Palace defends OFW deployment ban on 41 countries

Malacañang Palace on Thursday defended the deployment ban in 41 countries, saying it is the government’s duty to ensure the safety of Filipinos wherever they may be. In a statement issued by the Office of Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda, the Palace assured the public that only a minimal number of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) would be affected by the deployment ban. The POEA's Governing Board released two board resolutions on Wednesday— one that approves OFW deployment to 49 countries and another that bans overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from 41 nations. The countries were classified according to Republic Act 10022, or the amended Migrant Workers Act. The Palace said the ban does not cover international companies that operate in the 41 countries. Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) records showed that international companies and contractors are operating in 22 out of the 41 countries. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said, quoting Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, "Despite the deployment ban, the Amended Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995 also provides that, 'The State shall likewise allow the deployment of overseas Filipino workers to companies and contractors with international operations: Provided, That they are compliant with standards, conditions and requirements, as embodied in the employment contracts prescribed by the POEA and in accordance with internationally-accepted standards'.'" Valte said the Filipinos currently working in the countries affected by the ban would be allowed to finish their contracts. - VVP, GMA News