DAVAO CITY – Migrante Middle East said overseas Filipino workers will consider Mayor Rodrigo Duterte if he finally decides to run for president.
In a press release on Wednesday, John Leonard Monterona, coordinator of Migrante, however, quickly added that they “need to hear and know first Mayor Duterte’s program for OFWs and his stand on the forced migration phenomenon.”
Monterona said they would also like to hear from Duterte if he will continue “the large-scale export of Filipino labor abroad.”
Monterona also asked Duterte as to what protection and welfare programs will he implement for OFWs abroad and their families.
Monterona said they already have an idea on the stand of other presidential candidates on the issues of forced migration and poverty.
“Their economic policies are subservient to US-imposed neoliberal policy. Kay mayor Duterte baka may bago? (Maybe Mayor Duterte will propose something better?)” Monterona said.
Monterona said they would like to know “if (Duterte’s) program or platform of governance will address the root causes of forced migration and chronic poverty, and provide lasting stability to the Filipino nation.”
“We would like to know if he is for an independent foreign policy, and protection and welfare of Filipino workers abroad,” Monterona said.
Monterona said their group “will certainly talk about presidential endorsement in the proper time and its national office will formally announce it.”
A close estimate of 12 million OFWs are now living and working abroad.
Monterona said OFWs, mostly breadwinners, “can influence the vote of the members of their families living in the Philippines.”
OFWs can vote as overseas absentee voters (OAVs). OAVs are now numbering to 1.4 million according to the Comission on Elections. (davaotoday.com)
