In compliance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure that no overseas Filipino worker (OFW) is left behind, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) assures legal assistance to OFWs who were arrested in Qatar for their involvement in a recent political rally.
“With the arrest that happened due to political action in Qatar, we remind all our OFWs to be law-abiding, and observe the laws of the host country. At the same time, it’s our mandate to provide legal assistance to those who are arrested. No ifs, no buts,” said Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac.
The Secretary also reminded all OFWs in various parts of the world to respect and follow the laws, rules, and regulations, processes and protocols of their host country.
The secretary explained that part of the mandate of the department is not to judge any of the OFWs based on their actions; thus, it is necessary to ensure that they will be protected.
Currently, the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Qatar is already coordinating the legal assistance for the OFWs. They are now awaiting to meet face-to-face with the arrested individuals to identify and provide for their needs.
Secretary Cacdac further explained that, like here in the Philippines, those arrested and charged with criminal acts are entitled to their own criminal procedure rights, including the right to counsel and due process.
“That’s why we wanted to ensure that these basic principles for those charged with criminal acts will be observed. This is the same principle we implement here in our own country,” added the secretary.
Secretary Cacdac, however, clarified that the Philippine government is not tolerating any forms of criminal acts and violation of laws.
He also called upon all sectors involved in the issue to be calm, insisting that there will be processes and investigations to be conducted in order to identify all pertinent information surrounding the protest.
In the call for zero remittance, Secretary Cacdac said that he trusts the OFWs to make the right judgment and prioritize the well-being and future of their family in the Philippines. OFWs, he insisted, have the ability to make proper judgment and will not follow any call that will put their family in a tight situation.
“To our OFWs, please be calm in making judgments that will affect the future of your loved ones. Here in the Philippines, our beloved President is trying hard to lead us to further development of our country and your families,” Secretary Cacdac added.
