Speaker vows to raise OFW issues before ASEAN solons

By Maricel V. Cruz

SPEAKER Martin Romualdez has emphasized his commitment to raise critical issues concerning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) scheduled Monday.

“Among the key issues we want to address here include the protection and welfare of our OFWs” Romualdez said in a speech at a Filipino community event in Jakarta, Indonesia late Sunday.

Romualdez stressed that the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. was steadfast in ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and protection of OFWs, acknowledging their sacrifices and contributions to the Philippine economy.

“Nagpasya po akong dumalo sa AIPA ngayong taon dahil marami tayong

PCG BEEFS UP RANKS.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) significantly augment its forces with the commissioning of 229 new officers. Photo shows PCG commandant Adm. Artemio Abu presiding at the induction ceremonies at the PCG national headquarters in Port Area, Manila. PCG Photo kailangang i-discuss sa mga kapwa ko mambabatas mula sa mga bansa sa ASEAN at BIMP-EAGA,” Romualdez said. “Kasama po rito ang mga batas na kailangang ipasa naming lahat para mapalakas ang ating mga ekonomiya. Gusto rin nating makatulong ang mga batas na ipapasa para maging masigla ang mga negosyo at makapagbigay tayo ng mas maraming trabaho sa ating bansa,” he added.

The Speaker recognized the vital role played by the Filipino community in Indonesia, pointing out how well-regarded

Filipinos were in the country as teachers, company executives, business consultants, engineers, accountants, lawyers, and investors.

Romualdez vowed to support them by creating more opportunities in livelihood and investment, with the aim to stimulate the overall economic development of the Philippines, such as initiatives to attract more foreign investments into the country.

Among others, he cited the passage of amendments to the Public Service Act, which relaxed the restrictions on foreign investments in public services.

“Many of you are abroad working for multinational companies. Why don’t we open our economy to these multinational firms so you can have the choice of working for these companies in our country where you can still come home every day to your families” Romualdez said.