HELPING FILIPINOS JAILED ABROAD

HELPING FILIPINOS JAILED ABROAD

What should we do when a fellow Filipino is jailed in a foreign country? Should we simply say, "Kasalanan nila 'yan!" and leave them to their fate? Or do we recognize that, as citizens of our country, they still deserve assistance, regardless of the circumstances?

The reality is that thousands of Filipinos are imprisoned abroad, many of them Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who left home seeking better opportunities. As of recent reports, 3,827 Filipinos are in jails across 52 countries, with about 58 on death row in 11 nations, mostly facing drug-related charges.

What Could the Philippine Government Do?

The Philippine government has existing mechanisms to assist its jailed citizens abroad:

  • The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has an Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) Fund with an annual allocation of ₱200 million to provide legal and financial aid.
  • The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) also has its AKSYON Fund dedicated to helping OFWs.
  • Since 1995, under Republic Act 8042 (Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act), the Legal Assistance Fund (LAF) was created to provide legal aid to Filipinos facing charges abroad.
  • The DFA has retainer lawyers in key Middle Eastern countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, and Qatar to represent detained Filipinos.

Yet, with these programs in place, why do we only hear about Filipinos on death row when it's already too late?

Are We Doing Enough?

Unlike other nations that actively intervene on behalf of their jailed citizens, our efforts often seem too little, too late. Other countries have established stronger legal aid units, regular jail visitations by consular officials, and even prisoner exchange programs that allow their citizens to serve sentences in their home country. Does the Philippines have such agreements? If not, why not?

Additionally, how updated is the DFA’s database of jailed Filipinos? While the government tracks those imprisoned, does this database include real-time updates on their cases? Who can access this information? More importantly, how can their families seek help if they are left in the dark?

Beyond Legal Assistance: Other Possible Support Measures

We must look beyond legal defense and consider other ways to help our imprisoned compatriots:

Mandatory Jail Visits – Filipino consuls and labor attachés should be obliged to check on the welfare of our imprisoned countrymen regularly. Ambassadors, under the "Country Team Approach," must be held accountable for their well-being.

Access to Medical Consultation – Filipino prisoners abroad should have teleconsultations with Filipino doctors to address their health concerns.

Community Support – There should be a system allowing fellow Filipinos abroad to visit or assist their compatriots in jail through official channels.

Support for Families Back Home – Families of detained OFWs face emotional and financial burdens. There should be government programs to assist them, including legal guidance, financial aid, and psychological support.

A Gold Standard for Migration Protection

The Philippines is globally recognized as a leader in migration protection, with other countries looking to learn from our policies. But we must practice what we preach and ensure that no Filipino is left alone and helpless in a foreign prison.

Instead of waiting for last-minute clemency appeals, our government must take proactive steps to provide consistent and transparent legal and humanitarian assistance to Filipinos behind bars.

Because at the end of the day, a Filipino—no matter where in the world—remains a Filipino. And that alone should be enough reason to help.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com

02-19-2025

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