Migrante Europe

Category: News

  • Message of Solidarity to UMANGAT and Gabriela-Rome in the occasion of Fifth Filipino Food Fair

    Message of Solidarity to UMANGAT and Gabriela-Rome in the occasion of Fifth Filipino Food Fair

    15 October 2017
    London, United Kingdom

    On behalf Migrante-Europe, I would like to congratulate you all as you gather and celebrate for the Fifth Filipino Food Fair in Rome. With the theme: “Muling pagsaluhan pagkaing ambag, na siyang kalakasan ng ating pamilya at nagkakaisang kababaihan”, I firmly believe that the celebration will all also be an opportunity to all to strengthen the unity and identity of Filipino diasporas in Italy and in Europe.

    Food security
    In many developed countries food is always identified with culture. But in countries like the Philippines food is a symbol of economic and political struggle both for survival and identity. The World Food Summit in 1996 declared that: “Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical and economic access to enough safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy lifestyle.”

    Fr. Herbert Fadriquela

    The Harvest in not enough
    The Philippine economy depends mainly on agriculture.  However, the peasant sector being one of the major forces of Philippine society for economic progress benefits less from the improvement of economy especially in globalize economic order.  Almost forty percent of Philippine land is devoted to agricultural production but most of the land produces crops that are for export rather than crops for local consumption, hence, the nation cannot feed its people without importing staple food from the neighbor countries.

    Landlessness is food insecurity
    Majority of the Filipino peasants do not own sufficient land to match their household needs. Most farmers in the rural communities depend only on seasonal farm-based wage labor.  During critical period of rice and corn

    cropping that include planting, weeding and harvesting, the whole family – children included – work as farmhands in exchange for cash.  In between planting, weeding and harvesting periods, family members, especially the able-bodied, temporarily migrate outside the community and work as house helpers, construction workers and other unskilled jobs in order to obtain cash for household needs.

    Struggle for land ownership, struggle for social change
    For the landless farmers, to have access and control of land that is the basic component of the means of production is a complete reversal of their present situation. To own a land is the hope and dream of many landless peasants and is a vital sign of new life with dignity in a new world filled with various blessings. With the land under the control and ownership of the farmer-tillers, and with the government and other stake holders providing them with the needed support services such as capital, farm inputs and pre and post harvest facilities, many peasant families will be free from unjust feudal relationship.  This means farmer-tenants will no longer be subjected to excessive land rent, loan sharks and usury, and farm workers will no longer receive ‘slave-wages’.  With this, farmers and their family shall enjoy the full fruits of their labor.  More importantly, they shall have the capacity to address their basic needs and develop their potentials and subsequently contribute to the total development and progress of the community and the larger Philippine society.

    Today as you are gathered, may this occasion remind you of the economic poverty situation back in our home country and the challenge to each one of us to participate in achieving genuine social change. Like in the Gospel reading today, may you become one of those chosen few who were called to serve the least, the lost and the last of Jesus Christ’s brethren.

    Mabuhay ang UMANGAT and Gabriela-Rome!
    Mabuhay ang pakikibaka ng mamamayang Pilipino tungo sa ganap na panlipunang pagbabago!

    Fr. Herbert Fadriquela
    Chairperson
    Migrante Europe

  • Migrante Europe thumbs down new OFW ID

    Migrante Europe thumbs down new OFW ID

    PRESS STATEMENT
    18 July 2017

    Filipino migrants’ alliance Migrante-Europe today expressed their strong disapproval of the new identification card to be issued by the Philippines’ Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), saying that the IDs will not be issued free of charge, contrary to previous DOLE statements.

    It was earlier announced by DOLE Secretary Silvestro Bello III that the OFW ID, which will be called iDOLE, will be given “to all bona fide OFWs at no cost”.

    “This will serve as the OFW’s Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC)… so they don’t have to go to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA),” he added.

    For years, Migrante International and migrants advocacy groups had been fighting for the scrapping of the OEC (Overseas Employment Certificate). The OEC was a requirement for every OFW who leaves the country, burdening them with additional unjust and excessive costs.

    In August 2016, the POEA finally scrapped the OEC for returning OFWs and those hired through an employment agency’s in-house recruitment facility.

