GREETINGS

TO: OFWs


Isang Mapagpalayang Pasko
at
Mapayapang Bagong Dekada ng Taon
ang hiling
at
panalangin
namin para sa ating lahat!!!


(a Liberating Christmas
and a
Peaceful New Decade of the Year
to one and all)

2010

MALIGAYANG PASKO AT MANIGONG BAGONG TAON

Ika-8 ng Disyembre , taong 2009, Abuja FCT

Ref: ppa/bpn/081209a

Re: MALIGAYANG PASKO AT MANIGONG BAGONG TAON!!!

Mga minamahal naming mga Kapanalig,

Dumating na naman ang Pasko-ang kapanganakan ng ating Poong Manunubos, kasunod ang pagdating ng Bagong Taong 2010.

Buong pusong bumabati ang Pusong Pinoy Association (PPA) ng MALIGAYANG PASKO AT MANIGONG BAGONG TAONG 2010 sa inyong lahat kasabay ng buong katapatang pasasalamat sa lahat-lahat ng suporta, pagtulong at pagtangkilik sa mga adhikain at programa nito. Dalangin namin ang inyong kaligtasan, kalusugan, kaligayahan, tagumpay at katahimikan ng pagiisip sa lahat ng panahon, kasama dito ang inyong mga mahal sa buhay.

Uli, Maligayang Pasko at Manigong Bagong Taong 2010. MABUHAY!!!!

Ang inyong tanging lingkod,

Executive Council (2009-2010)

Executive Council (2009-2010):
President – B. Nadado, Vice President - N. Barraquias, Secretary - G. Abrasado, Treasurer - P. Nucum Auditor - J. Hernandez, P.R.O. - S. Cayabyab, P.R.O. - J. Torres, Assistant Treasurer and Property Custodian – M. Subibe

Want more of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo? Here she goes...

WANT MORE OF GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO?

“As you know, the people of my home district in Pampanga want me to remain in public life,” she said in a mix of Filipino and English. “So after much soul-searching, I have decided to respond affirmatively to their call.”

