DUBAI - The Philippines is investigating whether its embassy in Riyadh and consulate in Jeddah are doing enough to protect overseas Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia who are being abused, Saudi daily Arab News reported on Wednesday.Allegations of worker abuse have been made by advocacy groups such as Gabriela and Migrante International, which has already expressed disappointment regarding the visit by the three-member delegation of Philippine congressman to look into worker abuse.
John Leonard Monterona, Migrante International coordinator for the Middle East, told the newspaper his group was expecting a congressional hearing in the Philippines regarding the abuse issue.
“But from what I know, the meeting on Nov. 5 is only a closed-door consultation by the three congressmen with the embassy staff ... and distressed workers,” he said.
Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Antonio Villamor said the delegation “will probably ask us what we have done to protect (overseas foreign workers) whose cases are being heard".
"We have been doing our best. In fact, we have gone the extra mile, if I may say so, to be of help to our hapless (workers),” Villamor said.
He told the newspaper there were instances when they had fallen short of expectations.
"However, we cannot be faulted because of insurmountable constraints. If an (overseas worker) has to appear in court, notice is sent to us a day or two before the hearing." he said.
"It would be next to impossible to send a representative to assist the (worker), especially if the hearing is far from Riyadh. Moreover, before we could send a representative, we also need to secure permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."