Duterte makes public apology to Kuwait for his ‘harsh’ words in previous tirade

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers his speech during the meeting with the Filipino community at the Grand Hilton Convention Center Seoul in South Korea on June 3, 2018. ALFRED FRIAS/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

The Philippine leader on Sunday, June 3, made a public apology to Kuwait for using “harsh language” in his previous tirade over reports of abuses against some overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Gulf State.

During his meeting with the Filipino community in South Korea, President Rodrigo Duterte said, “For the first time, I would say that I was harsh in my language, maybe because that was a result of an emotional outburst but I’d like to apologize now.”

“I’m sorry for the language that I was using. But I’m very satisfied by the way how you responded to the problems of my country,” he added.

The President earlier issued a tirade against Kuwait following a string of reported deaths and abuses on Filipino workers in the Gulf State, including household worker Joanna Demafelis whose corpse was found inside a freezer. This prompted the Chief Executive to impose a total ban deployment of the OFWs in Kuwait.

The diplomatic row intensified after a video showing the rescue of distressed Filipino workers by some staff of the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait went viral. The Gulf State, angered by this action, took it as a violation of its sovereignty.

However, the tension between the Philippines and Kuwait eventually cooled down when the two countries signed a memorandum of agreement (MOU) which will ensure the safety and welfare of OFWs in the Gulf State. This move led to the lifting of deployment ban of Filipino workers in Kuwait.

In his speech, the President said he has no doubt that the Kuwaiti government will honor the signed deal.

“I think I’ll go there. I’d like to thank the Kuwaiti government for understanding us and keeping their faith in us and practically gave to all of my demands,” he said.

“I’d like to go there even just a few hours to say ‘maraming salamat’ (thank you),” he added.

The working conditions set by Duterte includes no confiscation of passports and cellphones of the Filipino workers, ability to cook for their own meal, a day off per week, and seven hours of sleep each night.

He also asked Kuwait to ensure that there will be no sexual harassment of OFWs in the Gulf State.