On The Execution of OFW-Drug Mules: Lessons Must be Learned, Action Must be Done

“Even as we are saddened by the news of their execution, lessons must be learned. Much needs to be done so that no other OFW will have the same fate as Sally Villanueva, Elizabeth Batain and Ramon Credo.”
 
This was according to Gabriela Women’s Party Representative Luz Ilagan as three Filipino OFWs were executed today in China after they were found guilty of drug trafficking.

The Gabriela solon stressed that several OFWs are in very similar circumstances in various jails in China and the Middle East. “We have documented at least 125 OFWs in death row, of which 85 are drug-related cases. There are over 7,000 OFWs in jail in different parts of the world.”
 
“Many of these OFWs have long complained of the lack of legal assistance and support from the government, a problem that will most likely continue as the Aquino government slashed the budget for legal assistance of OFWs for this year.”
 
BEEF UP OFW LEGAL ASSISTANCE FUND
 
Ilagan said that while the Migrant Act of 2009 mandates the allocation of at least P100M for the legal assistance fund, the 2011 National Budget allocates as measly P 30M.
 
The Gabriela solon is pushing for the approval of HB4406 “An Act Appropriating the Sum of Nine Billion as Supplemental Appropriation for FY 2011”, which effectively increases the Department of Foreign Affairs’ allocations for emergency evacuation and repatriation of OFWs in disaster and crises situations to P4B and legal assistance fund to P500M.
 
Ilagan also stressed on the need for the Aquino government to expedite efforts for local job creation as well as end the government’s labor export policy.
 
“Their deaths would not be in vain if it will result to faster government responses of OFWs’ calls for help and if it will result to stronger, more efficient delivery of legal assistance and government support for OFWs. Their deaths would not be in vain if it will result to the eradication of joblessness and poverty that allow drug syndicates to thrive and victimize mothers like who need to feed their children.”#