    The so-called iDOLE was launched on 12 July. Bello described the ID as a major initiative of the Duterte administration in addressing the needs of the OFWs and the best gift of the president to migrant Filipinos.

    “The processing of the iDOLE would be shouldered by the employers; hence, OFWs need not pay for the cost of the ID, which would be delivered by PhilPost to their respective addresses,” DOLE announced in a statement.

    “We are disappointed that we need to pay for the OFW ID! Is this the ‘best gift’ that Duterte has for us?” decried Fr. Herbert Fadriquela Jr, Chairperson of Migrante-Europe.

    On 15 July, it was reported that Filipino migrant workers in the United Arab Emirates tried to apply for the OFW ID through the online iDOLE portal https://ofw.idole.ph/. They were surprised to find out that they were being charged PhP501 pesos plus PhP200 pesos for delivery fee (PhP700 is about €13).

    OFW ID card (e-Card) 2002
    Overseas Filipinos still recall that in May 2002, the POEA began to issue OFW e-Cards to Filipinos who went back home on vacation. The e-Cards can also be used as ATM cards in the Philippines. The then government of President Gloria Arroyo justified that the e-Cards will speed up the delivery of services and benefits to the OFWs. To get an e-Card, overseas Filipinos were encouraged to renew their payments for the OWWA membership and avail of the benefits immediately.

    However, many believed that the e-Card was just one way of legitimizing the $25 OWWA membership fee, which has become mandatory for OFWs. This was despite the provisions of
    Republic Act 8042 which clearly state that an OFW can opt not to be a member of the OWWA.

    “We can do without a new OFW ID. We urge all member organizations of Migrante-Europe and other concerned migrant groups to reject the OFW ID and to join our call to end state exaction on overseas Filipinos!” Fr. Herbert concluded.

    Reference: Father Herbert Fadriquela, Jr. email: [email protected]

  • Migrants in Europe laud 10-year passport validity but rebuff DFA double price plan

    Migrants in Europe laud 10-year passport validity but rebuff DFA double price plan

    PRESS STATEMENT
    Migrante Europe
    22 May 2017

     
    Migrant Filipinos in Europe strongly rejected the announcement on Thursday of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that new passports with a 10-year validity will be twice as expensive as current passport fees.
     
    “We are certainly YES to the new 10-year validity of Philippine passports, but certainly NO if OFWs are to be burdened by the DFA proposed double fee. That is unjustifiable and exorbitantly high! Passport should not be used as moneymaking scheme!” said Migrante Europe Chairperson Father Herbert Fadriquela.
     
    In a report on Thursday, May 18, Ricarte Abejuela, Passport Director of the DFA Consular Affairs justified the plan to double the fees because the materials to be used for the new passports will be more costly and the number of pages will be increased.
     
    Passport fee overpricing
    For many years, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have been complaining about the excessive fees and unjustifiable requirements for passport applications and passport renewals.
     
    In 2007, the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) filed a complaint before the Ombudsman against officials of the DFA for corruption in connection to the over pricing of the e-passport contract. The CEGP petition had since been the basis for congressional inquiries and investigations on the P857 million e-passport deal.
     
    In July 2010, Migrante International called on the Aquino administration to investigate the overpricing of e-passport applications in light of allegations that the contract entered into by the DFA for the procurement of new e-passport is illegal and tainted with corruption.
     
    10-year passport approved
    On Monday, May 8, the Philippine Senate approved on the third and final reading the bill extending the validity of Philippine passports from five to 10 years. The House of Representatives approved a similar measure in February. The proposed law is seen to immensely benefit OFWs.
     
    Under the proposal, regular passports shall be valid for a period of 10 years. Those 18 years old and under, however, shall be issued passports with a five-year validity.
     
    The DFA could not say yet when the 10-year validity would be implemented, as it still has to issue the Implementing Rules and Regulations after the bill is signed into law. 
     
     
    Migrante says NO to double price of 10-year passport
    Migrante Honkong applauded the news that the 10-year validity of passport was approved by the Senate. They said that this is a proposal included in the “Hongkong OFWs Agenda for Change” which they submitted to the Duterte Government last year. But they are firmly opposed to the plan to double the price of passport fees.
     
