Homecoming for Alfredo Salmos set

News Release

Blas F. Ople Policy Center

May 20, 2012

Homecoming for Alfred Salmos set; family conveys thanks to FB users

Two years after suffering severe burns due to electrocution, overseas Filipino worker Alfredo Salmos is finally arriving home.

The 52-year old electrician from Nueva Ecija conveyed his gratitude to all Facebook users who wrote about his plight, uploaded videos about him on their page, and exerted pressure through social media for the government to help bring him home. The OFW suffered electrocution when he was shutting down a 14,000-volts breaker in February 2010 and was comatose for one month. An Indonesian couple has been caring for him since then. It was only recently, when his video and photo became viral, that help started to pour in, and arrangements to bring him home gained traction.

OFW advocate Susan Ople, who has been assisting the family in arranging for Alfred’s homecoming, said that the outpouring of concern from Filipino Facebook users and social media enthusiasts around the world signify a sea-change in how social media directly impacts on cases of distressed OFWs.

“The outpouring of support for Alfred Salmos demonstrates the power of Facebook as a platform for OFW assistance and empowerment,” Ople noted.

During this morning’s Tinapayan media forum in Manila, Alfred’s younger sister, Epifania Salmos Colina gave special thanks to the first Facebook user who posted Salmos’s photo and wrote about his plight. “Gusto ko man banggitin ang pangalan ay baka may mga makaligtaan ako kaya sa tamang oras na lamang po namin babanggitin lahat lahat ng dapat pasalamatan,” Epifania said.

Herself a former OFW, Alfred’s younger sister said that the family’s immediate priority is to give him time to rest and have private moments with his mother and siblings as well as to ensure that his medical needs are attended to. The last time that Alfred saw his mother was seven years ago during a brief vacation in the country.

“Sa amin po titira si Kuya at aalagan namin siya ng husto. Maraming salamat sa lahat ng mga tumulong at gustong tumulong sa kanya,” Colina said. (“My brother will stay with us and we will take good care of him. We would like to thank all those who helped him and who’d like to help him.”)

Alfred’s sister also acknowledged the assistance of the Overseas Workers’ Welfare Administration, the Villar Foundation and the Office of Senator Aquilino Pimentel III.

Senator Manny Villar and the Villar Foundation headed by his wife, former congresswoman Cynthia Villar, pledged to help with the medical expenses and livelihood assistance while Atty. Gwen Pimentel-Gana, chief of staff of the Office of Senator Koko Pimentel offered to coordinate with the Philippine General Hospital for the OFW’s medical treatment.

Previously, Alfred’s sister was also a beneficiary of the Villar Foundation’s Sagip OFW program when she availed of a free ticket home after running away from her abusive employer in Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

OWWA Administrator Carmelita Dimzon had earlier assured the Salmos family that Alfred would receive his full disability benefits as OWWA member as well as livelihood assistance. The OWWA official has also directed her staff to provide airport and transportation assistance to Salmos.

Ople appealed in behalf of the Salmos family: “I hope that we can all welcome Alfred Salmos home as a brother who suffered enormous physical and emotional pain while in Saudi Arabia. He deserves a warm, friendly, and dignified welcome after everything that he had to endure mostly by himself in Saudi Arabia.”

The NGO noted that Saudi Prince Mishaal bin Abdulaziz al Saud was instrumental in the waiver of fees accruing from the time Alfred’s car was impounded due to a car accident in 1998.

OFWs Romy Carbonel, Frank Resma, Joseph Espiritu and volunteers of Patnubay Riyadh among several others, assisted Alfred in sending a personal letter in Arabic addressed to the Office of the Governor of Jeddah to waive the accumulated fees that barred him from leaving Saudi Arabia. Jeddah-based OFW blogger Jebee Kenji Solis also helped out in gathering donations from fellow OFW bloggers throughout the world. Other NGOs, Facebook users, and Saudi-based OFWs have been helping Alfred Salmos in coordination with the family and the Philippine Consulate.

OFW's and NGOs in Jeddah during a Dinner for a Cause for Mang Alredo Salmos

In his appeal to Prince al Saud, Alfred Salmos wrote: “Your Royal Highness, I believe that you are fair regardless of race, color or creed. Please send me home to my country. I want to see my family. I haven't seen them for quite a long time. In the Philippines I have a family who can take care of me.  Please tell the Moroor to clear any penalty for my car registration and to consider my physical condition for humanitarian considerations.”