GMA wants House seat

By Paolo Romero (The Philippine Star) Updated December 01, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Ending speculation about her political plans, President Arroyo declared yesterday that she is running for Congress representing the second district of Pampanga next year.
Speaking over government-run Radyo ng Bayan, Mrs. Arroyo said she realized after “much contemplation” that “I am not ready to step down completely from public service.”
“As you know, the people of my home district in Pampanga want me to remain in public life,” she said in a mix of Filipino and English. “So after much soul-searching, I have decided to respond affirmatively to their call.”
Mrs. Arroyo said she hopes to be a champion for the poor in Congress and work to uplift the economy.
“To that end, I will file my candidacy for Congress in order to serve the hardworking people of my home province,” she said.
She vowed to remain focused on her work as President until her final day in office.
Romulo Macalintal, Mrs. Arroyo’s lawyer, and Press Secretary Cerge Remonde were present during the interview.
Macalintal told reporters “some local mayors” authorized by Mrs. Arroyo will file her certificate of candidacy (COC) today.
Mrs. Arroyo is ready for any lawsuit after she files her COC, he added.
Macalintal said it was about a month ago that Mrs. Arroyo started contemplating about running for Congress.
“About a month ago, that was talked about, she consulted her family, some supporters in Pampanga,” he said.
“She thought she was still very young and can still serve. That’s the judgment call of the President.”
He was not aware of any dissent from Mrs. Arroyo’s family on her decision, Macalintal said.
Mrs. Arroyo said she studied several options before deciding on continuing to be in politics.
“While I’m very much looking forward to stepping down at the end of my term, I have been mulling different ways to stay involved,” she said.
“I looked at going back to teaching. I have also examined working with non-profit organizations on issues ranging from the environment to women’s issues.
“I thought of many opportunities. One day I hope to pursue them… work for causes near and dear to me, like the fight against climate change, improvement of education and the cause of women.”
Mrs. Arroyo dismissed allegations that she wants to be a member of the House of Representatives to obtain immunity from the torrent of lawsuits to be filed by her political enemies after she steps down from the presidency.
“The only congressional immunity is from libel suits, from utterances made in a congressional session—that’s not what I’m after,” she said.
“This move reflects my ongoing commitment to public service. I have given careful consideration to a number of options that I could pursue upon leaving office.
“But I have come to the conclusion that I can best serve the nation from a seat in Congress should I be elected.”
Mrs. Arroyo said she is determined to champion the poor, fight for a stronger economy, and ensure that health, education and jobs are within reach of all Kapampangans.
Once elected to Congress, she would get a chance to continue her advocacies “closer to the people,” she added.
Mrs. Arroyo said she will remain “firmly in control of our national government until the last day I am in office,” while campaigning for a seat in the House of Representatives.
“As President, my first commitment is to the nation we all love,” she said.
“My bid for Congress will be only spirited but secondary to my duty as President. I will devote very little time for my campaign for Congress.
“We have come too far and too much is at stake for me to waver in these last few months on my commitment to the people of the nation. I will keep a steady hand on the tiller of the ship of state.”
Mrs. Arroyo said she would continue to pour resources to the Comelec to ensure free, fair and open elections next year.
“And then I will work cooperatively with the incoming administration so they can hit the ground running,” she said.
Comelec: GMA qualified to run
Mrs. Arroyo is qualified to seek any elective position except the presidency, the Comelec said yesterday.
Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said Mrs. Arroyo does not even have to resign the presidency after she files her COC.
“There’s no legal impediment to the President seeking elective office other than the presidency once again.
“The law is very clear – elective officials are allowed to return to the posts they occupied after the conclusion of the electoral process if they lost.
“So they are not deemed to have lost their positions simply by virtue of filing their COC.”
However, Jimenez said the Comelec will accept petitions questioning the legality of Mrs. Arroyo’s running for Congress.
“It’s a matter of law,” he said.
“I mean if anyone can provide a different interpretation of the law, then I guess that’s what filing a suit is for.”
Erap: GMA must step down
Former President Joseph Estrada said yesterday Mrs. Arroyo must step down after she files her COC for Congress today.
Speaking over radio, Estrada, United Opposition standard-bearer, said Mrs. Arroyo could use government resources in her campaign to seek a seat in the House of Representatives.
“She should step down because she will use government resources like she did in 2004,” he said.
Mrs. Arroyo is likely to repeat the alleged massive cheating in the 2004 presidential elections in which action star Fernando Poe Jr. lost, he added.
Estrada said Mrs. Arroyo will be demeaning the presidency if she runs for a lower post.
“In my opinion, it is not right for any president who had just finished her term to run for any position, especially one lower than the presidency,” he said.
However, it is the right of any president who had completed a six-year term to run for any position, Estrada said.
As to Mrs. Arroyo’s motive in seeking a congressional seat, he refused to comment.
Estrada said if he becomes president again, he will leave it to the courts to decide whether to charge Mrs. Arroyo after her term ends next year.
“In my opinion, the President must not intervene in that,” he said. “We have the courts. We must leave it to the people.”
Margaux Salcedo, Estrada’s spokesperson, said Mrs. Arroyo’s congressional bid is a brazen attempt to stay in power.
“If this congressional candidacy was out of a desire to serve the people, it would be admirable,” she said.
“But it is a brazen attempt to stay in power forever. This should be considered as a warning that the scheming by this regime will not end with this president’s term in 2010.”
‘Why not the Senate?’
Former ambassador Ernesto Maceda, UNO spokesman, said yesterday Mrs. Arroyo should seek a Senate seat if she is sincere in continuously serving the Filipino people.
“To me, it is a simple lead for political power,” he said.
“Gloria is a very unusual politician. She will be the first president who had finished her term to run for Congress, a position lower than the presidency.”
Maceda said Mrs. Arroyo is wrong in thinking that she could become speaker after she wins as representative of Pampanga in Congress.
“If President Estrada wins, there is Congressmen (Arnulfo) Fuentebella and Rufus Rodirguez who can logically get the speakership,” he said.
“So, how can she be Speaker. She will never become Speaker.”
Maceda said Mrs. Arroyo can instead do other things like former President Fidel Ramos, such as writing and helping the people.
“The least attractive position is to become a congressman,” he said.
Binay said Mrs. Arroyo’s real agenda is to amend the Constitution and shift to a parliamentary form of government.
“The real agenda is to amend the Constitution, shift to a parliamentary form of government and snatch power from whoever is elected president in 2010 by becoming the prime minister and head of government,” he said.
“Mrs. Arroyo intends to nullify the result of the 2010 presidential election, and once again, she will subvert the will of the people in her self-serving pursuit of power.”
Binay said the choice of the few will replace the voice of over 45 million Filipinos after Mrs. Arroyo wins a seat in Congress.
“The next president will always be under threat of being unseated by a Congress led by Mrs. Arroyo,” he said.
‘So obsessed with power’
Bayan Muna Rep. Teddy Casiño said yesterday he has never seen a leader so obsessed with power as Mrs. Arroyo.
“After nine years of occupying the highest office of the land, she would still aspire for a lower position with her two sons and two in-laws,” he said.
“She is drunk with power and can’t get enough. I think she needs professional help.”
Mrs. Arroyo’s two sons, Mikey and Dato, are representatives of Pampanga and Camarines Sur in Congress.
So are her two in-laws – Iggy and Ma. Lourdes Arroyo, who are representing Negros Occidental and party-list Kasangga. —With Sheila Crisostomo, Jose Rodel Clapano, Delon Porcalla, Ding Cervantes

