inside Philippine politics and beyond
A Saudi national wrote this fascinating tribute to Filipino workers three years ago in Arab News, a Saudi newspaper. It puts a different perspective to the issue of Saudization – or the replacement of foreigners with its own work force. As well as to the issue of abuse of foreign domestic workers. While there are abusive employers, there are [...]
by Raïssa Robles This was what Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Jose Brillantes told me when he was still a Department of Labor and Employment undersecretary. He said this to explain why many Saudi employers treat Filipino domestic workers inhumanely and abusively, such as kicking, punching or branding them with a hot iron if they make mistakes or take daily baths; or [...]
By Raïssa Robles Today, a Filipina who threw herself in front of a bus in Hong Kong to shield a boy she was bringing to school was laid to rest in the Philippines. Citing eyewitnesses, the Hong Kong police said the woman, identified as Juanita Agustin Limbago, 31, had seen the bus bearing down on them as they crossed a [...]
By Raïssa Robles PNoy’s government has just rejected a Saudi government appeal to cut the Filipino maids’ minimum wage back to US$200 from the current US$400, as well as waive other requirements, an Associated Press report said. The issue has been a major irritant in our bilateral relations. But I’m glad the Philippine government is standing pat. Because US$200 is [...]
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