Phl, Russia crafting deals to address OFW concerns

President Rodrigo Duterte performs a duet with one of the performers during his meeting with the Filipino community at the Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy in Moscow on Saturday. (PCOO)

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is working on a bilateral agreement with Russia to address the concerns of undocumented Filipinos, President Rodrigo Duterte said on Saturday.

In a speech during a meeting with the Filipino community in Moscow, President Duterte said he raised the labor issue of Filipinos in his bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who also recognized the need for a legal framework in the labor relations between the two countries.

The Russian government also made an assurance that it will not carry out a crackdown on illegal immigrants considering the hardships being experienced by Filipinos back home.

“Secretary Bello is working on an agreement na kayong nandito staying, overstaying or have had problems, there will be, they will be covered with an understanding,” the President told Filipinos in Russia.

The President advised undocumented Filipinos, numbering about 10,000, to renew their passports and re-apply for a legal status to legitimize their stay.

“They (Russians) would be willing to make an arrangement,” he said.

He also told overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to abide by their host country’s laws and stay away from trouble.

“Ang aking prayer lang is just abide by the laws of Russia. Sumunod lang kayo sa batas at wala tayong problema. So kayo lahat dito 10,000, wala tayong record ng kalokohan o ano,” he said. “I’m pleading na huwag kayong gumawa. Do not do anything that will jeopardize the relation at maging masama ang tingin nila sa atin. Obey the laws. Follow the procedure.”

Filipinos in Russia jubilate upon seeing President Rodrigo Duterte at the Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy in Moscow on Saturday. (PCOO)

There’s a huge potential in Russia’s labor market that the Philippines can tap, the Philippine Ambassador to Russia Carlos Sorreta said,

Although the country’s supply is mostly childcare and household workers, the Philippines can expand to include skilled workers and professionals for Russia’s oil industry, mining and construction.

There are some hurdles, however, such as the continued illegal recruitment of Filipino workers, as well as the use of fake documents. He said such practices may hamper or delay the crafting of a labor pact with Russia.

President Duterte also reported the current developments in the Philippines, renewing his determination to get rid of corruption and illegal drugs in the country.

Also on Saturday, the Chief Executive expressed his gratitude to President Putin for taking care and securing the welfare of the Filipino population here.

“I would like to thank President Putin and the Russian government and the people of Russia for being so nice at hindi kayo pinaghirapan,” he said.

The Russian government was also helpful to the Philippines during its campaign against ISIS-linked Islamists in Marawi City two years ago, the President said, noting the arms supplied by Russia gave the Philippine military crucial support during the five-month fight to liberate the city.

Saturday’s event also featured the world-renowned Bayanihan Dance Company and the Philippine Madrigal Singers to the delight of the Filipino community.