Press Release
September 3, 2008

ON VILLAR'S INTERCESSION:
Saudi Embassy defers implementation
of controversial "unified contract" rule

Following Senate President Manny Villar's diplomatic plea and intercession, the Embassy of Saudi Arabia has decided to defer the implementation of the contentious "unified contract" that would cover all Filipino workers bound for Saudi Arabia.

Villar was informed by Saudi Arabian Ambassador Mohammed Ameen Wali by phone that the embassy is deferring the implementation of the new policy which was supposed to take effect last Sept. 1.

"This is welcome news that will surely provide relief to our overseas workers. We express our thanks to Ambassador Mohammed Ameen Wali for taking prompt and favorable action on our plea," the Senate President said.

The Saudi Arabian ambassador is a close friend of the Senate President.

It can be recalled that Villar, Nacionalista Party president, earlier wrote and communicated with the ambassador appealing on behalf of thousands of overseas Filipino workers who would be adversely affected by the new rule.

In his letter dated Aug. 26, Villar cited the various concerns of Filipino workers regarding its implementation.

The unified contract has been strongly opposed by various groups who said it would allow "contract substitution."

The Senate President made his request in consultation with Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, Labor Secretary Marianito Roque, and Philippine Overseas Employment Administration head Rosalinda Baldoz.

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