MANILA, Philippines – Kabayan Party-list Representative Ron Salo expressed hope that the tragic death of a Kuwaiti child under the care of a Filipino domestic worker will not negatively impact overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Kuwait or the relationship between the two countries.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of a child under the care of a Household Service Worker (HSW) in Kuwait. We extend our sincere condolences to the bereaved Kuwaiti family during this difficult time,” Salo said in a statement on Monday, December 30.
Acknowledging the gravity of the incident, Salo emphasized that it was an isolated case and should not define migration policies between the Philippines and Kuwait.
The veteran lawmaker, who chairs the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, noted, “Our deployment to Kuwait has not yet fully returned to normalcy, and we remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our migrant workers and their employers abroad.”
Salo called on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to provide legal support for the domestic workers involved and to safeguard their rights under Kuwaiti law.
“We also trust that her family is informed and assured of our government’s efforts in providing her legal support,” he added.
According to local reports, the domestic worker allegedly placed the child in a washing machine “out of frustration.”
The child’s parents reportedly rushed him to a hospital upon hearing his screams, but he was pronounced dead on arrival.
The case has drawn attention to the challenges faced by OFWs, but Salo urged stakeholders to focus on justice while maintaining a strong bilateral partnership between the Philippines and Kuwait.
MAGNA CARTA FOR MIGRANT WORKERS
Kabayan Party-list Representative Ron Salo continues to advocate for the passage of House Bill (HB) No. 8951, known as the Magna Carta of Migrant Workers, to better protect Filipinos working abroad.
In a statement, Salo described the Magna Carta as a crucial piece of legislation aimed at ensuring the physical and psychological well-being of migrant workers before they are deployed.
“This bill will ensure that our migrant workers are not only physically prepared but also psychologically fit to meet the emotional and physical challenges of working abroad,” Salo explained.
He emphasized that by equipping workers with the necessary support, the bill aims to prevent tragedies like the recent one in Kuwait, reduce vulnerabilities, and promote healthier relationships between workers and their employers.
“Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to the protection of our migrant workers while fostering respect and understanding of the laws of our host countries,” Salo added.
The proposed Magna Carta seeks to provide comprehensive support for migrant workers, addressing their welfare and safety abroad.