    In Italy, Filipino migrants are determined to block this DFA plan. They started posting slogans and calls in their facebook accounts, urging kababayans to reject and take a stand against this new scheme to fleece OFWs of their hard-earned income.
     
    “We urge our kababayans, member organizations and allies to remain vigilant in the fight to defend our rights and welfare,” concluded Father Herbert.###  
     
     

    REFERENCE:

    Revd Fr. Herbert F. Fadriquela Jr.
    Chairperson, Migrante Europe

    Chaplain to the Filipino Community
    Diocese of Leicester
    Church of England

    Email: [email protected]
    Mobile No: +447456042156

    Ann Brusola
    Secretary General, Migrante Europe
    Email: [email protected] 
    Mobile No. (+39)-3278825544

  • INTERNATIONAL MIGRANTS ALLIANCE-USA (IMA-USA) STATEMENT FOR MAY DAY 2017

    INTERNATIONAL MIGRANTS ALLIANCE-USA (IMA-USA) STATEMENT FOR MAY DAY 2017

    Migrant Workers and Refugees Rise Up!

    Build solidarity with workers and oppressed and exploited peoples of the world!

    The International Migrants Alliance-USA Chapter (IMA-USA) stands with all the workers of the world on May 1st, International Workers’ Day.

    Ironically, it was in the United States where International Workers’ Day was initiated. Workers in Chicago started a general strike on May 1, 1886 to demand an 8-hour work day. A few days later, some workers were killed by state forces, prompting the bombing at the Haymarket Square, also known as the Haymarket Massacre. Around the world, International Workers’ Day has been commemorated on May 1, except for North America — the United States and Canada.

    In recent years, the workers and migrants rights movement in the United States has reclaimed May 1 as International Workers’ Day. In December 2005, the Border Protection, Anti-Terrorism and Illegal Immigration Control Act, also known as H.R. 4437 or Sensenbrenner Bill, was proposed in the 109th United States Congress criminalizing working-class undocumented migrants and those who would be found helping them. This prompted the mobilization of millions of migrant workers into the streets in different parts of the country on May 1, 2006.

    As the United States of America enters a new period under the Trump administration in 2017 — a brazenly fascist, racist and anti-im/migrant president — within his first 100 days in office, we have seen his administration attack immigrants, migrant workers, and working-class people of color through his proposed Executive Orders.

    Banning of Muslims, heightened raids in communities, profiling people of color in different parts of the country, continuous deportation of migrants and his plans of building the wall at the Mexican border are only the beginning of his open anti-im/migrant attacks. Trump has also made clear in his pronouncements that refugees are not welcome to the United States.

    As migrant workers and refugees, we have long been forcibly displaced victims of the ravages of U.S. Imperialism. With its huge demand for cheap labor to sustain its capitalist needs, to the imperialist and proxy wars that the U.S. has been waging all over the world, displacing peoples from their home countries and resulting in forced migration and the current refugee crisis, Trump has only intensified the U.S. imperialist crises in different global regions. We can expect Trump to continue the horrendous legacy of past U.S. presidents, but we predict he will only worsen these problems, including the climate crisis as a professed climate change denier.

    In this light, we call on all migrant workers and refugees to stand up against this new face of U.S. imperialism, still the most powerful among the world super-powers. Trump has pitted the U.S. working class against migrant workers and refugees, and so we must strive to create bridges, not bans or walls, to connect our struggles together.

    We must build the broadest alliances and mass movements with the working-class peoples and the most oppressed and exploited communities around the world, forging strong international solidarity to resist the neoliberal policies advanced by U.S. imperialism and its representatives across the globe.

    This May Day 2017, just like when it was called for in 1886, we support the calls for a general strike and to shut down businesses who do not support the struggles of the working-class, whether migrants, people of color and/or U.S.-born.

    A tyrant can only be defeated by the people’s collective voices, efforts and power.  Let us march together as IMA-USA and advance people’s movements and struggles to greater heights!

    Migrant workers, refugees, and workers of the world unite!

    No to deportations! No bans! No walls! No to U.S. imperialist wars!

