DILG tells LGUs to accept OFWs

Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año warned local government chief executives against refusing overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) that were sent home from Metro Manila.

“Huwag na huwag tatanggihan. Sa mga local government units na masyadong mahigpit at lumalabag na sa ating panuntunan, I am warning you na stop niyo ‘yan (Never refuse them. I am warning LGUs who are too strict and are violating guidelines, stop it) ,” Año said.

He added that LGUs should not use their zero COVID-19 case status as an excuse for refusing returning OFWs. He further said such an act violates the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act and the directives of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“I myself make it sure na hahamunin ko kayo sapagkat hindi ‘yan in accordance sa Bayanihan Act at sa pinag-uutos ng ating mahal na pangulo. We will make sure na uuwi ‘yan sila (I myself will make sure that I will challenge you as refusal is not in accordance with the Bayanihan act and with the president’s orders),” he said.

Año assured LGUs that the OFWs allowed by the national government to go home have tested negative for COVID-19 and have secured quarantine clearances from the Department of Health (DOH).

Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez made online noise on Monday as he criticized the national government over lack of coordination on the Balik Probinsya program.

Gomez said he was surprised by the number of arrivals under the program. He said his government has been strictly enforcing checkpoints to keep his city COVID-19 free.

Año said he has already talked with Gomez and claimed that the mayor received wrong information about the program. He however said the DILG’s mandate for LGUs on the Balik Probinsya program was already cleared with Gomez.

He said the case of Gomez is an isolated one.