Embassy should provide needed assistance to its citizens: Bultron
Arab Times
July 13, 2008

http://www.arabtimesonline.com/kuwaitnews/pagesdetails.asp?nid=19697&cci...

KUWAIT CITY : Instead of frantically defending itself in the media, the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait should provide immediate and appropriate assistance to its nationals who are in need, says Ramon Bultron, the Managing Director of Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants (APMM). Bultron was reacting to comments made by the Philippines Ambassador to Kuwait, Endaya, who earlier denied that 40 Filipino cleaners were maltreated by their employer and had slammed Migrante International for fabricating the story. Bultron added that the embassy should provide protection and ensure the job security of its nationals, besides safeguarding workers' rights.

"Furthermore, Endaya, should not be spiteful towards groups like Migrante International (MI) which supported the 40 Filipino cleaners who filed a complaint against their employer concerning a number of grievances. Migrante Kuwait also informed the Philippine Embassy and its labor officials of the complaints of the workers on July 6."

According to Bultron, a complaint letter addressed to the cleaning company's HR Manager/Regional Director and signed by the workers includes the following:

1. Non-implementation of basic wage of KD 100 per month. It should be noted that in their original employment contract signed in the Philippines and which Labor Attaché Leopoldo de Jesus verified it stipulates that the workers have a basic salary of KD 100 a month. Furthermore, it also stipulates that the employer shall provide free accommodation.

2. Once in Kuwait, they were made to sign another contract which was in Arabic and whose contents they were never informed of. They were not given a copy of the said contract.

3. Aside from the KD 25 which was given to them as a cash advance, their salary was not yet given to them.

4. Payment of high placement fee of P20,000 to local placement agency with no receipt.

5. Payment for documentation fee of P550 again with no receipt.

6. They have no direct contact with the company and agency in case of any emergencies.

7. They have no formal orientation and training about their job.

8. They were just left on their own in their accommodation and were neglected. The company officials would just pick them up at their own convenience. Most of the workers got sick and were not given any medical assistance.

9. They are forced to ride in small and very hot buses with no air-condition.

A copy of the complaint letter was obtained by the Arab Times.
"We want to ask Ambassador Endaya why the embassy was not able to prevent the termination and subsequent repatriation of three cleaners on July 8? This includes Noel Lacbayan, Julius Balron and an unidentified cleaner. Is it because of Endaya's being spiteful towards Migrante International and allegations made that Migrante was threatening and coercing the workers to complain?"

Bultron added that the embassy was not able to prevent the termination and subsequent deportation of 7 drivers of a trucking company on May 17, in addition to two caregivers of a medical company in February, 2007. These workers were also assisted by Migrante Kuwait and by APMM, he added.

"Next time if the embassy would not like to be exposed in the media, it should simply provide timely and appropriate assistance to its nationals. At the same time, it should also answer in a proper manner any referrals and/or endorsements of cases made by NGOs including Migrante Kuwait and not simply answer them with Acknowledging receipt with thanks re: Above mentioned subject," Bultron concluded.

By Francis A. Clifford Cardozo
Arab Times Staff