Press Release
May 23, 2014

Villar asks DFA to make sure scalded OFW gets justice

Sen. Cynthia Villar yesterday asked the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to exhaust all means to get justice for 22-year-old Candice Alagasi.

Candice, a domestic helper deployed in Saudi Arabia, suffered second-degree burns after her employer poured boiled water on her for failure to give her coffee.

"I ask the DFA to use the Legal Assistance Fund and get the best lawyers who will give Candice the justice she deserves," Villar said.

Villar also said the Department of Labor and Employment should invoke the provisions of the bilateral labor agreement the Philippines signed with Saudi's labor ministry.

"Clearly there is violation of the rights of Candice as a documented overseas Filipino worker. Those responsible should be penalized," Villar said.

The family of Candice, her father Musa and eldest sister Fatima,visited Villar in her residence in Las Pinas yesterday and received help from the senator.

Villar also gave them financial assistance amounting to P10,000 cash.

Villar, also managing director of the Villar SIPAG (Social Institute for Poverty Alleviation and Governance), said Candice, when strong enough to travel to the country, will receive further treatment at the Las Pinas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center.

She will also receive help from the Senate Public Assistance Center.

Villar shouldered the travel expenses of Candice's family from Cotabato so they can file their claims before relevant government agencies in Manila.

Villar learned the plight of Candice from the Ople Foundation and immediately appealed to DFA to facilitate the OFW's repatriation.

"The public should also monitor the action of government in the case of Candice. It is important to show the world that we value our OFWs and we will do everything to save them from injustice and abusive employers," Villar said.

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