The Commission on Human Rights urges the government to be circumspect in its pronouncements, especially those that may undermine government efforts to protect the welfare of Filipino workers overseas.

Filipino domestic workers, especially women, face a number of challenges in some receiving countries. The current administration is fully aware of this condition when, in early 2018, the government even prompted a deployment ban in Kuwait following numerous cases of disappearance, death, and abuses of Filipino workers. Reports of similar forms of maltreatment are also being reported in other countries.

We then encourage the administration to be consistent both in words and deeds in this regard, and refrain from making statements that may contravene its commitment to uphold the rights of Filipino workers abroad, such as the previous remark by the President claiming to have abused a female domestic worker during his teenage years.

We stress that furthering injustices will not lead to a just and humane society. It is only by respecting the rights of all and allowing our laws to prevail will be be able to safeguard the dignity of each and everyone. More importantly, respect should always start at home—here in our own country. ###