Latest news with #OFWs
Filipino Times
a day ago
- Business
- Filipino Times
3,000 abandoned balikbayan boxes turned over to DMW for delivery to OFW families
Around 3,000 balikbayan boxes, originally sent by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) but left unclaimed due to mishandling and neglect by freight forwarders, have been handed over to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) for proper distribution to the intended recipients. In a statement on May 29, the Bureau of Customs (BOC) said the turnover follows President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to keep government services attuned to the needs of Filipino families. With the Department of Finance's (DOF) approval, the BOC officially declared the boxes as forfeited and finalized a deed of donation with the DMW. The DMW will now be responsible for ensuring the long-delayed packages are delivered to the families of OFWs. BOC Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio assured the public that the balikbayan boxes would finally reach their rightful recipients after months of inter-agency coordination since early 2024. The BOC emphasized that it took extensive steps to secure legal clearances, complete documentation, and manage logistics to ensure the boxes could be lawfully and properly released.
GMA Network
2 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
BOC turns over 2,954 mishandled balikbayan boxes to DMW for distribution
The Bureau of Customs (BOC) on Thursday turned over 2,954 balikbayan boxes to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) for distribution to their intended recipients, the families of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). The turnover ceremony was held at the Port of Davao in Davao City. In a statement, the BOC said the balikbayan boxes were originally sent by OFWs to their loved ones but were left unclaimed after being mishandled and abandoned by unscrupulous freight forwarders. With the approval of the Department of Finance, the Customs said it officially declared the boxes forfeited and signed a Deed of Donation with the DMW. The DMW is now tasked with ensuring that the long-delayed packages will finally reach their intended recipients. The Migrant Workers Department has since partnered with a logistics provider to ensure the safe and prompt delivery of the boxes to their rightful beneficiaries, according to the BOC. The BOC said the ceremonial turnover followed months of coordination between the two agencies, which began in 2024. —VBL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
4 days ago
- Business
- GMA Network
Marcos says Kuwait grateful for OFW contributions
President Marcos in a meeting with Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Khaled al-Hamad al-Sabah at the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. (Photo from PCO) KUALA LUMPUR - President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. said Tuesday that the Kuwaiti government has been grateful for the contribution of overseas Filipino workers in its country. Marcos said this to Philippine reporters after his bilateral meeting with Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Khaled al-Hamad al-Sabah at the sidelines of the 46th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits. ''We spoke now with Kuwait about the interaction between the Philippines and Kuwait and how they would like to – how grateful they are for the contribution that our OFWs have done to the development of their country and they have been very kind to us,'' Marcos said. This despite a report early this year, saying that the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) was considering banning the deployment of OFWs in Kuwait, due to reported deaths of some Filipinos there. The Philippines currently prohibits the deployment of first-time domestic workers to Kuwait in response to the incident. Aside from Kuwait, Marcos also had bilateral talks with Lao PDR, Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. —LDF, GMA Integrated News
Filipino Times
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Filipino Times
Summer safety alert: Leaving kids in cars can lead to death, Abu Dhabi police say
It only takes minutes for tragedy to happen. For many OFWs and Filipino families in the UAE, it's normal to bring children along on errands. But in the rush of daily life, some might think: 'It's just a quick stop, I'll leave them in the car for a few minutes.' That small decision could have life-threatening consequences. Abu Dhabi Police have issued a strong warning: Never leave children alone in a vehicle, especially during summer. As temperatures rise, so do the dangers. Here's why this is serious: Extreme heat builds up fast. Even if it's only 35°C outside, the inside of a car can shoot up to over 70°C in minutes. Children can suffer from heatstroke or suffocation. Oxygen levels drop. A child may accidentally lock the car or turn off the ventilation, leading to suffocation. They may tamper with the car. Kids playing with the gear shift or ignition can cause accidents. They're vulnerable to theft or harm. A child alone in a car can attract the wrong kind of attention. The law in the UAE: Leaving children in cars is not only dangerous—it's a criminal offense. Authorities warn that parents or guardians proven negligent will face legal action. In some cases, this could mean jail time or fines. Don't take the risk. Whether you're shopping, at a gas station, or stepping out for any reason, take your child with you. It's better to deal with a little hassle than face heartbreak or legal trouble.
Filipino Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Filipino Times
DMW chief confirms removal of former OWWA administrator over unauthorized ₱1.4B land deal
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac confirmed the removal of former Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Administrator Arnell Ignacio, citing loss of trust and confidence over an alleged unauthorized ₱1.4 billion land acquisition deal. In an official statement, Secretary Cacdac clarified that Ignacio did not resign, but was removed from office due to serious procedural and substantive lapses related to the purchase of real property without the required approval of the OWWA Board of Trustees. Among the issues raised was the proposal to construct a halfway house for returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), which the Board could have advised against for being impractical and cost-inefficient, given that the private sector could offer more suitable accommodations. The conversion of ₱2.6 billion in emergency repatriation funds into capital outlay was also flagged, as such a move required Board approval under the OWWA Charter. Secretary Cacdac also cited the unauthorized signing of the Deed of Absolute Sale and a Deed of Donation involving the real property, both of which should have been approved by the Board. He questioned the execution of an addendum to the Deed of Absolute Sale to reimburse the seller for taxes, even though OWWA is exempt from such payments. The assumption of undisclosed lease contracts on the property, along with the collection of rental payments by a third party unaffiliated with OWWA, further complicated the transaction. Cacdac also revealed that a building covered by 52 condominium titles—previously included in the property's valuation—had been demolished without Board consent. Further compounding the irregularities, Cacdac said, was the failure of OWWA to gain full possession of the property despite full payment. He noted that the seller's attorney-in-fact had continued collecting lease payments after the sale, and had been entrusted with ₱36 million allegedly reimbursed for transfer taxes, and around ₱1.4 million in rental income—both highly questionable actions considering the property already belonged to the Republic of the Philippines. Cacdac assured the public that appropriate administrative and criminal cases will be filed against OWWA officers responsible for the anomalous transactions. The revelation comes as the agency, under new leadership, has pledged to strengthen public service with transparency, unity, and integrity.