The Prince granted the plea of Alfred Salmos, all fees were waived, and in a matter of days, the OFW most featured in the pages of Pinoy Facebook users around the world, shall soon be home.

For those who wish to help OFW Alfred Salmos, please get in touch with the Blas F. Ople Center via 833-5337/833-9562 for coordination purposes. Donations can be channelled to the bank account set up by Alfred’s sister: Epifania Reem S. Colina, BPI Carmen West Rosales Pangasinan #0639-0859-29.

©2012 KABLOGS, Blogs ng mga Kababayan sa Abroad

Opposition to PhilHealth Circular 022 Increasing OFW Contribution from P900 to P2,400

News Release

Blas F. Ople Policy Center

December 20, 2011

NGOs, OFW bloggers oppose Philhealth circular raising premiums of OFW members

Several non-government organizations involved in overseas employment issues banded together to oppose Philhealth Circular No. 022 that would nearly triple the amount of premiums to be paid by overseas Filipino workers by next year.

Philhealth convened a consultative meeting with a handful of non-profit organizations representing overseas Filipino workers this morning. Walter Bacareza, vice-president of its Member Management Group presented the agency's plans to increase membership rates including that of OFWs as well as the Board's intention to "revolutionize" healthcare services in the country. Philhealth vice-president for corporate affairs Gregorio Rulloda was also present in the meeting.

Former labor undersecretary Susan Ople of the Blas F. Ople Center, Luther Calderon, president of the Kabalikat ng Migranteng Pilipino, Inc., Apostol Gratela, chairman of the Kalahi-Advocate for Overseas Filipinos and Jun Aguilar of the Filipino Migrant Workers' Group objected to the planned increases citing the lack of consultations with the labor and overseas workers' sectors. With two weeks to go before the new rates are imposed, the health agency issued the invitations for today's consultative meeting to a handful of OFW sector representatives only yesterday. The circular itself was issued on December 15.

"On January 2, unless the Philhealth Board withdraws its circular, all overseas workers would be paying 300 pesos more for their Philhealth premium and for those unable to pay that amount within the first six months of 2012, they would have to pay 2,400 pesos as annual premium from July onwards, a huge amount compared to the current 900 pesos being shelled out by every OFW. These new rates are being imposed without consultations, without clear explanations, and without consideration given the heavy financial burdens already being experienced by our migrant workers' given the series of calamities and continued slowdown in the world economy," the leaders of the said NGOs said.

During the consultative meeting, Philhealth officials explained that the higher premiums would allow the agency to meet its performance targets as well as attain the country's Millennium Development Goals and aspiration for universal health care coverage. Vice-President Bacareza also cited the GOCC Governance Act of 2011 that includes a performance evaluation of all GOCCs.

"It is unfortunate that the Philhealth Board of Directors decided to issue and release this new circular while the nation is grieving over the deaths of so many of our compatriots in Iligan, Cagayan de Oro and other parts of the Visayans and Mindanao regions. We question the timing, the lack of consultations, and the inexplicable haste by which this new circular is now being imposed not only on our OFWs but on all workers covered by Philhealth," Susan Ople said.

Jun Aguilar of the Filipino Migrant Workers' Group who was a former OFW in Saudi Arabia said that most OFWs are not even aware of the benefits due them as Philhealth members. "My son is an OFW and he relies on the more efficient health care system in Saudi Arabia rather than Philhealth because that is where he is situated. Why should he now pay triple the cost of premium to enable Philhealth to meet its own internal targets?"

Aguilar also cited a provision in the Amendments to the Migrant Workers' Act otherwise known as Republic Act No. 10022 that prohibits any increases in government fees for services rendered to OFWs.

Another OFW advocate, Luther Custodio, objected to the planned increase and called for a more intensified information campaign from Philhealth about its "revolutionary" changes to the current national health program.

Moves to oppose the Philhealth premium increases are set to snowball with the participation of OFW bloggers that founded the annual Philippine Expat/OFW Bloggers Award (PEBA). PEBA founder Jebee Solis who is based in Saudi Arabia said his group will blog against the new Philhealth circular citing the fact that most foreign companies obtain health insurance for foreign workers.

