Govt urged to junk mandatory psychiatric tests for OFWs

D’JAY LAZARO, GMANews.TV

MANILA, Philippines — A migrant advocacy group on Friday said those pushing for a mandatory psychiatric test for Filipinos seeking work abroad should have their heads examined.

Migrante International said the proposed mandatory test only betrays the Arroyo government’s low regard for workers.

“For the Arroyo government, those they have hailed as “bagong bayanis" (new heroes) are lunatics," Migrante chairperson Connie Bragas-Regalado said in a statement.

“It is the (officials of the) Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and, definitely, not the OFWs who should have their heads examined if they really believe mandatory psychiatric tests could help prevent OFWs from snapping in the workplace," she added.

Regalado said the DFA should realize that deplorable working conditions overseas; verbal, physical, emotional and sexual abuse; torture and non-payment of wages are major factors that drive OFWs to the brink of insanity.

“By refusing to acknowledge these realities and by conveniently glossing over the fact that most of the time OFWs commit crimes to defend themselves, others are just plain victims of frame-up; the DFA, in essence, is condemning our OFWs," Regalado said.

“If we are to follow the DFA’s rationale, then OFWs like Sarah Balabagan, Mary Jane Ramos and Joselito Alejo are lunatics and not heroes as they were hailed when they arrived home after their ordeal overseas," said Regalado, noting that these OFWs committed heinous crimes, but escaped execution because they were found merely defending themselves.

Regalado also cricized Vice President Noli de Castro and Undersecretary Esteban Conejos for “even considering such a preposterous and anti-migrant proposal. It is such a shame that those who are directly responsible for pushing migrants rights are the ones who are blind and deaf to the real issues OFWs face."

Vice President Noli de Castro is the presidential adviser on overseas Filipino workers while Usec Conejos is co-chair of the forthcoming Global Forum on Migrants and Development which will be held here in the Philippines on October 29-30.

“This is just one of the reasons why Filipino migrants are speaking out. On October 28-30, Migrante International will join other migrants from different nationalities and countries in the International Assembly of Migrants and Refugees to challenge the GFMD to face up to the truth that migration can never lead to development," Regalado said.# - GMANews.TV

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