vice Consul Soriano receives a copy of the group's petition

Meanwhile, House prosecutors rejected the Senate’s order that they certify that the impeachment complaint did not violate the constitution by hearing three impeachment complaints before the one that ultimately went to a vote.

The constitution bars subjecting anyone to multiple impeachment proceedings within the same year.

Rep. Gerville Luistro maintained that the House cannot withdraw the impeachment case because this is not allowed by the Constitution.

Other prosecutors said it was impossible to fulfill the Senate order as they could not speak for the new House members who are due to take their oath on Jun 30

The five senators who voted against the Senate order also said that once the House filed an impeachment complaint with them, their only duty under the constitution was to conduct a trial.

 

Caunan says Ignacio will be charged

 

Administrator Caunan addresses the crowd on Chater Road

Gone but not forgotten.

This about sums up the fate of Arnell Ignacio, the former administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration who was sacked from his post last month by no less than President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., over an allegedly anomalous Php1.4 billion land deal.

It was ironic that Ignacio was no longer around to see the top-level delegation from the Philippines fly to Hong Kong last weekend to formally inaugurate one of his major projects, the HK$8 million-a-year DMW-OWWA OFW Global Centre, for which he signed the lease last year.

The controversy surrounding his removal must have been uppermost in many people’s minds at the gathering, but it was not brought up as the officials, led by House Speaker Martin Romualdez and his wife, Rep. Yedda, as well as Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac, did not take questions after their respective speeches.

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But on the sidelines, new OWWA administrator and lawyer PY Caunan did not shirk when asked for an update on the widely-talked about case.

“He will be charged,” Caunan said categorically, but did not give any time frame.

She also admitted knowing about the campaign to get Ignacio reinstated by Global Alliance, an OFW group tapped by OWWA Hong Kong to be its partner in events management, but said she understood how they felt, having developed a close bond with her predecessor.

“But it they were hurt, I was hurt even more,” said Caunan, who said Ignacio was her close friend, having worked closely with him in her former post as undersecretary at the Department of Migrant Workers.

Asked how Ignacio managed to get away with the irregular purchase of the land that was supposed to be the site of halfway-houses for OFWs without anyone catching up on it early enough, Caunan said, “He signed the cheque.”

As OWWA administrator, Ignacio was said to be the authorized signatory of cheques issued in the name of the agency. However, he should have done so only after obtaining permission from the OWWA Board of Trustees headed by Secretary Cacdac.

Ignacio signed the lease for the OFW Global Centre in HK, the first of its kind in the world

It is the government’s case that Ignacio not only bypassed the Board in buying the land, he also engaged in several questionable deals related to the purchase.

One was signing a side contract that allowed the seller to be refunded the Php36 million that he paid as tax for the transaction, another was allowing the seller to continue collecting rent from two commercial establishments on the site, months after the government had acquired ownership.

In several interviews, Cacdac also disclosed that a building housing 53 condominium units was razed at Ignacio’s bidding, again without notice to, or consent by, the Board.

In a meeting with the media after his sacking, Ignacio denied any wrongdoing, and insisted he had reported the purchase of the land to the Board. He also said he only had the OFWs’ best interest in mind when he decided to buy the land.

Ignacio was appointed OWWA administrator by President Marcos in September 2022. He previously served as deputy administrator during the term of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte but resigned after just over a year for reasons he did not disclose.

Phl officials pledge more caring government to OFWs during visit to HK

 

Visiting officials tell OFWs the new Centre is their second 'home'

Philippine government officials led by House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez promised a “Bagong Pilipinas” that is more responsive and protective of overseas Filipino workers, when they came to Hong Kong to formally launch the OFW Global Centre in Admiralty yesterday, June 8.

Rep. Romualdez (1^st district, Leyte) came with a big delegation from the Department of Migrant Workers led by Secretary Hans Cacdac and Administrator PY Caunan of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration; and a number of delegation from the House of Representatives, including his wife, Yedda and son, Andrew, both of the Tingog Partylist.