Philhealth officials who were present during the consultative meeting with the NGOs promised to report to the Board the concerns of the OFW sector on the impact of the abrupt increase in Philhealth premiums on the expenses of every departing worker, and on those wanting to renew their memberships.

"We are appealing to the Philhealth leadership to be more considerate given these extraordinarily difficult times. Every OFW with relatives in calamity-stricken areas will be relied upon to help defray the rebuilding of homes, and the sustenance of their surviving kin. We seek a deferment of Philhealth Circular No. 022 pending more extensive consultations and so that all of us can focus our efforts and attention in helping out those devastated by the floods in Mindanao," the civil society leaders said.

©2011 KABLOGS, Blogs ng mga Kababayan sa Abroad

Republic Act No. 10022 PROTECTION AND PROMOTION OF THE WELFARE OF OFWs

DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THIS LAW HERE

DOWNLOAD A COPY OF THIS LAW HERE

At Least 10M OFW Votes for Susan Ople

(Feel free to copy, repost or send this article by email to your blog or network.)

Sikapin kong magTaglish, upang madaling maunawaan ng ating mga kababayan sa kahit anong antas ng lipunan, at sa kahit saan mang panig ng mundo. In the next 10 days, before the May 10 election day, I am pleading for you to reach out to one or more members of your families and inner circle friends to influence, campaign and vote for senatorial candidate Susan “Toots” Ople.

Susan Ople, No. 38 in the voting ballot for senator is a daughter of late Blas Ople - the "Father of OFW’s and Labor Laws". She is an active advocate of migrant workers, tagapagtanggol ng mga OFWs at dating Labor Undersecretary. Kung merong nag-iisang kandidato na nakausap ko, na-meet, and always in touch with - lalo na about OFW issues, ito ay walang iba kundi si Toots Ople.

Susan Ople during our lunch meeting discussing her platforms and support for OFW Jan 2009

Is it possible that the name of Susan Ople rise to the Senate from the vote of the modern day-heroes daw? Is it possible that we can lock atleast 10 million votes from our combined OFW and OFW families votes to elevate Susan Ople’s chances to secure a Senate seat? I think we can.

Susan Ople as Key speaker during the Pinoy Expats/OFW Blog Awards Dec 2009

Paano po natin magagawa ito? Here are some of the suggestions. In the coming days you will be sending thousands of pesos ng pinaghirapan nating pera sa mga mahal natin sa buhay sa Pilipinas. In your conversation, please ask your dad, your mom, your husband, your wife, your brother, your sister, your sons, your daughters, your friends na iboto sa May 10 ang senatoriable No. 38 sa balota, Susan Toots Ople – the OFW Senator!

1. TEXT/SMS

2. Overseas Calls

3. Email Forwarding

4. Chat and Internet Messages (Yahoo, Skype, Gtalk and Hotmail/MSN)

5. Facebook, Friendster, Twitter, Plurk, and other Social Network

6. Forums

7. Organizations/Societies/Clubs

8. Blogs/Notes

9. Home front Campaigning

10. Word of Mouth

Magpadala po tayo ng mga text messages at pwede din po nating i-forward ang mga messages na ito sa sa ating kapamilya at kapuso. Sa pagtawag po natin, pakisambit na iboto nila ang # 38 na pagkasenador sa balota sa si Susan Ople. Sa inyong pakikipagchat sa mga mahal sa buhay sa Yahoo or Skype or Gtalk, pakimention po na iboto nila si Susan Ople sa pagkasenado. Pwede ring iforward natin sa email nila ang article na ito, or ipost natin na nangangampanya tayo na iboto si Susan Ople sa inyong mga status updates at thread ng Facebook, Friendster, Twitter, Plurk at other social networks. Sa ating mga forums, mga organizations at club meetings, maging sa ating mga blogs at notes, wag po natin kalimutan ang # 38, Susan Toots Ople. kailangan ng mga OFW sa buong mundo ng isang tunay na tinig sa loob ng Senado, ihatid natin si Toots sa Senado pamamagitan ng ating mga boto.

