House probe sought for OFW's death in Saudi Arabia

Party-list lawmakers have filed a resolution seeking a congressional inquiry on the death of Filipino worker Irma Jotojot (initially reported as Irma Edloy) in Saudi Arabia.
In House Resolution No. 462, the lawmakers pointed out that there is no clear and conclusive findings yet on the cause of Jotojot's death, and that the probability of foul play has yet to be ruled out.
Reports said she fell into a coma after she was visited by her employer at the hospital.
"Jatojot's case is among the many cases of mysterious deaths and abuses involving overseas Filipino workers that remain unresolved to date," the resolution read.
The lawmakers also accused Rejoice International Corporation, the recruitment agency of Jotojot, of "eluding" its responsibility over her death.
It said despite the cases filed against the firm in 2015, Rejoice continued its operation until the second half of 2016, allowing for the deployment of Jotojot on July 30.
The resolution urged to government the take proactive measures to ensure the safety and the protection of OFW rights abroad and ensure justice to victims of abuses.
"The government must take proactive measures to ensure the safety and the protection of the rights of our Filipino workers abroad," it said, adding that public officials who fail to assist OFWs must be held liable.
"It must also ensure that justice be served to our OFWs who are victims of abuses by holding accountable the persons and entities responsible for the abuses committed against them, as well as the government officials who failed to protect and give the necessary assistance to them."
Those who filed the resolution were Gabriela party-list Reps. Emmi De Jesus and Arlene Brosas, ACT Teachers party-list Reps. Antonio Tinio and France Castro, Bayan Muna party-list Reps. Carlos Zarate, Anakpawis party-list Rep. Ariel Casilao, and Kabataan party-list Rep. Sarah Elago. —Joseph Tristan Roxas/KBK, GMA News

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