“We at the House of Representatives remain fully committed (to) championing legislation that protects, empowers and honors OFWs. You deserve nothing less, and we will deliver more because when we talk of building a Bagong Pilipinas, we are not building it for you, we are building it with you,” Speaker Romualdez said.

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The visit, which was palpably an effort to win over OFWs in Hong Kong to the government’s side,   coincided with the week-long celebration of the Philippines’ Migrant Workers’ Day.

It came just about a month after Filipinos in HK, made up mostly of OFWs, voted straight for all ten candidates endorsed by the detained former leader, Rodrigo R. Duterte in the first online voting for overseas Filipinos, leaving the two remaining slots to one independent, and one administration bet.

Surprisingly, however, the 200 or so Filipino community leaders who witnessed the grand launch of the OFW Center which began operating in November last year, enthusiastically applauded the guests, particularly Secretary Cacdac and Administrator Caunan.

Speaker Romualdez also said that the “Serbisyo Caravan” which was held on Chater Road on the same day and featured various government departments offering free services to OFWs, was part of the government’s way of reaching out to them.

“We are bringing the whole government to you, hindi na kayo kailangang umuwi para mag-asikaso ng inyong mga pangangailangan (you do not have to go home to seek out government services), said the Speaker.

He added that the moves are in response to a directive from his cousin, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., “to make the government accessible to all Filipinos abroad.”

Rep. Yedda, Congen Israel, Secretary Cacdac, Speaker Romualdez and Administrator Caunan
cut the ceremonial ribbon to signal the official opening of the OFW Global Centre

Secretary Cacdac gave the same narrative, saying that the President would always ask about the welfare not just of OFWs, but also their families, in nearly all their communication.

“Kumusta na ang ating mga OFW? Tinutulungan ba natin sila?,” (How are our OFWs, are we helping them?) was said to be an oft-repeated question from President Marcos.

He also said that OFWs should not feel they have an “utang na loob” (debt of gratitude) to the government for setting up the OFW Global Centre, because it is in fact their way of showing gratitude to OFWs for all their hard work and sacrifice, and contribution to the country’s economy.

Caunan, who Speaker Romualdez described as being very close to President Marcos and First Lady, Liza Araneta Marcos, echoed the sentiment, saying the OFW Centre was proof  that “mahal na mahal kayo ng gobyerno. (the government loves you very, very much).

She also hailed the “Serbisyo” fair, the first to be held overseas by the various government agencies, was an indication that “ang buong gobyerno ay nagmamahal sa ating mga OFW.” (the entire government loves our OFWs).”

She, along with Cacdac, promised to carry out systemic innovation and more medical, financial and legal assistance to OFWs to help ease their concerns while at work.

Cacdac mingles with OFWs in Chater

Rep. Yedda who is credited with having pushed for funding for the OFW Center, said the new “second home of OFWs” was not a celebration of accomplishment but a celebration of the fulfillment of a promise by “a dear president.”

Coming from the Visayan region where more than 200,000 of all OFWs are said to have come from, she said migrant workers have a special place in her heart. As a mother and a civil servant, she said she also fully recognized the migrant workers’ self-sacrifice and contribution to the country.

Consul General Romulo Israel, Jr. thanked all the government officials for helping build a second home for Filipinos in Hong Kong, but reminded everyone of the song that says “(but) a house is not a home when there’s no one there to hold you tight…no one there you can kiss good night.”

Eventually, Filipinos like the 226,000 who are now in Hong Kong would want to return to the Philippines, he said, but in the meantime, the OFW Centre would be of great help in easing their longing for home.

Following the ceremony, DMW officials led by Cacdac and Caunan moved to Chater Road and amid the sweltering heat, mingled with thousands of OFWs and repeated their message of improved services and more financial help for those in distress.

 

Migrants’ groups call for Saturday opening of PCG-HK

 

Poster for the Saturday opening campaign

From a successful campaign to get the Philippine Consulate open on Sundays, a group led by United Filipinos (Migrante) Hong Kong is now calling for the opening of the consulate on Saturdays as well.

