Kin of dead OFW from Saudi laments delayed aid

The family of an overseas Filipino worker (OFW) who died in Saudi Arabia lamented on Thursday the delayed benefits and aid promised by the government amid the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

According to Manal Sugadol’s report on “Stand for Truth,” the remains of Geronimo Dote was among the second batch of OFWs repatriated from Saudi.

“Dalawang linggo, sana kung nabigyan po siya ng pagkakataong magpagamot, magpa-test, baka ngayon lumalaban pa siya, baka ngayon buhay pa siya na nakauwi siya sa amin,” Jacqueline Dote, his sister, said.

“Sana nakarinig siya ng mahal ka namin kuya, mahal ka namin papa, mahal ka namin asawa ko, sana nakarinig siya ng ganoon,” she added.

From the airport, the body was immediately brought to the crematorium, giving the family no chance to say their goodbyes.

Aside from the pain of dealing with his loss, the family also lamented the delayed benefits and aid promised by the government.

“Ang naiintindihan ko lang, pasok ‘yung membership ng kuya ko sa lahat ng sinasabi nilang guidelines. May 60 days grace period at because of the pandemic, may six months extension, pasok lahat ‘yon,” she said.

Dote said they must wait for three months before her late brother’s last wage can be given.

“Tinanong ko doon sa benefit section ng OWWA. Normal time daw pati ‘yung transfer of fund, transfer of money, na nanggagaling sa employer noong disease ay umanot raw ng tatlong buwan,” she said.

“Andoon na may papel na ko, nandon na, naka-state na ‘yung amount, date, and date of transfer, account number ng Philippine Embassy Saudi, RIyadh… Ngayon, ‘yung process… para mapunta to the next of kin ay three months,” she added.

Watch the video to know more. —Joahna Lei Casilao/LDF, GMA News