SENATOR BONG GO CALLS FOR ROUND-THE-CLOCK SUPPORT FOR OFWS FOLLOWING ANOTHER TRAGIC DEATH OF FILIPINO DOMESTIC WORKER IN KUWAIT

The tragic death of a Filipino household service worker in Kuwait—sadly not the first such case—has once again underscored the vulnerabilities faced by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, a known advocate for migrant workers, reiterated his call for concerned government agencies to ensure 24/7 availability to address the needs of OFWs and their families during crises.

“Napakasakit nito para sa pamilya ng ating kababayan. Dapat laging handa ang mga ahensya na tumulong sa mga ganitong sitwasyon. Hindi natin sila puwedeng pabayaan,” said Senator Go.

“Ang hirap na mawalay sa pamilya at mangibang bansa para lang bigyan ng magandang kinabukasan ang kanilang mga anak. Mas mahirap pa kapag may trahedyang ganito na nangyayari. Nakikiramay tayo sa pamilya ng nasawi,” he added.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed that the victim’s body, found in an advanced state of decomposition, is set to be repatriated following the conclusion of investigations by Kuwaiti authorities. The victim had been missing for two months before her remains were discovered.

This latest incident is part of a troubling pattern. Previous cases such as Jullebee Ranara in 2023 and Joanna Demafelis in 2018 highlight the dangers faced by Filipino domestic workers in Kuwait. These tragedies have led to temporary deployment bans and calls for better protection of OFWs.

“Hindi dapat maulit ang ganitong mga insidente. Kailangang tiyakin ng gobyerno na may sapat na proteksyon ang ating mga kababayan sa ibang bansa o nasaan man sila sa mundo,” Senator Go, who is vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, emphasized.

The senator has been at the forefront of legislative efforts to protect OFWs. He is an author and co-sponsor of Republic Act No. 11641, which established the DMW to streamline services for OFWs. He has also filed Senate Bill No. 2297 to institutionalize the OFW Hospital and SBN 2414 or the “OFW Ward Act” to ensure that every hospital under the Department of Health (DOH) provides dedicated care for migrant workers and their families if enacted into laws.

“Ang pagtatayo ng DMW at OFW Hospital ay simula pa lang. Kailangan pa nating palakasin ang suporta para sa ating mga bayani ng modernong panahon,” Senator Go noted.

The senator also called for the strengthening of support systems for OFWs, particularly in emergencies.

“Ang mga pamilya ng ating OFWs ay hindi dapat nag-aalala kung sino ang tutulong sa kanila kapag may nangyari. Kaya nga paulit-ulit kong sinasabi—dapat 24/7 ang serbisyo ng mga ahensya tulad ng DMW at OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration),” Senator Go stated.

“At para naman sa mga embahada at consulates, unahin niyo po ang kapakanan ng kapwa nating Pilipino. Dapat bukas ang opisina ninyo palagi para sa kanila,” he reminded.

Go underscored the importance of immediate legal and financial assistance for affected families, emphasizing that migrant workers are critical contributors to the Philippine economy.

The case has reignited discussions about the bilateral labor agreements between the Philippines and Kuwait. While recent talks have sought to address these issues, Senator Go insists that a more comprehensive approach is necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of OFWs.

“Hindi sapat ang mga salita. Kailangang tiyakin natin na ang bawat Pilipinong nagtatrabaho sa ibang bansa ay ligtas at may proteksyon,” he said.

As the remains of the latest victim are awaited in the Philippines, Senator Go assured the grieving family of continued support if needed.

“Bilang inyong Mr. Malasakit, anumang pagsubok ang ating haharapin sa susunod na mga araw, patuloy akong magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat dahil bisyo ko na ang magserbisyo at naniniwala ako na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo sa Diyos,” Go said.