MANDATORY INSURANCE FOR OFWS

MANDATORY INSURANCE FOR OFWs

To ALL OFWs
Please read and digest what BICAM has finally adopted.
_______________________________________
From: ellene sana ellenesana@yahoo.com
To: pinoy-abroad forum ; cma philippines cmaphils@pldtdsl.net

Sent: Mon, November 23, 2009 9:18:23 AM
Subject: bicam adopted final amendments to ra8042 including mandatory insurance ...

hi all.
sorry if this comes a bit late. as expected the bicam on ra8042 met in the evening of november 18 and approved the proposed amendments to ra8042. included was the approval of the proposal for mandatory insurance for land-based ofws who are hired by recruiters. some 150 of us, mostly from the APL (alliance of progressive labor), APL women, marino, port workers and other affiliate groups, trooped to the bicam venue to register our presence to the bicam members. we had a streamer to convey our main concern --no to ofw compulsory insurance scam!
earlier that day, we also provided the bicam members with copies of statement, which was an updated version of the last one we submitted during their previous bicam in october.
before the bicam started, several of us went inside to say hello to the legislators. we were met by cong. way kurat, chair of the house committee on overseas workers affairs. We told him we are there to lend support to the efforts of bicam to approve the much needed amendments to ra8042 which we have been working on together with them, but we take exception to the proposal on the mandatory insurance.
cong way kurat said our concern was noted then he asked us to join them for dinner. We declined the offer, went out and joined our colleagues outside and decided to revisit the issue.
we formed a circle and started our discussions. Thanks to the management of the restaurant the legend who offered us their monoblock chairs for us.
a little later, a staff of sen jinggoy came and told me to go to the meeting room because the senator has some questions. The senator asked me why we were there in good number (during the last bicam, i was solo) he reminded me that they were not immune to our concerns, that in fact they were doing this for the ofws hence they even allowed me to make an intervention during the october bicam (which was not usual). i told him it was appreciated. I went on to say that we were there to actually lend support to the bicam in approving the needed amendments to ra8042 except the proposal on the insurance.
[pls click on this link for the updated version of our statement:
http://www.pinoy-abroad.net/lungga/index.shtml]
...and we went through the same arguments that we had during the last bicam -- they see the proposal as positive, they see it as something to benefit the ofws, that it is protection to ofws...and that they provided more than enough safety nets/ mechanism in the law to make sure it is not passed on to the workers and that it does not become simply an additional layer or party obstacle to the ofw...that it really becomes beneficial to the ofws...they asked to give it a chance....and we see it as otherwise.... that it is the recruiters who stand to benefit so why legislate it, that the state should not relinquish its duty to protect, that at best it can only be voluntary because there are already provisions for the same except that it is not working out efficiently hence must be addressed such as the owwa and the insurance is no solution to it, that while we can understand that technically since the proposal is contained in both versions of the house and the senate then it would be acted upon to which i argued that we believe these things are not written on stones and that we are still hoping and praying for the wisdom of the bicam members ...etc,. etc etc...unfortunately, I think they were mindset to approve all the proposals including the insurance and no amount of argumentation can make them change their minds. finally, cong edcel reiterated his statement during the last bicam -- he said .... the ofws are against it, the government agencies are against it and now, even the recruiters are withdrawing their support to it
[on that day, pasei, the biggest network of recruitment agencies, issued a press statement to this effect with a commitment to continue the practice of securing insurance for ofws on voluntary basis; click on link fro their statement: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20091117-236810/Recruiters_take_back_insurance_proposal_for_OFWs
post-bicam, I spoke with an advocacy colleague from the industry who expressed strong reservation in the final version approved saying it was far different from what they proposed originally and he laments that the version passed will invite more animosities between migrants and the industry. That got me worried some more....] ---