Kahit sino po ang ating pangulo na sinusuportahan, at kahit anong partido tayo, iisa lang ang ating bansa, at iisa lang ang ating pangarap. Iisa lang din po ang tumatakbong senador na alam natin na kakampi ng mga OFW. Let Susan Ople’s name rise to the Senate from the votes of the OFW’s. Ipakita po natin sa buong mundo – that we have a collective voice, that we also have a ‘command votes’ and that we too, can make a difference.

To learn more about Susan Ople here.

Bakit Ka Nag-abroad?

Ikaw bakit ka nag-abroad?

Dapat nito tinatanong sa forum. Pero I'd like to get the attention of other people, especially other OFWs.

Bakit maraming nag-aabroad, at anong pinakareason bakit ka nag-abroad?

We here in KABLOGS honestly would like to get your point of view, and your thoughts on this. Please feel free to leave your comment.

107 in 7 Days!

There is something wonderful and great about KABLOGS. I know that, in fact I feel that, and believe me, I do believe that it will soar high and will reach more OFW's and Filipino bloggers all over the world. I am saying this not because I am the founder, di ko nga lubos maisip how KABLOGS come to this point, kasi honestly, I don't know, hindi ko man lang naisip na KABLOGS will be this popular, will be this influential, or will be this stable after almost one year of it's existence. But what I am saying is that KABLOGS will be great for the following points that I believe will win the hearts of cute, lovely and handsome Filipino people wherever they are in the world.

1. KABLOGS is the only site, the one and only site that has a comprehensive list of all OFW and Filipino Expats bloggers around the world.
2. KABLOGS is the one and only site that aggregates the post of these bloggers, giving visitors a diverse snippets of each bloggers post from four corners of the globe, kung may corners ang round globe, hehe.
3. KABLOGS is gearing to be an online magazine as well, featuring stories from bloggers, and even the life of fellow bloggers, and OFW's heroism.
4. KABLOGS is developing as a social medium for OFW and OFW Bloggers, with Social Station through Ning, and the newly built KABLOGS Forum
5. KABLOGS is also a helpcenter, with its tie up with the BLAS OPLE POLICY CENTERwhich will be formalized soon, KABLOGS and OPLE CENTER will work hand in hand in serving Filipino workers in distress anywhere in the world.
6. KABLOGS will always be the social arm and gateway to PEBA, implementing social and charity projects.
7. KABLOGS hopefully with its growing number of supporters will try to voice and be vocal in our stand in issues that directly affects our national interest and welfare of the OFW's.

Sa nakaraang pitong araw, since tinanong ako ng aking wife na si Mrs. Thoughtskoto kung bakit walang fan page ang Kablogs, at dahil sa takot, este, sa pagmamahal ko sa kanya at sa concern niya sa KABLOGS ay dali dali kong ginawan ng fan page, umabot na sa 100, no, 107 as of this writing ang fans ng KABLOGS.

At ang pinakauna namin na nakulit, dahil walang FACEBOOK at ayaw magopen ng FB account ay no less than the El Presidente himself, haha. Thanks sayo LordCm, sa pagpaunlak na magopen ng FACEBOOK account. :)

107 in 7 days? Whoa! That's amazing! So many people knows us now. You inspire us. You're joining of KABLOGS be it in blog list, or in Ning, or in forum, or in Facebook is your way of saying you believe in what we can do and where our passion and love of country and blogging will lead us, as well as an inspiration for us to carry on and to make the best in everything we do despite of the lacking of man power, or volunteers on our part.

Salamat, and thank you!

Come Fellow OFW's, Vote With Us!

"Let the new leaders of our land rise from the votes of the OFWs"

This article, a compilation of thoughts from some of the best and brightest PEBA and KABLOGS bloggers was originally posted at the Philippine Online Chronicles, and Blogwatch.ph

For decades, we've been lauded as "Bagong Bayani" as a recognition by the same government who has caused our mass exodus into foreign lands.

Let's breathe the title of modern day heroes and accept its appended challenges and responsibilities. Despite our distance and diversity, we take pride in being a part of the Filipino abroad’s global recognition as shapers of the world.

Now, the time has come to unleash the heroes within us as the majestic sun rises in the East and its rays of hope shines upon our nation this coming May 2010 election.