    ###

    http://tinyurl.com/imausa-mayday2017

  • Migrant and Local Workers Unite: Fight back against Imperialist Offensives

    Migrant and Local Workers Unite: Fight back against Imperialist Offensives

    The International Migrants Alliance (IMA) stands in solidarity with workers of the world in celebrating the International Labor Day. The International Labor Day is highly significant for it commemorates the unity of workers around the world as they fight for decent jobs, living income, human rights and justice. This year, as imperialism intensifies its attacks on migrant and local workers and peoples, all the more we need to strengthen our solidarity and fight back.

    Yesterday, April 30, various Hong Kong-based Indonesian members of IMA went to submit their petition to Indonesian president Joko Widodo but were physically blocked, harassed and intimidated jointly by Hong Kong and Indonesian security forces. This high-handed response fortifies the notion of migrant workers as security concerns, instead of people with rights and entitled to social protection and dignity.

    Migrants and refugees all over the world continue to be targets of attack as imperialist offensives heighten. Immigrants, migrant workers and refugees in the US, Europe and other developed countries are confronted with racism, chauvinism and hate crimes as right-wing governments take over, neofascism rises and oppressive policies are enacted. Anti-migrant hysteria is being fanned and migrant workers are targeted as scapegoats – practically endangering their lives. Government security through its police and military has been heightened as racial profiling becomes prevalent.

    This smacks of the hypocrisy of governments mouthing safe, orderly and regular migration for all. Under the global neoliberal regime, both sending and receiving governments have already systematized the export of cheap and docile labor yet completely violating the rights of migrant workers through various anti-migrant legislation and practices. This they do as they continue to impose anti-worker policies like labor flexibility and contractualization, further assaulting the working people and contributing to increased global unemployment.

    From the depression of wages to commodification of labor, from the outright denial of rights of workers to brutal dispersals of workers’ protests, from legislating repression to actual waging of wars, imperialism is putting migrant and local workers in the line of fire as it attempts to salvage itself from a worsening crisis that it itself has created.

    While imperialist powers scuffle to have hegemonic control over and plunder oil and other resources of other nations, it worsens its own crises while intensifying the displacement and sufferings of the peoples of the world through militarism and war. The war-mongering Trump regime is now hell-bent in justifying a military onslaught on North Korea while continuing the war in Syria. Actions similar to this exacerbate the refugee crisis and the dislocation of peoples, including many children.

    This environment of injustice builds in us the resolve to arouse, organize and mobilize our sector to collectively resist and struggle. We will mobilize in hundreds, in thousands, as we join our local working brothers and sisters in resisting the numerous neoliberal attacks on our jobs, wages, livelihood, and rights.

    The formation of the International Migrants Alliance and the continuing growth and expansion of the global migrant movement are concrete expressions of the willingness and resolve of migrant workers, joined by refugees and displaced peoples, to continue and heighten the struggle for their rights, welfare and dignity.

    We will continue to challenge this system that perpetuates the unequal and unjust treatment of marginalized peoples, especially migrant and local workers. We will not stop until we achieve a world without imperialist oppression, exploitation and war and where justice, peace and prosperity for all exist. #

    Reference:
    Eni Lestari, chairperson

  • The Fourth Estate and The Urban Poor

    The Fourth Estate and The Urban Poor

    It was 3am in Paris when I encountered an article entitled “Now, Kadamay Wants Water, Power with Free Houses” published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer at 12:42 AM April 21, 2017 that seemed to be very insinuating. As I finished reading the whole article, the more I notice that the title given appear to be confusing and irrelevant as the article further stated that the urban poor were not demanding free water and electricity. Truth is, the occupants were willing to pay for the utilities. What they were demanding is water and power supply connections to the houses that they occupied. So I say no to the invitation of my bed to continue sleeping, since it is bothering and started to compose this article this confusion needs to be cleared.

    It started March 8, 2017 when urban poor groups mostly led by Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap or KADAMAY occupied a total of 5,208 idle housing units in five relocation sites in Pandi, Bulacan. A month after realizing that houses are not completely finished and had no power and water, members of KADAMAY held a rally to express their demands for water and power supply connections.