A statement released on Friday, June 6 by Unifil-Migrante together with the Filipino Migrant Workers Union,  Methodist International Church - Filipino Community and Iglesia Filipina Independiente, urged the PCG to provide consular services on Saturday, which they say ranks as the second most common day-off for Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong, after Sunday.

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This will ensure that the majority of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), “especially those in distress or facing critical issues, can access these essential services promptly,” said the statement.

The call came as senior officials from the Department of Migrant Workers led by Secretary Hans Cacdac were set to visit Hong Kong at the close of a week-long celebration of the 30^th Migrant Workers Day, and the 127^th year of Philippine Independence.

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The campaign group added that it is aware that most employers do not permit their domestic workers to get out of their houses unless it’s their day off, so those who can go out only on Saturdays are unable to get much-needed service from the PCG.

These services range from basic consular services such as legal advice to general enquiries and document processing such as contract verification.

The group, however, did not indicate how OFWs who are allowed to go out on Saturdays are still able to secure urgent consulate services, and who among them feel a Saturday opening would benefit a great number of Filipinos in Hong Kong.

There is also no indication on which days they prefer the PCG to close should their call for a Saturday opening is granted.

Currently, the PCG opens for service Sunday to Thursday, 9am to 4pm, except during public holidays. They are closed on Fridays and Saturdays.

The Sunday opening of the PCG in Hong Kong was ordered by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, in response to clamor from various migrant organizations including Unifil-Migrante.

Those who wish to join the campaign for the Saturday opening of the PCG may contact 54209033 or 98546167. 

 

 

 

 

Phl govt asked to declare public health emergency as HIV cases surge 500%

 

DOH statistics show a continuous rise in number of new HIV cases

The Department of Health in the Philippines has proposed declaring a national public health emergency, as the number of newly reported cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in the Philippines shot up by 500%.

Health Secretary Ted Herbosa said in a video recorded message that on average, 57 new HIV cases were reported each day in the country in the first three months of the year, the highest in the Western Pacific region.

 “What is frightening is, our youth make up many of the new cases,” Herbosa said.

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 The health chief said 95 per cent of newly reported cases were male, with 33 per cent aged 15–24 and 47 per cent aged 25–34.

“It would be in our interest to declare a public health emergency, a national emergency for HIV so the entire society can be mobilized, and the whole government can help us in this campaign to reduce the number of HIV cases,” he added.

Herbosa said that in the first quarter of the year, 5,101 cases had been recorded, compared with the 3,409 logged during the same period last year.

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If the rapid spread of the HIV is not averted, the number of people living with the infectious disease could rise well above 400,000, Herbosa said.

However, he did not give an explanation for the surge in infections, which had set back government attempts to hit global targets set by the United Nations as part of its campaign to end the Aids epidemic by 2030.

As of last year, there were a total of 215,00 individuals living with HIV in the Philippines.

DOH data show that since 2007, sexual contact between males has become the most common mode of HIV transmission in the Philippines.

To avoid infection, health authorities advise the combination prevention method, or the use of condom and lubricants during sex.

High-risk individuals may take the free and confidential test offered by the government. If they test positive, they must consult a doctor immediately for appropriate antiretroviral therapy.

Aksyon Fund aid to ailing OFWs surprises many Filcom leaders

 

Some Aksyon Fund recipients pose with officers of the MWO in HK

News that a total of Php8.8 million has been dispensed from the Department of Migrant Workers’ Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFWs na Nangangailangan (Aksyon) Fund to help 118 seriously ill Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong has surprised many community leaders.

Among them was Cynthia CA Tellez of the Mission for Migrant Workers who said she had never heard of the cash aid of Php75,000 or its HK dollar equivalent being given to ailing workers in Hong Kong, many of whom seek them out over a number of concerns.

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One of the Mission’s clients, Juvy A Bustamante, who has been battling stage 4 breast cancer for years, said she had tried to apply for medical assistance from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration but gave up because of the numerous requirements.

A cash aid of Php75,000 would be a big help since she is now in Hong Kong indefinitely after doctors told her she will have to undergo chemotherapy for the rest of her life if she wanted to survive.

