Press Release
February 16, 2011

Bongbong Marcos seeks protection OFWs and Filipino tourists in Taiwan

Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr., has filed Senate Resolution No. 379, calling for a Senate inquiry to protect the interests of an estimated 96,000 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in Taiwan and address the reported diplomatic row between the Philippines government and Taiwan over the deportation of 14 Taiwanese nationals to China.

"Filipino people have the right to know immediately what remedial measures have so far been taken, or are being planned by of DFA officials, to show our goodwill and appease the Taiwanese government," Sen. Marcos revealed.

Senator Bongbong said that the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations should look into the remedial measures taken by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) in protecting the welfare and interests of the OFWs in Taiwan and Filipinos who are seeking employment in the said country, in the light of the reported strained relations between RP and Taiwan.

The Bureau of Immigration ordered last 2 February 2011 the deportation of 14 Taiwanese nationals to China to face prosecution for being alleged participation in massive credit card fraud allegedly committed in China. Through its Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO), Taiwan government expressed its displeasure at the actions taken by the Philippine Government by immediately recalling its representative in Manila. It has also ordered the strict enforcement on screening procedures for Filipino desiring to work in Taiwan and even withdrawn the visa-free treatment of Taiwan-bound Filipinos.

"The Philippine government through the DFA must urgently look into the plight of the Filipino workers in Taiwan in the light of this controversy," said Senator Bongbong Marcos. He added that the interests of our OFWs and Filipino tourists hang in the balance until and unless we bring our ties with Taiwan back to its normal, friendly, congenial state.

News Latest News Feed