    In relocation sites where there is no water and power supply, the connections mostly run through the National Housing Authority or NHA or its developer, which results to a higher cost of charge. As stated by KADAMAY, the charge for electricity and water per 10m3 on relocation sites in Camarin, Caloocan is P285.00 while in St. Martha’s, Bulacan is P200.00 which is double compared to Manila that is P97.00. This is the reason why the occupants were demanding for water and power supply connections. In truth, the action can be considered as a call of attention to the government’s mandate to provide basic services and public utilities to the citizens, much more to underprivileged and homeless citizens in relocation sites or resettlement areas. Aside from that, there were earlier reports that two children died last August 2016 because of contaminated water. This is supported by the service report conducted by the Natural Sciences Research Institute of the University of the Philippines stating that water in relocation sites in Bulacan is dangerous.

    Now I wonder if I wouldn’t have been so curious to read the whole article published in PDI and didn’t seek other resources and information regarding the matter. I would have thought all along that the urban poor are like ‘spoiled brats’ that after having free housing are now demanding for free water and power supply. It would have been so easy for me to regard or judge them as lazy people and parasites like a lot of people do on the internet or like how the media inadvertently or advertently project the poor in this light. In just one headline, it is scary how big of a difference it can make to influence a perception of an individual especially if we are not curious and probing.

    But the main problem really is how news are presented by some mainstream media outfits nowadays. (I won’t say all of media practitioners as there is still a limited few who work with ethics). As a graduate of BA Mass Communication, it was taught in school how media is regarded as the fourth estate. The fourth estate being a societal or political force that greatly affects its readers and viewers, and that is supposed to do checks and balances on the three branches of government. Back when I was a student, I would have to admit that I was not fully aware of the importance of this said role and responsibility. By landing a job in broadcast, it is only then I became fully aware of the capacity and power of media. On how far it can reach millions of listeners influenced on a daily basis. And after acquiring social and political consciousness, it is only then I was able to fully grasp how greatly it affects the people and its huge responsibility to cater the truth to the people, disseminate complete information, never confuse the public and more so, do not reinforce the status quo, which as it is, a situation of a lot of exploited by a few exploiters.

    May it be in print or in broadcast, it is expected of all media practitioners to do their duties to follow the journalists code of ethics which basically is to be the voice of truth: a reporter or writer expected to scrupulously report and interpret news without distorting the truth by omission or improper emphasis. This is why the media is regarded as the fourth estate, why media are delegated with public trust, why w can continue to uphold and fight for press freedom and freedom of expression even in regimes of ‘pseudo-democracy.’. I may have not been in the mainstream practice anymore but to all those practitioners including those personally I know, it is a challenge once more to maintain the dignity of our profession. That in times of writing and reporting, may we become the voice of the truth and of the people and not those of a few ruling class who wants to silence them.

  • Migrante Europe welcomes achievements of 4th round of peace talks

    Migrante Europe welcomes achievements of 4th round of peace talks

    Press Statement
    07 April, 2017

    [Rome, 07 April] Migrante Europe today expressed optimism on the resolution of the roots of the armed conflict in the Philippines, after the 4th Round of formal peace talks between the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) was concluded on an upbeat note on 6 April, in the seaside town of Noordwijk, in the Netherlands.

    On 5 April, the two Parties signed the Agreement on an Interim Joint Ceasefire, aimed at providing “a conducive environment for the GRP and NDFP negotiations, encourage the forging of a more stable and comprehensive Joint Ceasefire Agreement, and provide an enabling environment for the (signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms or CASER)”.

    In a formal ceremony presided by the Royal Norwegian Government facilitator Elisabeth Slattum, both parties recognized that the document was a product of three “very difficult” days of negotiations.

    Migrante Europe looks forward to the immediate formulation and approval of both Parties of the ceasefire’s guidelines and ground rules that shall govern the presence of armed units and elements of both Parties in local communities, and the creation of buffer zones to avoid armed confrontation. The guidelines and ground rules shall include agreement on what constitutes prohibited, hostile, and provocative acts. It will also provide for the creation of joint ceasefire monitoring committees and verification mechanisms to oversee the ceasefire’s implementation and handle complaints and alleged violations.

    One of the major victories in the 4th Round is the firming up of the agreement of the two Parties on the free distribution of land as the basic principle of genuine agrarian reform. In the next round of talks, the Parties are planning to discuss and finalize the remaining items under Agrarian Reform and Rural Development, National Industrialization and Economic Development, Environmental Protection, and Rehabilitation and Compensation. They also agreed to accelerate the process of concluding the CASER which can be signed before the end of the year.