Juvy, right, with her 'Mama' Edwina Antonio of Bethune House 

The same reaction was expressed by Marites Palma, founder of Social Justice for Migrant Workers which has been helping many overseas Filipino workers in distress for years, and has even raised funds to help them cover the cost of treatments and of relocation back to the Philippines.

Palma said the only medical aid for OFWs that she is aware of is the one that comes from OWWA, and wondered why the Migrant Workers Office in Hong Kong never held a briefing with Filcom leaders on the Akap Fund.

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According to a post by the MWO in HK which reported on the medical help extended to 118 OFWs through the Aksyon Fund, the beneficiaries were diagnosed with severe illnesses such as breast, cervical and ovarian cancer. They were given the financial aid from August 2023 to May 2025.

At least one of those who commented on The SUN’s story on the Aksyon Fund was quick to give thanks, saying she was one of the beneficiaries. 

“Salamat MWO HK sa Medical Assistance na aking natanggap May 28, 2025,” said Rose Marie Rafanan Manuel in her comment.

She told The SUN afterwards that she sought OWWA’s help when she was diagnosed with colon cancer, and was advised to file a separate application with the MWO so she could be assessed if she qualified for the Aksyon Fund. 

Manuel said she was asked to submit a diagnosis of her illness, a medical certificate, discharge slip from the hospital after she was operated on in March, and a medical abstract of her condition.

She received the Php75,000 only two months later, while a check from OWWA is still under process and will be issued to her child back in the Philippines, Manuel said.

Rose shares a photo of her documents and the envelope containing P75k from Aksyon Fund 

Netizens who praised the allotment of funds to seriously ill OFWs expressed disappointment, even anger, at the bureaucratic red tape that prevents many worthy claimants to get help.

One of them, Charry de Leon, said, “Kahit gaano kaganda ang project, pero ang mga taong nangangasiwa sa Pilipinas ay pinapahirapan pa ang mga claimants, yung medical assistance na ayos na ang mga requirements..pagdating sa Pilipinas delayed pa rin ng ilang buwan.”

(No matter how good the project, those tasked to promote it could make life difficult for the claimants. The medical assistance which they are claiming, with all the requirements in order, could still be delayed once it reaches Manila).

Another said a pension and free medical examination for those going home for good are enough incentives.

“Huwag naman yong may may malubhang sakit, Diyos ko, gusto pa naming mabuhay,” said another.

(Let’s not talk of those seriously ill, Lord, we want to live longer)” said the woman. 

Week-long celebration of 30th Migrant Workers Day set

 

Various services will be provided to OFWs and their families at the DMW main office

The Department of Migrant Workers has announced a week-long celebration of the 30^th Migrant Workers’ Day at its main office in Mandaluyong City from tomorrow, June 2, to 7.

The celebration is said to be in honor of the sacrifices  and achievements of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) worldwide.

On Sunday, Jun 8, the first OWWA OFW Global Center will be officially opened in Hong Kong as part of festivities marking Migrant Workers Day. Expected to attend are top DMW officials led by Secretary Hans Cacdac and the new administrator of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Patricia Yvonne Caunan.

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In announcing the week-long tribute to migrants, Secretary Cacdac said: “As we celebrate the strength and resilience of our modern-day heroes, rest assured that the DMW, ang Tahanan ng OFW, will continue to adhere to a rights-based approach of ensuring the utmost protection and empowerment of our OFWs.”

This year’s theme, "OFW@30: Bayan, Bayani, Bayanihan, honors the three decades of contributions of OFWs to nation-building, and highlights their role as "modern-day heroes."

Cacdac vowed that with the support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. the DMW will continue to work toward “creating an environment where every Filipino worker is valued, respected, and given opportunities for growth and development.”

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Migrant Workers’ Day in the Philippines is held every June 7, established under the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995 (R.A. No. 8042), to recognize the invaluable contributions of our modern-day heroes – the OFWs.

The DMW encourages the public, especially the OFWs and their families, to take part in the celebration and access the free services offered throughout the week.

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The activities that have been lined up include the ribbon-cutting of the 30-year milestones photo exhibit on labor migration governance, the launch of the National Reintegration Network Serbisyo Fair, and the Balikbayan Bazaar, all at the DMW Central office in Mandaluyong City.

