VP Binay appeals to Taiwan government to lift hiring ban on OFWs

Vice President Jejomar Binay on Thursday pleaded to the government of Taiwan to lift its hiring ban on Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), saying that workers should not be implicated by the tension between the Philippines and Taiwan.

"I appeal to the government of Taiwan to lift the ban on the hiring of OFWs," Binay, also the Presidential Adviser on OFW Concerns, said in a press release.

The vice president said OFWs who work in Taiwan are there "to earn an honest living for their families and work harmoniously with the Taiwanese people", hence, they should be spared from any political conflict."

"Nonetheless, our Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has given assurances that the national government has in place measures to mitigate the impact of the freeze-hire policy," he added.

Binay said Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz already assured that DOLE is considering alternative destinations for those who may be affected by the freeze-hire order.

"Aside from Taiwan, OFW aspirants may consider South Korea and Middle Eastern countries," said Binay.

Meanwhile, the vice president called for prayers for the safety of OFWs as he expressed concern over reports of harassment and discrimination against Filipinos in Taiwan.

"I am concerned about the plight of our overseas Filipino workers in Taiwan, especially in light of reports that they suffer harassment and discrimination from Taiwanese nationals. Let us pray for their safety and well-being," he said.

On Wednesday, Taiwan imposed sanctions against the Philippines, rejecting Philippine's apology for the killing of a fisherman from Taiwan by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) last week.

Taiwan Prime Minister Jiang Yi-huah called the apology unacceptable and demanded a "formal apology" from Manila.

The sanctions included the freezing of applications for work permits, the cessation of economic exchanges and military exercises in waters between the two sides.

Philippine presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda already apologized and appealed to Taiwan not to take out its anger on the more than 85,000 Filipinos working in Taiwan.

The Philippines, Taiwan, China, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam, has been involved with territorial disputes over various island chains nearby South China Sea, which is said to be potentially rich in oil and gas. (PNA)