Go vows to back policies for OFWs
SEN. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go vowed to continue to advocate for policies that will improve the welfare of migrant workers who are considered modern-day heroes for keeping the economy afloat through their remittances.
The senator voiced his respect and gratitude for modern-day heroes, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as the country commemorated National Heroes Day on Monday.
“In a modern world we now live in, freedom is not always about being free from foreign powers,” Go said in a statement.
“Thus, as the nation remembers those who fought to secure the nation’s independence this National Heroes Day, let us also salute all our brave Filipinos who join us in our fight not only against the pandemic but also against the many challenges that continue to beset our nation,” Go said.
He said that the National Heroes Day should also be a time for Filipinos “to give themselves a pat on the back.”
“The efforts that it took for us to survive to this day amid these challenging times are nothing short of heroic,” he said.
“By continuing to do our part in fulfilling our respective duties in our communities and inspired by heroes who fought for what we have now, we too can be heroes of one another,” Go said.
He authored and co-sponsored Republic Act 11641, creating the Department of Migrant Workers to improve coordination among agencies dealing with OFWs. Go filed Senate Bill 1191 to provide for a Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.
The senator raised the need for the country to strengthen measures in fulfilling its duties as the 30th member-state to ratify the International Maritime Labor Convention of 2006 (MLC).
“It is high time for the government to pass an additional piece of legislation that would benefit Filipino seafarers and give them rights corresponding to the MLC standards,” Go stressed on why it is crucial to pass the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers.
The chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography said he has been steadfast in fighting for the welfare of health care workers whom he considers also as modern-day heroes who put their lives at the frontline in the country’s fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
Source: Go vows to back policies for OFWs | The Manila Times
These days, it may also mean freedom from sickness, freedom from poverty, freedom from neglect and freedom from indifference, among others, he continued.