This is a call for our collective voice in the 2010 election. We encourage all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families to actively participate and be part of our country’s historic electoral process.

For several years, we’ve made our presence felt in building our nation. In every single dollar remittance that is being delivered in our family’s doorsteps, we OFWs have helped in sustaining the Philippines’ economic growth.

Our experiences in and out the country have led us to become seasoned professionals who are now politically mature to discern what’s best for our home country. Now is the moment to make a difference. We are part of the 12 million Filipinos dispersed across the world and we can definitely make a difference.

We will solidify our stand to choose the right leaders fo

r our country. We will influence our family and loved ones back home, the recipient of our hardships and struggles abroad, to act too. We will guide them in making their choices this coming May 2010 because we believe that their actions will not only shape our country’s future but the future of the generations to come.

Our nation has suffered from the action (and inaction) of irresponsible and corrupt government officials but we must remain steadfast in our hope and desire of having a better country. Our nation is already battered and divided. This coming election, its fate resides in US.

If there is a time to live as modern day heroes, to make a difference as global Filipinos, to embark on something worth doing, IT IS NOW!

Let us empower ourselves as OFWs. With one voice and one heart, let's vote and get counted! Only responsible voters can bring responsible leaders in office on May 2010. Let the new leaders of our land rise from the votes of OFWs.

(We encourage all OFW bloggers to post this in your blog and FB Profile, Twitter, Plurk and circulate this piece to OFW and families email addresses. Thank you.)

DESERT AQUAFORCE DECLARED A BLOG WAR AGAINST ARVIN DE LA PENA

12midnight, Saudi Time, the post of Arvin de la Pena's Mukhang Pera is gone. He either deleted or unpublished it. But no apology expressed.May this will serve as a lesson that blogging comes responsibility.

KABLOGS posted this declaration of war not to wage war, but to be serve as a warning that we are reading and we are watching and we are aware of what's going on.

NJ of Desert Aquaforce said this Declaration of War

Arvin de la Pena's post on Mukhang Pera is a discriminate, reckless, foolish, rash and irresponsible post of one who claimed to be an ex-OFW.

It is a barefaced ridicule and contempt of the sacrifices of the Filipino Expatriates and Overseas Filipino Workers by branding them as money-faced, unprincipled, and good for nothing slaves for money in other more progressive countries.

Whether it was a satire or whatever figure of speech he may have wanted to portray in his post, he failed to achieve it. He may have added the statistics of visitors to his blog but it was done in a very distasteful manner.

He is one blogger who has overstepped the bounds of sensitivity and responsibility of a decent mind of an accountable and responsible blogger.

We therefore declare a blog war against this person who continuously persist in exploiting, abusing, and maligning the Overseas Filipino Worker.

This declaration of blog war will only be lifted upon this person's retraction and an apology for his irresponsible blogpost!

Read the rest of this entry here.

I am honestly appalled by his nasty comments and blatant mockeries of the hardships of the millions of the OFW's around the world.

-Mr. Thoughtskoto

MIKE AVENUE Said "Sorry" to all OFW's

Read the Rest of the ENTRY HERE

Mike said...

Dearest The Pope,

Una sa lahat at kailangan bigyang-diin dito ay ang isyung kung paano hinaharap ng isang mabuting tao ang kaniyang mga “kaaway”. Naipakita mo ng lubusan na ang pagiging tao ay hindi lamang nasusukat kung ano ang naibibigay na materyal na bagay at mamahaling hiyas sa iba kundi manapa’y nasusukat sa pagiging bukas, handa at maginoo sa lahat ng uri ng sitwasyon maging ito ma’y mabuti o masamang pangyayari. Maraming daan ang maaaring lakaran ng isang tao sa mga panahong narito at umaatake ang mga kalaban. Ngunit sa nangyari, ang iyong piniling lakbayin ay isang daang maliwanag at nakapagdudulot ng kaligayahan hindi lamang sa puso ko’t damdamin ngunit pati na rin sa kaluluwa ng maraming nilalang.