    “We are hopeful that after the signing of the interim joint ceasefire agreement, more peace deals can be reached between the two parties despite the peace-spoiling by minions of US imperialism in the military establishment, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Department of National Defense.” said Fr. Herbert Fadriquela, Migrante Europe Chairperson.

    AFP all out war in civilian communities
    Meanwhile, Migrante Europe condemned the spate of killings of leaders of people’s organizations and human rights defenders in the Philippines.

    “It is alarming that despite the 4th Round of Peace talks in the Netherlands, aerial bombings and encampment of military troops in civilian communities continue in Mindoro, Agusan del Norte and Davao Oriental provinces.” said Father Herbert.

    Just recently, armed  troops of the AFP occupied Barangay Baglay in Lagonglong, Misamis Oriental, as well as other villages in Abra, Marilog, Davao City, and Sultan Kudarat. Residents are being prevented from going to their agricultural lands or worse, are being forced to evacuate their communities for fear of military repression and killings.

    “AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Año must be made to answer for the series of killings perpetrated by state security forces of Renel Mirabeles of Bagong Silang, Sipocot, Camarines Sur (March 30), Jeffrey Santos of Mati, Davao Oriental (March 30) and Danilo Nadal of Pantukan, Compostela Valley (April 2),” asserted Fr. Herbert.

    Records from human rights group Karapatan show that, since February 2017, close to 50 peasants and members of indigenous peoples’ communities have
    been killed by operating troops of the AFP. State security forces claim that the unarmed civilians are part of the NPA mass base.

    Migrante Europe appeals to President Rodrigo Duterte to sincerely abide by previously signed agreements.

    “We urge President Digong to always ensure that the rights and welfare of every Filipino citizen are recognized, upheld and protected”, stressed Fr. Herbert.

    Filipino migrants hold simultaneous activities around Europe in support to the 4th Round Peace Talks

    In Rome, concerned Filipinos and members of Umangat Migrante and Gabriela Rome Chapter danced “zumba for peace” last Sunday, in solidarity to the 4th round of peace talks. Filipino organizations and friends of the Filipino people in other cities of Europe also held photo opportunities and forums.

    Alan Jazmines, of NDFP delegation 4th Round Peace Talks, The Netherlands

    On Tuesday, 4 April 2017, Migrante den Haag organized a peace forum in the The Hague, participated in by their members and the Filipino communities in the Netherlands.

    In Copenhagen, Denmark, a discussion group was also organized about the current peace talks.

    Migrante Milan organized a “Dinner for Peace” with Filipinos and Italians in support to the 4th Round of peace negotiations.

    “We urge the Filipinos in Europe and around the globe to make a united stand to support the peace negotiations between the GRP and NDFP, and vigorously campaign for a just and lasting peace in the Philippines,” concluded Fr. Herbert.##

    For references:

    Revd Fr. Herbert F. Fadriquela Jr.
    Chairperson, Migrante Europe

    Chaplain to the Filipino Community
    Diocese of Leicester
    Church of England

    Email: [email protected]
    Mobile No: +447456042156

    Ann Brusola
    Secretary General, Migrante Europe

    Email: [email protected]
    Mobile No. (+39)-3278825544

  • Migrante Europe says NO to mandatory SSS payments

    Migrante Europe says NO to mandatory SSS payments

    Press Statement

    Migrante Europe today expressed strong disapproval on the announcement of state-run Social Security System to impose mandatory membership and membership payments of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

    SSS president and chief executive Emmanuel F. Dooc made the announcement last weekend, pushing for all OFWs to be covered by the SSS on a mandatory basis, supposedly “in order to secure their basic safety net in time of contingencies.” The mandatory OFW coverage is one of the proposed amendments to the SSS charter now pending in Congress.

    According to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), there are 2.4 million OFWs as of 2016, and only 20% or 500,000 are paying members of the SSS, with contributions reaching P4.64billion in 2016. In the same year, SSS disbursed P779 million in benefits to its OFW members. These include initial and lump sum benefits to retirement, death, (funeral with grant) and disability, and short-term benefits for sickness and maternity (for female workers).

