Legarda Welcomes HK Ruling on Filipina Worker

SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA TODAY HAILED A HONG KONG COURT DECISION ON THE CASE OF A FILIPINA’S APPLICATION FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCY.
Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, said that the ruling which favored Evangeline Vallejos, a domestic helper in Hong Kong since 1986, serves as a positive sign that overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) might be provided with other benefits by the Hong Kong government.
“While we respect the appellate procedures of the judicial system in Hong Kong, we laud Ms. Vallejos for her determination in pursuing her crusade in seeking permanent residency in Hong Kong,” she pointed out.
“Her initial triumph is not only hers but for the entire OFWs in Hong Kong who desire to obtain health, housing and educational benefits from the Hong Kong government,” she added.
In this light, Legarda called on the Philippine government to ensure that its programs for OFWs are also well in place.
“If we expect other nations to treat our citizens well, then we must set the example by showing how we respect our OFWs through programs that would protect and benefit them. We must ensure that our consulates and embassies abroad are ready to extend assistance to our citizens anytime,” she stressed.
“As Filipino citizens working abroad support the nation’s economy, it is only proper and just that our government is able to reciprocate their sacrifices. We must join our OFWs in their triumphs, but more importantly, our government must always be there for them in their times of need,” Legarda concluded.