Binay to hold talks as new presidential adviser on OFWs

Vice President Jejomar Binay will be holding consultations with several government agencies and other groups in connection with his new post as presidential adviser on overseas Filipino worker (OFW) concerns, his spokesman said Tuesday. Spokesman Joey Salgado said Binay will be holding consultations with the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Labor and Employment, and non-government organizations "at the soonest time possible" to determine the issues and concerns of OFWs. He said the consultations will provide inputs for the recommendations to be made by the vice president to President Benigno Aquino III concerning the country's overseas workers. "The vice Ppresident recognizes that our economy has been largely sustained by the remittances of OFWs. He believes that it is only fair and just that they receive more from their government in terms of welfare assistance and pro-active policies. This is the commitment of the President and is shared by the vice president," Salgado said in a statement. Salgado said Binay likewise thanked Aquino for giving him the post, which was previously held by his predecessor former Vice President Noli De Castro. "Vice President Binay extends his appreciation to President Aquino for appointing him as presidential adviser on OFW concerns," he said. Binay is also the chairperson of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), a presidential appointment he accepted shortly after he assumed the vice presidency. — Kimberly Jane Tan/RSJ, GMANews.TV