    OFWs all over the world cheered the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed by 41 airline companies with the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) will take effect on 30 April, completely abolishing terminal fees paid by OFWs. But now they are once again dismayed by this announcement of mandatory SSS membership and payments.

    “With the OFWs’ huge contribution to the Philippine economy, basic social services should be provided freely to them by the government. That is guaranteed by R.A. No. 10022, an act amending R.A. No. 8042, otherwise known as the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995. This law mandates the government to provide for the protection and promotion of the welfare of migrant workers, their families and overseas Filipinos in distress, and for other purposes.” stated Fr. Herbert Fadriquela, Migrante Europe Chairperson.

    “Overseas Filipinos reject this additional financial imposition,”

    declared Fr. Herbert.

    In 2007, a global protest of Philippine migrant groups erupted when the Gloria Arroyo government attempted to impose mandatory SSS contributions, and made it a requirement for the issuance of Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC). The OEC is a requirement for every OFW who leaves the country. For new hires, the OEC will not be issued unless they pay additional compulsory fees for every contract processed.
    Amidst the widespread protests, the Arroyo government backed down on its proposal.

    In Europe, regular migrant workers contribute to their host countries’ social security system through monthly deductions from their salaries and contributions from their employers. In Italy for example, through the INPS (equivalent to SSS), OFWs are also entitled to social protection and pension benefits like family allowance, unemployment allowance, health and maternity benefits, invalidity allowance, disability pension, length of service pension, old age pension and survivor’s pension.

    “We are definitely against the mandatory SSS membership and payments. This is a double burden for us and a blatant attempt to extract more money from OFWs’ hard-earned income. Every individual should be free to choose to be an SSS member or not, it should not be obligatory!” concluded Fr. Herbert.

    For Reference:

    Revd Fr. Herbert F. Fadriquela Jr.
    Chairperson, Migrante Europe

    Chaplain to the Filipino Community
    Diocese of Leicester
    Church of England

    Email: [email protected]
    Mobile No: +447456042156

    Ann Brusola
    Secretary General, Migrante Europe
    Email: [email protected] 
    Mobile No. (+39)-3278825544

  • Pahayag ng Pakikiisa para sa ika-19 na Anibersaryo ng Umangat Migrante

    Pahayag ng Pakikiisa para sa ika-19 na Anibersaryo ng Umangat Migrante

    Sa pangalan ng Migrante Europe, ipinapaabot ko ang isang maalab na pagbati sa mga opisyales at buong kasapian ng Umangat Migrante sa iyong ika 19 na taong anibersaryo ng pagkakatatag.

    Ang kulang kulang dalawang dekadang paglilingkod ng Umangat Migrante sa pagsusulong ng interes at kagalingan ng mga Pilipinong migrante sa Roma at sa pakikibaka ng mamamayang Pilipino para sa isang masagana, mapayapa at malayang Pilipinas.

    Mahalaga ang orgnisasyon sa buhay ng mga migrante at maging sa ibat-ibang sector ng lipunang Pilipino. Sa pamamagitan ng organisasyon nagkakaroon tayo ng pagkakataong tayoy ay magkahalubilo, magkabalitaan, magkasayahan, magtulungan, magdamayan. Pero higit sa lahat, mahalaga ang organisasyon sapagkat itoy nagiging isang malakas na boses ng nagkakaisaang kasapi ng organisasyong upang ang mga hinaing at mga magkahalintulad na problema ay maipaabot sa kinauukulan, at ang mga kolektibong plano ay naisasakatuparan. Sabi nga ng isang kabataang-istudyante sa panahon ng Martial Law, nasa pagkakaisa ang lakas, nasa pagsulong ng pakikibaka ang tagumpay.

    Ang buhay ng mga migranteng Pilipino at maihahambing natin sa mga karakter sa kwento ng Mabuting Samaritano. Marami sa atin ang naging katulad ng manlalakbay na inabuso, ninakawan, sinugatan. Marami sa atin ang may ibat ibang reaksyon at pagtingin sa kalagayan ng manlalakbay. May ilan sa atin ang walang pakialam sa nangyayari sa panlipunang kalagayan. May ilan sa atin ang piniling umiwas sa nakikitang mga problema kahit may direktang epekto ito sa kanyang kalagayan. May ilan sa atin ang naging mabuting samaritano. Ang kwento ng mabuting samaritano ay hindi nagtatapos sa pagtulong at pag-aruga sa inabuso, ninakawan at nasugatang manlalakbay. Ang hamon ng kwento ng mabuting samaritano ay kung papaanong ang dinadaanan ng mga manlalakbay ay magiging ligtas sa anumang panganib, mapayapa at maaliwalas.

