Duterte to ask China to open doors to OFWs

President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday said he will ask China to "open its doors" to Filipino workers following the Department of Labor and Employment's (DOLE) deployment ban to Kuwait.

In a speech in Davao City after arriving from India, Duterte reiterated his call for foreign employers to treat Filipino workers with dignity.

"I would like to address myself to all nations taking in Filipino as workers. All I ask is that you treat them decently. Do not destroy their dignity as a human being,"  Duterte said.

The President said he was willing to accept some consequences in pulling out overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from other countries, such as its effect on the Philippine economy.

He raised he would reach out to China and ask its government to provide more job opportunities for Filipinos.

"We are ready to suffer. They come home. China is opening its doors. They are not really as bad as the others for they are --- Asians eh," Duterte said.

"Kaya I think the loss of employment opportunities for the people... but at the same time, I grieve for the Filipinos for what they have to go through, and suffering. If it means a reduced income, it will redound to a less GDP, then so be it," he added.

"I will ask China to open its doors to us. They need teachers and domestic helpers. And I said to them that if you can consider the Philippines, we would be glad to allow our workers to work here."

The DOLE issued Administrative Order No. 25 last week, suspending the deployment of newly-hired Filipinos to Kuwait.

Filipinos in Kuwait, a top destination for migrant workers, mostly work as housemaids and nannies.

"All I ask is treat them (OFWs), I said with dignity. Huwag ninyong abusuhin. Hindi naman ‘yan --- They are not, you know, Filipino women are not merchandise, you buy and just do what you want. It sucks," Duterte said in his speech.

"And as a worker of government, as one who also decides whether we go there or not. I will not hesitate to lose your friendship, not at the expense of the Filipino. Do not do it," the President added. —Margaret Claire Layug/ALG, GMA News