ok, back to cong edcel -- so he asked himself and colleagues again--what do we do in this situation? to which i quickly answered, you can delete the proposal.... and we went through the same arguments....until finally, cong edcel asked again, to break the impasse he said, since our conversation was going nowhere and no one was yielding --he asked --are we amenable to having it for a trial period of 3 years subject to mandatory review, even earlier than 3 years if there is motu propio of violation i.e. that it is passed on to the worker --upon sms consultations with colleagues outside and those who were not there as well -- i told the bicam members that we are not amenable to the proposal for the reasons we have cited. we want it scrapped. so that was how we ended. i left the room. They started the meeting. i reported to the group waiting outside. after sometime, the bulk of the group decided to go home. ka roger from marino and learn stayed with me until the bicam was finished at almost 12 midnight. one by one the bicam members came out of the venue -- first was cong edcel --he confirmed that the meeting was over. He went on to assure us again that they would be strictly monitoring the implementation of the insruance provision under the joint congressional committee. Next to come out was cong rex gatchalian who said the same. Then sen jinggoy who said the same stressing the safety mechanisms they put in place to allay our fears that the premium will ultimately be passed on to the workers ... ka roger and I decided to go home. it was a long day for all of us. we were exhausted.what is next? the bicam version will be finalised and send back to the respective chambers for final approval --first in the house, then transmitted to the senate and finally to malacanang for signing into law. gma can sign it, or veto it. if she does not act on it, it still automatically becomes a law in how many days (?) --30 or 60 days?? will she veto? may be, may be not...
we will request for the copy of the final version so we know exactly how things are. we will also request congress that we take part in the crafting of the IRR to which sen jinggoy said it may be possible. we must remind them all that it better work for the benefit of the ofws ...or else.... kawawa na naman ang ofws.... as for the ofws –please be more vigilant. Be confident in standing up for your rights.when the law says you are not supposed to pay, then don't pay!
Finally, the other sections amended, for the better I believe, are the following:
section 2 on statement of principles
section 3 on definition of terms
section 4 on deployment criteria
section 5 on termination of ban on deployment
section 6 on illegal recruitment –isinama na yung repro scam and other unlawful acts including loan scams and decking system for medical tests, monopoly on tests and other skills trainings, passing on fees to workers including that for the insurance...
it included also stiffer sanctions against recruiters and juridical bodies including other agencies like dole and poea
section 7 on penalties –imposing stiffer and higher penalties
section 10 on monay claims – amendment was silent on the refund for the unexpired portion claims-- upon clarification, I was told that the supreme court decision on money claims applies; the part proposed for amendment also says ..... I should mention this because I am not sure if this good or not --
Sec. 10. Money Claims. –Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, AT THE OPTION OF THE WORKER, the Labor Arbiters of the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) AND THE OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT ADJUDICATORS OF THE POEA shall have the original and CONCURRENT jurisdiction to hear and decide, within THIRTY (30) calendar days after the SUBMISSION OF THE CASE FOR DECISION, the claims arising out of an employer-employee relationship or by virtue of any law or contract involving Filipino workers for overseas deployment including claims for actual, moral, exemplary and other forms of damages; PROVIDED THAT THE BASIS OF AWARD OF DAMAGES SHALL BE PROVEN BY SUBSTANTIAL EVIDENCE AND THE AMOUNTS THEREFORE SHALL BE RESPONSIBLE AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH LAW AND JURISPRUDENCE.
THE FIRST OFFICE WHICH TAKES COGNIZANCE OF A CASE FOR MONEY CLAIMS SHALL EXCLUDE THE OTHER OFFICE FROM EXRCISING JURISDICTION OVER THE CASE. A CERTIFICATION OF NON-FORUM SHOPPING SHALL BE ATTACHED TO THE COMPLAINT
IN ALL CASES FILED UNDER THIS SECTION, APPEAL SHALL BE WITH THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS COMMISSION AND SHALL BE GOVERNED BY THE RULES THEREOF. .
Section 13 – on free legal assistance
section 16 –on mandatory repatriation of underage migrants imposing stiff penalties for recruiters concerned
section 19 --
section 20 on sgism to realize this provision
Section 23 –on agencies of government –POEA, OWWA; adding on DOH and regulation re medical testings, LGUs
section 24 -
section 25 – on legal assistance fund- regular appropriations in the GAA subject to finance and performance audit; on uses of LAF
section 32 –on governance structures of owwa, poea and seats for ofws –in terms of process and selection
section 33 on report to congress
section 35 on exemption on fees
new section on mandatory insurance –mahaba ito
new section on creation of a joint congressional oversight committee
new section – IRR crafting 60 days after effectivity
new section –funding of P25M for budget of oversight committee
all for now. salamat sa mga sumama sa kampanyang ito.. magpahinga muna tayo.
ellene

