VP Leni urges gov’t to tap career diplomats in resolving Kuwait issue

Vice President Leni Robredo on Friday expressed fear that the country's failure to resolve its row with Kuwait at the soonest possible time will result in thousands of Filipino workers in the Gulf state losing their jobs.

In a statement, Robredo urged the government to "make full use" of the Department of Foreign Affairs' (DFA) career diplomats, whom she described as "professional, competent, and committed," in resolving the issue.

"Our DFA is privileged to have a team of professional, competent, and committed career diplomats who undoubtedly have skills, insight, and experience to help navigate this current diplomatic dilemma successfully," she said.

"The administration would do well to make full use of this invaluable resource."

Aside from job security, Robredo also expressed fear that OFW protection may be "compromised" if the row between the Philippines and Kuwait persists.

"Over 260,000 OFWs may lose their jobs, and the capacity of the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait to protect those who remain may be compromised as they deal with the serious strain in our diplomatic relations with the Kuwaiti government as a result of the incident," she said.

Robredo expressed concern over the video posted on social media showing a "rescue mission" conducted by the Department of Foreign Affairs for distressed OFWs— an incident that angered Kuwait, prompting it to expel Philippine Ambassador Renato Villa.

The Kuwaiti government viewed the Philippine Embassy's move to "rescue" Filipino maids from their employers amid the reports of abuse as a violation of its sovereignty.

The operation was captured on video and posted on social media, and was described by Kuwait as "inappropriate behavior." DFA Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano has since apologized for it.

The Kuwaiti government then declared Villa, who has since returned to the Philippines, persona non grata.

Robredo said the government needs to take more steps in ensuring the welfare of OFWs amid the challenges between the Philippines and Kuwait.

She also said she hopes the proposed memorandum of understanding between the Philippines and Kuwait that seeks to ensure the long-term protection of OFWs can still be considered amid the diplomatic row. —Joseph Tristan Roxas/KBK, GMA News