DOLE turns down call to re-design OFW IDs

FILE: Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the current design of the ID will stay as there are no complaints as of now from Filipinos working overseas. (PNA PHOTO)

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has no plans to re-design the identification cards for overseas Filipino workers despite drawing flak on social media for putting on it the picture of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the current design of the ID will stay as there are no complaints as of now from Filipinos working overseas.

“All of the messages I have received from OFWs, there is even no negative reaction from OFWs. Reactions are all positive,” Bello said in Filipino.

“We will see first if what will be the reactions of OFWs about the ID. We are observing the process of the making and distribution of the card,” he added.

It can be recalled that the president himself doesn’t want to put photos of him in government offices.

Duterte even directed all government agencies and educational institutions to display photos, paintings, and visual representations of Philippine heroes instead of elected or appointed government officials.

Earlier, Bello said DOLE is keen to change the design of the OFW ID in response to the criticisms from the netizens.

Bello added that the design of the OFW ID was the sole responsibility of the department, and the inclusion of Duterte’s photo symbolizes the president’s “desire to help improve the lives of our OFWs.”

“If there are negative reaction from the OFWs about the OFW ID, tell us. We want to feel the pulse of the OFWs, not of the politicians or executives. It can still be changed, If you want, I’ll change it with my photo,” Bello added.

About 500 OFW ID was already given to OFW in the first phase implementation of the program.

Also, only returning OFWs under the Balik Manggagawa program of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) can apply for the first phase.

The OFW ID, which was launched last July, will be given to workers for free, with OWWA funds to be used for printing.