President Duterte’s visit to boost morale of OFWs in Middle East –Santos

On Monday, the President left for state visits to the three Arab nations during the Holy Week. (Photo: TOTO LOZANO/Presidential Photo)

MANILA–A Catholic prelate is convinced that the week-long visit of President Rodrigo Duterte to three countries in the Middle East will greatly boost the morale of the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) working there.

“It will be a source of strength for our OFW and sign of solidarity with them when our President sees and speaks with our OFWs,” said Bataan Bishop Ruperto Santos.

The chairman of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People (CBCP-ECMI) is also hoping that Chief Executive will help those Filipino workers who are suffering in jail.

“Witnessing the sacrifices and sufferings of OFW will surely move our president to intercede for compassion to the plight of our OFW and clemency to those who are imprisoned,” he said.

Santos added, “Knowing the kindness and justified intervention of the president about tanim-bala and unduly opening of balikbayan boxes, we CBCP-ECMI believe that our president will intercede to host countries of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Bahrain and Qatar for promotion and respect for rights of OFW, and just and fair labor practices.”

At the same time, the CBCP-ECMI head has offered prayers for President Duterte’s safe and fruitful trip to the Middle East.

“We also offer our prayers for safety and success of the trips of our president, as we always pray for security and safety of our OFWs,” Santos said.

On Monday, the President left for state visits to the three Arab nations during the Holy Week.