Eleazar urges gov't to impose sanctions on employers of abandoned OFWs in HK

Retired police general and senatorial candidate Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar urged the national government to impose sanctions on Hong Kong employers and foreign placement agencies for inhumane treatment of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who were abandoned after they tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Eleazar also called on the national government to immediately act in assisting the OFWs, starting with the establishment of a separate department for migrant workers so that all the needs and concerns of OFWs will be immediately addressed.

"This is unacceptable. After serving them, they were just abandoned and in time that they needed assistance after being infected by COVID-19. These employers should be blacklisted," said Eleazar.

According to Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, the Philippine government is extending assistance to at least 28 OFWs who tested positive for COVID-19 in Hong Kong after a surge hit the country.

But Eleazar was saddened by reports that some employers sacked the sick OFWs and let them sleep outside of their homes while there were workers who were denied treatment at hospitals due to full capacity.

"We need to act fast to assist them and we should also prepare for all the assistance that the government could provide when they arrive home," said Eleazar.