ellene a. sana
Center for Migrant Advocacy Philippines72-C Matahimik Street, Teachers’ Village Quezon City, Philippines
Email: cmaphils@pldtdsl.net;
URL: www.pinoy-abroad.net
Telefax: +632 4330684;
Telephone: +632 920 5003;
Cellphone: +63 928 795 2222

US Envoy to RP

US envoy to RP was posted once to Nigeria – Harry K. Thomas, Jr.

WASHINGTON – (UPDATE) US President Barack Obama on Thursday named two ambassadors to Southeast Asia, tapping a close political ally as envoy to Singapore and nominating a career diplomat to the Philippines:
For the Philippines, Obama named Harry K. Thomas, Jr., a career foreign service officer who served as ambassador to Bangladesh from 2003 to 2005. He has also been posted in India, Nigeria, Peru and Zimbabwe.

David Adelman, a state senator in Georgia and a force behind the president's record-breaking fund-raising in last year's election, to be ambassador to Singapore.
_______________________________________________________________________________

PESO-DOLLAR EXCHANGE RATE
OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT RATE
P47.100 = USD1.00
as of 20.11.09

To: CMA Director Ellene Sana - MABUHAY

MABUHAY!

It can be recalled that at the height of our campaign to have the Travel/Deployment ban be lifted, we tried ALL possible means to achieve this goal. Petitions, paid publications, personal pleas, passionate call to the Philippine government officials, lampoons, interviews, etc. were all applied. To no avail.

The then PBSN Pres. Esper Derpo a Banaag awardee had an audience with GMA and Kabayan Noli de Castro. And even when Ret. Gen. Amb. Cimatu actually saw the conditions here, again to no avail.

In Oct. 2008, Pusong Pinoy had the chance to meet Ellene Sana through a feminist activist and a scholar in UP, Eunice Barbara C. Novio. Vangie Novio, armed with documents duly compiled by John Hernandez narrated the series of events that hardened the stand of the government regarding this issue. Director Sana, a very unassuming lady, took at heart our plea.

Then the rest is history. Janette Alican met her and was also interviewed in one of the national dailies. Mr. & Mrs. Mercado, Mr. Lito Nucum, Mr. Benjie Nadado and Mr. Ruben Legazpi, Mr. Danny Rivamonte and Mr. Jun (Lagos -based OFWs). They met with all the officials concerned.
They fought tooth and nail as the saying goes - and the sacrifice continued. Lito Nucum was not allowed through the immigration. Most of the returning OFWs found padrinos while a few lucky ones did not part with hard-earned dollar.

Through all these months, Ellene was always in contact with Pusong Pinoy. John Hernandez and the rest of the PPA officers were always giving her feed backs on what was happening here. Every incident of kidnappings, hostage-takings were always analyzed, how will it affect OFWs AGAIN! Ellene always urged us to 'pray pray pray and pray some more!'

Here in Nigeria, OFWs nerves were frayed. Tension abound. Some Filipinos who were not even remotely concerned/affected by the ban, were just vent on criticizing and putting down the genuine OFWs. Filipinos in other parts of Nigeria even promised that once this ban is lifted, they will join Pusong Pinoy.

However, inspite of all the criticisms, the individuals and Filipino organizations' collective efforts in Nigeria made OFWs solid in their stand against the government.

BUT it was the dedication and commitment of CMA and its director, Ellene Sana, who lifted this sword of Damocles. She presented this advocacy to UN and in all agencies and had always lobbied and talked to personages concerned.

