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This was the focal point of the biggest umbrella organization of migrant Filipinos in a protest rally today in front of the building of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). Migrante International is pertaining to the just concluded investigation on the OWWA fund mess that involves administrator Wilhelm Soriano. In a report submitted to Labor Secretary Patricia Sto. Tomas, the investigating team headed by Undersecretary Arturo Brion confirmed earlier public statements made by the Labor chief that the investments were unauthorized. On the other hand, the committee recommended no administrative sanctions against OWWA Administrator Wilhelm Soriano.
“This is revolting. The funds wasted on anomalous investments could have save the lives of OFWs who face possible beheading in Saudi Arabia. It could have been used for the repatriation of stranded workers or to pay lawyers that will defend OFWs in legal courts in different countries abroad,” lamented Mr. Legaspi.

Secretary Sto. Tomas had earlier noted that the investment in the project has grown to P1.021 billion over the years but OWWA cannot liquidate the funds. P600 million of these invesments went to a project of RII Builders, a construction firm owned by Regis Romero II. Mr Romero was kidnapped in Mindanao but was later released by the Abu Sayaf Group.
Migrante International cited the case of Primo Gasmin, an OFW from Pangasinan who was accused of killing a Nepalese worker in Riyadh. The family is asking Gasmin to pay US$15,000 as blood money so that they will drop the case against him. The shariah court in Saudi Arabia will hand down its final judgement on Gasmin this coming July.

“Migrante International holds President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo directly liable for its corrupt-ridden labor export program and for coddling corrupt government officials like Wilhelm Soriano. Such practices are the main reason why most of our love ones abroad are being abused and exploited,” concludes Mr. Legaspi. (Source from Migrante International)