    Sa araw ng inyong pagdiriwang sa pagkakatatag ng Umangat Migrante dalangin ko na sana patuloy at determinado nyong harapin ang hamon ng kasalukuyang panahong at kalagayan.

    Members and friends of Umangat-Migrante Rome on its 19th anniversary

    Pagpalain kayo ng Panginoon Diyos sa inyong patuloy at aktibong paglahok sa pakikibaka ng migranteng Pilipino at mamamayang Pilipino para sa isang ganap na panlipunang pagbabago sa ating bayan na ang bawat mamamayan ay nakakatamasa ng panlipunang katarungan, ligtas sa anumang gutom at kapahamakan, may katiyakan sa trabaho at disenteng sahod, may lupang sinasaka ang bawat magsasaka, may paggalang sa karapatan ng mga katutubo na kolektibong paunlarin ang kanilang pamayanan – isang bayang may ganap na kapayapaan at kalayaan!

    Mabuhay ang Umangat Migrante! Mabuhay ang Migranteng Pilipino!
    Mabuhay ang Sambayanang Pilipino!

    Father Herbert Fadriquela
    Chairperson
    Migrante Europe

  • March for Justice and Dignity, Paris

    March for Justice and Dignity, Paris

    Solidarity Statement
    March 18, 2017

    Greetings of Solidarity!

    The Nagkakaisang Filipino sa Pransya (United Filipino in France) and Migrante Europe express our warmest greetings of solidarity to the organisers and participants to the March 19 event as we join the growing voice of oppressed and exploited and its defenders and advocates calling for Justice and Dignity for all.

    Throughout the world today, the phenomenon of peoples’ movement is undeniably changing the character and shape of the world, both locally and abroad, and it is characterized both by voluntary and forced migration.

    In the case of many Filipinos, migration is a product of extreme poverty and joblessness brought about by the unjust social system in the home country. The deepening and worsening economic challenges in the Philippines have aggravated the growing number of land-based and sea-based Filipino workers. There are more than 4,000 migrant Filipinos that leave the country each day and they can be found in around 182 countries worldwide.

    Migrant Workers and Seafarers are giving substantial contribution to the economies of both the host and their home countries.

    We left our homes and families to take care of other homes and families. We left our noble profession in the home country to work abroad in a hope that we will enjoy the real fruits of our labor. We work as nanny, we prepare food and drinks, we maintain the cleanliness of houses and offices, we care for the elderly and vulnerable people, we groom other’s pets and make them fit, we tend the ships that transport goods and people to feed the world and sustain the world economy.

    But in spite of our social contribution, many of us experienced discrimination, abuse in work places. While some of us received the right wages and others don’t, we all pay the right taxes.

    We are here today to assert our rights and make clear our role in the social development of the French society and the world.

    Living as Migrants here in France has made us vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, which makes as even more alarmed and concerned on the harsh realities endangering our communities.

    We link our hands with against the war on the poor and migrants. More than ever, now is the time to close our ranks and unite to free ourselves from racism, police violence and humiliation. As a sign of support, we will be present on March 19, 2017.

Rise Up Against Racism!
Rise Up in the Name of Justice and Dignity!
Long Live International Solidarity!

    Nagkakaisang Pilipino sa Pransya (NPSP)
    Migrante Europe

    March for Justice and Dignity, 19 March 2017

    For references:

    Marie Mercado, Secretary General, NPSP
    Email: [email protected]
    Mobile No. (+33) 771808910

    Revd Fr. Herbert F. Fadriquela Jr.
    Chairperson, Migrante Europe

    Chaplain to the Filipino Community
    Diocese of Leicester
    Church of England
    Email: [email protected]
    Mobile No: +447456042156

    Ann Brusola
    Secretary General, Migrante Europe
    Email: [email protected]
    Mobile No. (+39)-3278825544