Hihingi ako ng paumanhin sa iyo. Ito ang pangalawang isyu. Ipagpatawad mo ang kagaspangan ng ugali ni Mike Avenue. Siya’y isa lamang sa mga nilalalang na naghahanap ng kasagutan sa labas ng mundong kaniyang ginagalawan. Isa lamang siyang tao na katulad mo ay nagnanais na mabigyang-linaw ang kaniyang naguguluhang utak. Maaaring ito’y pagpapakita ng isang senaryo kung saan kailangang subukan muna bago mapatunayan. At sa mga pangyayari, buhat sa post na IGOROT hanggang sa artikulong TSOKOLATE, natagpuan ko ang mga kasagutan sa maraming mga tanong na umuukilkil sa aking katauhan. At dahil dito’y napasaalapaap ako ngayon. At utang na loob ko ito sa lahat. Partikular na nakita at naging isang aral sa buhay ko ang pagiging mapagkumbaba. Ipinakita mo ito ngayon at lubos na nabagbag ang aking damdamin.

ANg pangatlong isyu: Ang nangyari sa TSOKOLATE ay isang malaking aral din sa akin. Nalaman kong hindi pala ako nabubuhay ng mag-isa. At mas masarap mabuhay kung may mga kasama. Na ang reaksiyon sa mga post na aking isinusulat ay seryosong isinasadibdib ng marami. Na hindi lamang pala ako ang nasa mundo na ito kaipala’y maraming tao rin na kagaya ko ay maipawala sa madla ang mga nasa sa isip. Masakit isipin na sa tuwing makakakita ako ng aral, laging sa “hindi masyadong magandang sitwasyon” humahantong. Siguro nga’y kakambal ko ang kalungkutan at dala marahil ng katakot-takot na kasalanang nagawa ko sa ibang tao at sa Diyos. Naging adik at alcoholic ako noon. Laging gising at laging lasing. At sa dami ng mga pangyayaring nakaumang ang patalim ng kamatayan sa aking dibdib, laging iisipin ng sinuman kung bakit pa ako nabubuhay. Kung bakit ko pa pinipiling mabuhay. Ngunit pilit kong nilabanan ito sa abot ng aking makakaya. Naging mahina ako sa mga pagsubok noon ngunit pinagsumikapan kong maging matatag ngayon upang gapiin ang mga unos ng buhay. Nagtitiis man akong hindi magawa ang mga dati kong ginagawang bisyo na nakapagdudulot ng kaligayahan sa pisikal na aspeto, natutuwa narin ako sapagkat kahit paano’y nakakabawi na sa aking pamilya sa pamamagitan ng paglalakad ng tuwid.

Nakita ko na ang mabuting manunulat ay hindi nasusukat sa pagganti at pagiging barumbado. Ang “gulo” na inihatid ng isyung TSOKOLATE ay nakapagbigay ng maraming kaisipan. Tanggap ko na ngayon na ang ginawang paghamak at pag-aalipusta ni Kenji ng Thoughtskoto at ng iba pa sa akin ay isa lamang halimbawa ng reaksiyon. Na kung walang apoy ay siguradong walang usok. Hindi kasi ako nasanay na nakikibagay. Sapagkat lumaki akong walang pinagingimian at pinakikisamahan. Nasanay lagi na ako ang isinasaalang-alang ng aking kapwa at ako ang siyang pinakikibagayan dahil nasa sa akin ang pera. Noon na ang pera ay tila pinupulot lamang. Kung tutuusin, ang lahat ng post ko sa PINOY BLOG ay patungkol lahat sa akin at ako ang laging bida. Ang kasalanan ko’y ang pagnanais na maibato sa ibang tao ang lahat ng sisi at pagsalangsang.

Gusto kong ituwid ang lahat. Nais kong humingi ng tawad sa iyo. At sa lahat ng mga kasama. Hindi ko na iisa-isahin sapagkat sa dami ng may galit sa akin, baka hindi kumasya sa pahinang ito. Ipinaaabot ko ang taos puso kong paghingi ng kapatawaran. Sana’y maibahagi ninyo sa isang katulad ko ang isa pang pagkakataon.

Gusto kong magbago at tuwirin ang nilalakaran mo, The POPE at ng iba pang blogger. Nais kong tumawid sa kalsada ninyo at maging isa sa inyong mga kaibigan. Nakita ko sa nangyari na ang inyong pagkatao’y busilak at dakila. Nakita kong ang iyong hangarin ay makatulong sa iba na hindi naghihintay ng kapalit. Salamat at magandang araw.

