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Roxas asks transparency in hiring domestic workers


MANILA, Philippines - Amid the controversy surrounding the labor abuse and trafficking case filed by a domestic helper against a former UN envoy, Senator Manuel “Mar" Roxas urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to adopt clear rules and standards in the employment of Filipino maids by all government personnel posted abroad. In a statement on Thursday, Roxas said that the controversy could have been prevented had the DFA been more clear, assertive, and transparent with its hiring policies in relation to domestic helpers. "There must be a uniform contract stipulating a salary of not less than US$400 a month, with stipulated number of days off in a week, and an assurance of adequate food and decent quarter," Roxas explained. He added: "Violations of this contract by civil servants posted abroad must be the subject of administrative sanctions and should be submitted to the Commission on Appointments as part of our documentary requirements." Marichu Suarez Baoanan, a 39-year-old nursing graduate, accused former Philippine ambassador to the United Nations Lauro Baja Jr, his wife, Norma and their daughter, Maria Elizabeth, with forced labor, trafficking and unlawful conduct with respect to peonage, slavery, involuntary servitude or forced labor, and the RICO Act. The senator said that every contract of a domestic helper hired by a Filipino diplomat must be registered with and countersigned by the personnel office of the department. "The adoption of fair and transparent procedures in the hiring of Filipino maids by embassy personnel regardless of rank will redound to the protection of both the diplomat and his or her kasambahay," Roxas said. According to the senator, since Philippine embassies become the first place of refuge of abused workers authorities can not have a set of standards for foreign employers and none at all for Filipino diplomats. On the matter of the case filed by Bonoan against the Bajas, Roxas said, “Regardless of who is telling the truth, the lesson of the story is clear, the universal principles of decent work apply to all." - Fidel R Jimenez, GMANews.TV
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