And now, we have the long-awaited 'black and white' - to hold and to 'cherish' and to plaster in every immigration official who would dare ask for 'lagay' again.

We give first our thanks and gratitude to GOD and to DIRECTOR ELLENE SANA - we are deeply indebted to you.

_______________________________________________
November 18, 2009

Ms. Ellene Sana
Executive Director CENTER FOR MIGRANT AFFAIRS
Quezon City

Dear Ellene,

RE: MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR No. 15 - SELECTIVE DEPLOYMENT TO NIGERIA FOR WORKERS-ON-LEAVE (WOL)/ BALIK-MANGGAGAWA (BM)

Once again, Pusong Pinoy Association wishes to convey its gratitude and appreciation to your untiring efforts hence the above Memorandum dated 13 September 2009 from POAE, was issued. You are indeed an advocate for migrant workers.

With the above, our fears, anguish and sufferings are indeed alleviated. We truly salute you for your determination and belief that imposing a total deployment ban was unfair and a violation to our freedom to be employed and earn a decent living for our loved ones, in any place of our choice.

But then again, we still aspire and dream that one day, the total deployment ban will be lifted and that is our final goal. And in doing so, other aspiring OFWs can enjoy the better remunerations and work conditions in Nigeria.

Maraming salamat uli at tunay kang Kapusong Pinoy.
MABUHAY!!

Yours sincerely, PUSONG PINOY ASSOCIATION
Abuja FCT, Nigeria

Benjamin P. Nadado
President (2009-2010)

Officers (2009-2010):
B. Nadado – President, N. Barraquias – Vice President, G. Abrasado – Secretary, P. Nucum – Treasurer, J. Hernandez – Auditor, S. Cayabyab - P.R.O., J. Torres – P.R.O., Assistant Treasurere and Property Custodian – Mercy Subibe

A Birthday Celebration

A Birthday Celebration

It was a very subdued celebration. There was the 9th-day prayer for the repose of the dearly departed friend Ana Dador and the block rosary for the Blessed Virgin Mary - to be transferred to Vamed ladies. To collect were Adora, Dulce and Weng.

And most of all, it's the birthday celebration of Ampy with family and friends.

BINGO BONANZA AND BAZAAR -part 2

BINGO BONANZA AND BAZAAR - PART 2

Con-Gen Alex with from left: Lito, Vangie, John, Efren, Fely and Tickboy. At the back is James

Con-gen Alex Lamadrid while acknowledging the donors and guests...

...and here's Lito calling for bingo players...

Malou and Isabella

Recruiters take back insurance proposal for OFWs - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

Recruiters take back insurance proposal for OFWs - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos

Mandatory insurance benefits recruiters, not OFWs

Mandatory insurance benefits recruiters, not OFWs
By Veronica Uy
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 10:27:00 11/16/2009

MANILA, Philippines—The proposed mandatory insurance for all overseas Filipino workers will benefit recruiters principally and OFWs only incidentally, the Center for Migrants Advocacy said Monday, opposing a move in Congress to legislate it.
The proposal, which is contained in the proposed law to amend the Migrant Workers Act or Republic Act 8042, is expected to be tackled at the bicameral conference committee meeting on Wednesday.
CMA executive director Ellene Sana said the proposed mandatory insurance is really meant to insure the recruiters against their obligations to OFWs who find themselves in trouble abroad.
“And that is unfair to the workers,” she said.
Miguel Bolos, a member of the CMA board and who had worked in Saudi Arabia for 25 years before returning home for good, said that the proposal puts a third party in OFW protection.
“With this proposal, there is more room for the recruiters to wiggle out of their obligations. Dati ang kalaban lang ng OFW, recruiter; dito, magiging recruiter at insurance company na (While OFWs used to tangle only with recruiters, it’s going to be recruiters and insurance companies with this proposal),” he said.
“And we know how insurance companies try to minimize their pay-outs,” he added.
Both Sana and Bolos also pointed out that if this amendment passes, the liability of the recruiter to the OFW would be further diluted.
For instance, instead of getting full payment for the unexpired portion of the employment contract, the fired OFW may get much less depending on the provisions of the insurance contract.
Sana said the proposal, initially made by recruiters to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration several years, has been turned down by the POEA again and again.
She said even the Office of the Solicitor General, whose legal opinion the POEA sought, rejected the idea of mandatory insurance for OFWs.
“Even the executive branch turned it down, so why try and legislate it?” she asked.
Sana also said that with only 26 percent of OFWs leaving the country through recruitment agencies, insurance fees will ultimately be shouldered by the OFWs themselves.
“Let’s not burden the OFWs with more fees. Other parts of the proposed amendments already provide for protection to the OFWs,” Sana said, adding that the employment contract specifies a repatriation mechanism, including a plane ticket home, as well as access to grievance mechanisms.
Bolos said that while insurance in general is good, “the way they’re doing it is not.”
“The recruiters don’t need a law to get insurance for the OFWs they’re sending abroad. They can do it voluntarily,” he said.

