The Philippines is expected to proclaim a new president to succeed Rodrigo Duterte. Currently, in the unofficial and partial election returns, former senator Bongbong Marcos gets the commanding lead with over 31 million votes as of today, May 11, 2022, from the 98.32 percent of precincts.
Filipinos in the UAE are looking forward to a new president that would address more OFW concerns.
Dubai-based entrepreneur Ronnie Dones suggested to have the overseas employment certificate (OEC) abolished. The document is mandatory for OFWs returning to their job site and securing one requires a long process. He also hoped that the process of having the contract verification be digitalized. Presently, OFWs need to appear at the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) in Dubai or in Abu Dhabi to have their employment contract verified.
“Tutal nasa Emirates ID na lhat ng kailngan nila. At yung immigration sa Pilipinas huwag ng pahirapan ang mga legal na gustong mang ibang bansa,” he added.
For his part, Dubai-based accountant Clifford Vitug, 27, hoped that the Philippine economy improves under the administration.
The Asian Development Outlook forecasted the Philippine economy to grow by 6.0 percent this year. It is expected to rise further by 6.3 percent in 2023 should the new president consistently get the economic policy mix right.
He also hopes that OFWs feel the benefits for them.
“Kasi ngayon dumadami ang ang requirements, OEC, insurance at pagibig, pero walang ramdam na benepisyo. Kung meron man, bakit di alam ng karamihan,” he added.
“Sana rin maging maayos ang sistema ng mga consulate, embassy or kahit anong government office. At hindi natin kailangan ng OFW hospital, just to honor OFWs, kailangan natin benepisyo. Dahil ang laking bagay ng remittances, sana lang may balik talaga sa atin,” Vitug further added.
Meanwhile, Rose Lei Valdez, the creative manager at the Filipino Institute, said that the new president should continue the policies of the Duterte administration, and address the poverty in the country to improve their lives.
Likewise, Valdez also hoped the new president strengthens the economy and territory security while having a good relationship with other countries.
She said that whoever gets proclaimed as the 17th president of the Philippines should pass and approve laws that will benefit the Filipino people with the help of the legislative branch and omit other laws that do not benefit the majority.
Milo Torres, a professional photographer based in Dubai, looks forward to abolishing the ‘unlawful’ Affidavit of Support’ (AOS), a document required to sponsor a family member on a visit visa in the UAE. The sponsor should need a minimum salary of AED10,000 in order to invite a family member to the region.
Art ‘Popoy’ Los Banos, a 21-year resident of Dubai who is a prominent PR professional and a respected socio-civic leader, recommended to the eventual winner of the presidency the following as his first actions on July 1:
1. Address the gaps in the delivery of universal health services, specifically on the vaccination program to control Covid-19. The pandemic is not yet over as experienced by the Chinese in Shanghai.
2. Provide financial assistance to the daily wage earners affected by the pandemic such as public utility drivers who are critical to the economy as they transport people and even goods to keep the supply chain functioning.
3. Request commercial banks to write-off compounded interests and fines on loans extended to small and medium enterprises to give them a second chance to employ people, earn a decent income and realize their potential as entrepreneurs. You will never know, perhaps two or three of these entrepreneurs would become industrialists.
4. Deploy a task force of lawyers to countries where there are many Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are encountering labor disputes and legal problems not of their own making. In the Middle East, there are many OFWs who are unwitting victims of unscrupulous companies, agencies and individuals.
5. Govern the country for the next six years following anti-graft and corruption laws and regulations.