Poster shows the various activities lined up

The DMW is also set to provide assistance to 100 beneficiaries of the Livelihood Program for OFW Reintegration (LPOR), and conduct on-the-spot poster-making contest for the OFW Children’s Club.

Various health and wellness activities as well as entertainment, will be provided to OFWs and their families during the weeklong celebration.

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All the DMW Regional Offices and Migrant Workers Offices are also expected to prepare various activities for the OFWs and their families during the weeklong celebration.

The final day of celebration will be highlighted with the groundbreaking of the new DMW Central Office in Makati City, and the signing of a Joint Memorandum Circular establishing the National Reintegration Network, and a Memorandum of Understanding with the Commission on Human Rights.

DMW announces free yearly medical check-ups for deployed OFWs

 

Secretary Cacdac made the announcement during a Senate inquiry led by Senator Tulfo

The Department of Migrant Workers has pledged to grant a long-standing plea by deployed overseas Filipino workers to be provided with free periodic medical check-ups while they are abroad.

DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac made the announcement during a Senate inquiry on Thursday, in response to concerns raised by Senator Raffy Tulfo over irregularities in pre-employment medical examinations and allegedly abusive practices by some clinics.

Cacda said OFWs will soon receive free annual medical check-ups through the DMW’s Aksyon Fund, one year after being deployed, and shortly before finishing their two-year contract.

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The Aksyon Fund or Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa mga OFW na Nangangailangan is a financial support mechanism for OFWs needing urgent assistance abroad.

The idea is for the government to ensure the rights of all Filipinos to health and well-being are observed even while working abroad.

"Yes, Mr. Chair, we will do that through the AKSYON Fund, dahil maaari po nating pondohan ang follow-through medical check-up ng ating mga OFW upang matiyak ang kanilang kalusugan at kapakanan habang nasa abroad at bago sila umuwi sa bansa (because we can fund the follow-through medical check-ups of our OFWs to ensure their health and well-being while abroad and before they return home)," Cacdac said.

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He was responding to Tulfo’s concern that alleged irregularities in the pre-deployment  screenings could result in an OFW being given a clean bill of health even if he or she has a medical issue that needs to be addressed.

Cacdac said that under the directive, routine health monitoring of OFWs will also be covered during their deployment and prior to repatriation.

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But he did not elaborate on the mechanics of providing such a service abroad, as well as the potentially huge cost it would entail.

Following up on his initial query, Tulfo urged the DMW to institutionalize the initiative through a memorandum of agreement with the Department of Health to ensure greater oversight and regulation of medical clinics authorized to provide health clearances to OFWs.

Tulfo cited as an example SuperCare Medical Services, Inc. (SMSI) an accredited maritime clinic which reportedly charges OFWs P1,200 for initial tests and P1,300 for each repeated “confirmatory” test without proper explanation

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Cacdac said in response that private recruitment agencies are supposed to oversee the pre-employment medical check-ups, but the DMW has the authority to investigate and impose sanctions on agencies that commit malpractice.

He promised to pursue a MOA with DOH, and at the same time bring the matter to the Human Resource for Health Network and the private sector so there will be a coordinate response to the health-related issues.  

Cacdac’s pronouncement drew a surprisingly critical comment from DMW Assistant Secretary Kiko de Guzman, who said there was a seeming “disconnect” between the response and Tulfo’s query over alleged malpractices of medical clinics.

De Guzman said providers of pre-employment medical examinations are accredited and regulated not by the DMW but by the DOH. Some foreign countries of destination also have their own medical screeners. 

He also questioned how the DMW intends to implement the annual medical screenings at the jobsites if the host government does not require these.

If not done at the jobsites, he asked if the medical examinations will be required for the millions of rehires, re-contracts and workers on leave when they arrive in the Philippines. And, if the returning worker is found unfit to work, can the DMW prevent him/her from returning to the jobsite.

Clearly, a lot of issues need to be resolved first before the check-up plan, no matter how advantageous it may sound for the OFWs, could be fully implemented.