Be calm, Palace tells Hongkong-based Pinoys
In the face of an anticipated protest rally Sunday in a popular park in the city frequented by Hongkong-based Filipino domestic helpers, Malacañang called for “calm and sobriety” so as not to add to the tension already gripping both countries.
In an interview over Radyo ng Bayan Saturday, Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Sonny Coloma said “let us just allow the Hongkong nationals to vent their ire over the tragic hostage-taking of Aug.23.”
“Lets be calm and careful with what we say, and use the normal precautions,” said Coloma.
Filipino domestic helpers according to Coloma, have always been a major help to Hongkong families.
As to whether he would advise the Filipino maids in Hongkong not to go to the park on Sunday, Coloma said there is a consul general and labor attaché there “who can estimate the situation on the ground much better than us. Let them just do it, if necessary,” Coloma added.
“Back home, we are assuring them that the fact finding team conducting the investigations will make sure to come up with a comprehensive and factual result,” Coloma added. (OPS)
No pre-termination of job contracts yet, Baldoz says
Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz on Saturday said there have yet been no pre-termination of employment contracts of their Filipino domestic helpers by Hongkong nationals.
“Except for one case that was reported to us, where her contract was properly terminated and she was paid the benefits due her, we have not received any report from our labor attaches of any pre-termination of employment contracts for any Filipino domestic helpers,” Baldoz stressed in an interview over Radyo ng Bayan.
The Filipina involved has since contacted other recruitment agencies in Hongkong and opted to stay with a relative while waiting to be placed again in another job.
Baldoz said in case of any abrupt pre-termination of contracts or unilateral termination of employment by Hongkong employers, the labor and welfare offices based in Hongkong will be ready to process them and have them returned to the country.
“To our countrymen in Hongkong, let us just respect the emotions of the Hongkong nationals who are outraged by the hostage-taking and death of their fellow citizens. If we put ourselves in their shoes, we might do the same (stage protests to let off steam),” Baldoz said. (OPS)
President Aquino to lead commemoration of National Heroes Day
President Benigno S. Aquino III will lead the nation and keynote the commemoration of National Heroes Day at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Sunday (August 29).
National Heroes Day or Araw ng mga Bayani is celebrated in the Philippines each year on the last Sunday of August to commemorate the beginning of the “Cry of Pugad Lawin,” the Philippine fight for independence from Spain by Filipino revolutionaries led by Andres Bonifacio.
The national celebration usually includes a cultural program and flower offering at the foot of the Unknown Soldier Monument.
Joining the President for the event are: Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Lt. Gen Ricardo David, Jr., National Historical Commission Chairman Ambeth Ocampo, Taguig City Mayor Laarni L. Cayetano and Taguig City Representative Arnel Cerafica.
Upon his arrival, the President will be accorded full military honors by the AFP Ceremonial Troops afterwhich he will proceed to the Tomb of Unknown Soldier Monument to lead the wreath-laying ceremony. (OPS)
