OFWs from Libya not satisfied with govt aid

Some overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) repatriated from Libya are not satisfied with the "aid" offered by the Philippine government. Apart from a P10,000 "cash relief," they were not able to get actual jobs or loans even after filling up application forms, they said. "Nagbibigay daw sila libreng trabaho… Nagbibigay daw sila ng loan… Nagbibigay daw sila ng livelihood, fill up ako, expecting meron nga," Sherwin Tolentino, a former OFW who returned from Libya last March, said in an interview on GMA News’ "24 Oras" newscast. "Inilagay ko ang contact number ko, landline naming… Walang kumontak sa amin," he added. According to the OFW, he had to leave Libya after being accused of spying for the British government. Little if any... Another former OFW, Wendell Pancho, said they received little if any from the Philippine Embassy when they asked for help. "Sa TV, maganda ang sabi ng government natin na meron silang contingency plans... pero makikita mo sa embassy nagkakagulo sila," he said. However, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) said they can only endorse job applications to the Department of Labor and Employment. OWWA administrator Carmelita Dimzon said government can offer a starter kit with P10,000 for starting a new business; and loans that are payable in seven years. "They have to be patient. Ang malaking negosyante... ‘di overnight naging malaking negosyante, ‘di ba?" Dimzon said. — VS, GMA News