THE FINAL CURTAIN

THE FINAL CURTAIN
Since the brief illness and eventual passing of Ana Dador, the friends of her family were always there. Why was there so much outpouring of emotions for the Dador family?

Simple.

The Dador family IS a FRIEND to each and every one of us! Their friendship is not only for the good times – but as the saying goes – through thick and thin. Ana was a great friend. In this tightly-knitted community of kindred spirits, agreements and disagreements abound, laughter and tears, saucy and sometimes below the belt jokes are exchanged. But all these never come out of this circle of friends.

Ana and Nestor were always the recipients of jokes – especially from Jun ‘JT’ Torres. His ‘Mommy, sya iwan mo na si Khaye sa akin’ or ‘Daddy, ‘wag kang mag papagod’ or ‘Khaye, love, ipagtimpla mo na ako ng kape…’ was met with laughters. And Ana will always say ‘Hala Khaye, mag durog ka ng bubog at isama sa kape nito…’ Or Nestor will say ‘Lagyan na ng lason ‘yan…’
How we all help Ana in ‘fighting’ Nestor. Khaye’s refreshing and genteel manners made everyone around them like and appreciate them more. Si Ana ang punong-abala sa pagluluto at paghahanda ng lahat, habang si Benjie Nadado ay nagluluto din. Isang buong pamilya na ang lahat ay kumikilos at tulong-tulong. Si Sherwin at si Stan, na madalas ay taga-sundo at hatid sa kanila, sya ring taga-saing at taga-hugas ng plato.

In sickness and in death, our hearts and prayers went with them. Annie Okoye in her anguish cried out ‘Why do I have to meet you?’ Her outburst was also borne out of her pain at the death of her own mother. Lito Nucum, while leading in one of the prayer meetings held while Ana was in her sickbed was so carried in his plea for Ana’s recovery, felt so numb at her passing. Stan Fernandez was so quiet in his grief and so was John Hernandez and Angie Alcaria.

The Mercado family (entire family in fact), Barraquias family, and the sisters at the Nunciature, Ampy Ronquillo and family, Mabelle Chen (who was always there, too), shared their grief quietly. So were the Herrera brothers, Efren Lim, Ric Punsalan, Chet Gatus, Medel Pasajol, Rex Lautrizo, Mercy Subibe, Tessie Azarcon, Lolit and Sheen, Adora and Melanie, Lotlot and Nelly and Berna, Anna and Shiela, Benny Cruz and many others.

All these time, Con-Gen. Alex V. Lamadrid was there for them. Every crisis, he was called. So was Rose Akah. That when blood donors were needed, she volunteered and many others like the seaman (Tirso) and as far away as Ibadan. Efren, classmate James, Cocoy, Doy, Alex Emam, Said and all the embassy staff were also at hand. Rose and Fely and Mabelle Chen were there at Ana's final breath. Malou Glaznig was there, too.

In death, friends as far as Port Harcourt, Joy Gimotea and friends, from Lagos, too, sent their condolences and financial assistance.

Si Ana ay mapag-alala and has genuine concern for people. Pag hinatid sila ni Sherwin, she made sure that he was safely back home. Ang kanyang mga hinanakit ay nailalabas niya at siya ay maluwag na tumatanggap ng criticism at mga payo.

Once, she complained that her picture didn’t appear (only in a very tiny group picture) in a paid publication, we all assured her not to worry, there will be plenty of her pictures for publication. It was very ironic indeed – now ONLY her pictures and memories remained!

To all her friends, we are the lucky ones who enjoyed her friendship. A very precious legacy a person can leave behind.
Below are the pictures who mourned her passing:

Sherwin Cayabyab, shown here, saying his last goodbye to Tita Ana.