Hanggang dito,

Mike Avenue

Request: Dahil sa pagnanais kong maibahagi ang aking karanasan sa iba at kapulutan ng aral at dahil sa wala na akong blog na maaaring paglagyan nito (binura ko iyon sa galit ko sa aking sarili. Akalain mong pati ang sarili ko ay nagagalit na rin sa sarili ko) nais kong mabigyan sana ito ng sariling post kasama ng iyong reaksiyon. Iyon naman ay kung mamarapatin lamang. Maraming maraming salamat po.

READ THE REST OF THE ENTRY HERE

KABLOGS STATEMENT AGAINST AN ANTI-OFW BLOGGER MIKE AVENUE

On Mike Avenue Pinoy Blog’s ‘Tsokolate’

PEBA and KaBLOGs MANIFESTO

So that the bloggerworld and everyone may know...

We believe in the right to freedom of speech as a human right.

We believe in the freedom to hold opinions without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice.

We believe in the right to freedom of expression to receive and impart information.

We believe that blogging is an expression of one’s opinions, personal experiences, hobbies, commentaries, diaries and we further believe that every blogger has the right to publish his personal expressions and opinions.

We believe that the exercise of these freedoms is not an absolute right but carries with it duties and responsibilities, that may be subject to restrictions or penalties on specific grounds as prescribed by law and are necessary in a democratic society, in the interests and protection of the reputation or rights of others.

We believe that majority of the Overseas Filipino Workers have chosen to leave the Philippines to seek and search for better livelihood opportunities abroad so they may be able to support themselves and their families back home.

We believe that the OFW’s search for a greener pasture is not at all that easy and yet hundreds of thousands of OFWs have created names for them and have excelled in their chosen fields of endeavor, setting the world standards for nobility and for hard work.

We believe that there is nothing wrong with doing an honest day’s work as a domestic help or as construction worker or doing any other menial and blue collar jobs.

We believe that OFWs whether professionals or not should be given honor and respect.

We believe that the OFW is the Hope of the Nation, Gift to the World!

With these guiding beliefs:

We regard Mr. Mike Avenue’s Pinoy Blog post on "Tsokolate" as one that lacked research and a flagrant ignorance of the truth about Overseas Filipino workers and expatriates.

We regard this lack of truth and ignorance as especially inexcusable from one who feigns intelligence and high learning and coax people into belief and following.

We regard his statements: “minumura ng amo kapalit ng dolyar” and “humahalik sa paa ng mga dayuhan” as blatant mockeries of the sacrifices of the Overseas Filipino Workers and expatriates and are hasty generalizations of the living and working conditions of the Filipino expatriates and OFWs.

We regard his post as tactless and offensive, trying to make a lame attempt to sarcasm that failed to be funny, at the expense of the Overseas Filipino Workers.

We regard his post as a clear display of arrogance, done in a distasteful manner with blind indifference and unjust condemnation of the millions of hardworking OFWs who work long hours to earn an honest buck.

We regard his post to have overstepped the bounds of sensitivity and responsibility of a decent mind and an accountable and sensible blogger.

Therefore, we at PEBA and KaBLOGs and the THOUGHTSKOTO family will not allow this kind of humiliation to pass without us making a stand.

We strongly condemn this irresponsible blog post and Mike Avenue.

We consider Mike Avenue as an Anti-OFW persona.

We demand a retraction and an apology from Mike Avenue of Pinoy Blogs for this irresponsible blogpost!

We are Filipinos and we should stand together and strive for a better Philippines!

©2009 KaBLOGs

ANTI-OFW 'TSOKOLATE' by MIKE AVENUE

ITO ANG KABUUANG POST NIYA.

TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2009

TSOKOLATE

Ang kabuuang post ni Mike

THOUGHTSKOTO ANSWER SA ENTRY NA ITO DITO

We strongly condemn ang ano mang pang-aapi at panglalait sa mga Pinoy na patuloy na nagpapakahirap para sa mga mahal sa Buhay sa ibang bansa. Si Mike AVENUE ay isang Filipino Blogger na irresponsable at di dapat pamarisan. Please forward this to as much people as you can. Pakikisama sa mga OFW's na kagaya namin.