By Katrina Gracia Consebido
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Chief Susan Ople on Friday, Nov. 18, said the Government of Saudi Arabia has allotted at least 2 billion riyal to shoulder the unpaid salaries of around 10,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
According to Ople, the construction companies that declared bankruptcy include Saudi OGer, MMG, the Bin Laden group and other companies that haven’t paid back Filipino workers.
“The Crown Prince, His Royal Highness, announced and said that this was his gift— he really prepared for this and this was an agreement reached by the Saudi government just a few days ago,” Ople said.
“So they have set aside two billion Riyals to help our displaced workers. So this is really good news and we thank po Saudi Arabia,” she added.
According to the Chief Executive, they have discussed the OFWs in their country and other investment opportunities.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos earlier announced that the Government of Saudi Arabia will shoulder the unpaid salaries of around 10,000 OFWs who worked for Saudie construction companies that declared bankruptcy in 2015 and 2016.
Marcos made the announcement after his bilateral meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Friday, Nov. 18, during the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).
“Napakagandang balita talaga. At pinaghandaan talaga tayo ni Crown Prince. Kaya’t sabi niya ‘yung desisyon na ‘yan ay nangyari lamang noong nakaraang ilang araw at dahil nga magkikita kami at sabi niya ito ‘yung regalo ko para sa inyo,” he added.
“Napakagandang balita talaga. At pinaghandaan talaga tayo ni Crown Prince. Kaya’t sabi niya ‘yung desisyon na ‘yan ay nangyari lamang noong nakaraang ilang araw at dahil nga magkikita kami at sabi niya ito ‘yung regalo ko para sa inyo.” – gb
