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DAVAO CITY, Philippines – President Duterte expects the condition of nearly 100,000 Filipino overseas workers (OFW) in Israel and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to improve after his recent official visit to both countries.
"It is true that the well-being and well-being of Filipinos abroad has received a lot of attention during the discussions during the twin visits. I am pleased to announce that the working and living conditions of our compatriots in Israel and Jordan are expected to improve even further, "said the President on arrival before noon yesterday at Davao International Airport.
He described the results of his visit to Israel and Jordan as successes and that it was worth it.
The president cited the signing of an agreement to address the problem of exorbitant placement fees before a Filipino worker could be deployed in Israel. The fee would cost between $ 8,000 and $ 12,000.
In all respects, he stressed that the agreement shows the commitment of both governments to defend the interests of Filipino workers.
In Jordan, Mr. Duterte stated that two labor agreements had been concluded to strengthen the standards of protection of Filipino domestic workers and regulate the deployment of labor, exchanges and communication as well as further studies on work.
He also cited a number of government-to-government and business-to-business agreements that were concluded during the double visit.
"The investments generated are estimated at more than $ 140 million and are expected to generate more than 1,200 new jobs. We think this is just the beginning, "he said.
"I am happy to be back after my official visits to the state of Israel and Jordan. I am pleased to renew the friendship of the Philippines with two important countries in a region of crucial importance to our country, "added Mr. Duterte.
He revealed that during his meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, they identified ways to expand cooperation to combat terrorism and transnational crimes, strengthen security and defense, increase trade and investment. bilaterals and improve exchanges between peoples.
During his meeting with Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, they discussed the need to improve technical cooperation, particularly with regard to capacity building and capacity building.
Netanyahu and Rivlin, he added, recognized the strength and depth of our significant shared history and the common values that unite our nations and peoples.
Regarding his meeting with King Abdullah II of Jordan, Duterte said that it paved the way for the identification of concrete areas of collaboration to combat terrorism and extreme violence. In concert with King Abdullah's cabinet, the President and his staff discussed ways to expand cooperation in bilateral trade and investment, human resource development, interfaith dialogue and tourism.
Duterte promised to launch trade missions and similar missions in both countries to give new impetus to the agreements.
"As I have said many times, your government will continue to do its part to ensure that the rights of our nationals working abroad are protected, strengthened and respected. With these historic visits, the Philippines continues to write a new chapter of strengthened bilateral partnerships based on mutual respect, sovereign equality, shared interests and shared values, "he said.
"Allow me once again to express my gratitude to Israel and Jordan for making these historic visits possible and for continuing to work closely with the Philippine Government to pursue peace, progress and prosperity for all. While reaffirming the position of the Philippines in maintaining and promoting peace and stability in the region and pursuing our independent foreign policy, we show that the Philippines is indeed a friend to all and an enemy to anyone Added Duterte.
Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte yesterday hailed Duterte for "further calibrating Philippine foreign policy by spreading the message of global peace and unity" in his travels to Israel and Jordan.
Duterte also ordered the Foreign Ministry to address the problems of undocumented Filipino workers in Amman, as part of its promise to improve the lot of Filipinos in Jordan and the Middle East. Abdullah II last Thursday.
"We had a long discussion about you, all of you. We talked about undocumented Filipinos here, "said the president during his meeting with the Filipino community on Friday. "I will try to find a solution, there are many, undocumented Filipinos. That's why their children did not go home. So I hope to work on it right away.
There are approximately 48,000 OFWs in Jordan. The government has repatriated stranded and undocumented Filipino workers from Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.
Duterte said his administration is negotiating with other countries to improve the working conditions of the OFWs and that the Philippine authorities have asked that these workers be allowed to cook, access the Internet and keep their passports. But he also reminded Filipino workers to abide by the laws of their host countries.
He praised King Abdullah in front of the Filipino community, describing him as a "very good guy" and a "man of his word".
"He is sincere. So I have nothing but praise for him. He has a human soul. He is one of the few people I have seen who speaks. You can see the human spirit in his words, "said Duterte.
The president, who brought with him several servicemen to reward their service in the Philippine armed forces and for taking back the city of Marawi against the terrorists, also urged the OFW to ignore the claims of human rights defenders. (dumb), while assaulting Senator Leila de Lima who is still in detention for illegal drug charges.
"Now she is considered internationally as a prisoner of opinion … the one who testified against her was her partner on the video. Have you seen it? What's she really? Prisoner of conscience? Prisoner of bookstore (lust)? He asked, referring to the alleged unlawful relationship of the legislator with an employee and his video of sex reported.
Duterte said he would not be afraid to go to jail for pleading against illicit drugs and crime. – With Alexis Romero, Jess Diaz
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