HK labor exec probed for ‘maltreating’ OFW

The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) has formed a fact-finding committee to conduct an investigation into the case of a Filipina household service worker who was allegedly subjected to verbal abuse by Romulo Salud, the labor attaché currently posted in Hong Kong.

According to Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, the fact-finding committee will submit to her a report three days after concluding its investigation.

Reports claimed that Salud verbally abused and was arrogant to OFW Agnes Tenorio

when she approached the labor attache to seek assistance regarding her problem with her employer.

Tenorio, a first-time domestic worker in Hong Kong, sought the help of the Philippine Consulate General last Sept. 29 after her contract was illegally terminated by her employer barely two hours after she arrived at her employer’s house.

“Labor attaché Salud will be required to submit himself to the investigation to explain his side. That is part of the due process,” Baldoz said.

The Labor chief assured the public that the DoLE is taking the matter very seriously, including future complaints against any DoLE official or employee.

“We will act on complaints with dispatch, fairness and transparency in accordance with the governance reforms initiated by President Aquino,” Baldoz said, adding, “we will ensure that DoLE officials and personnel abide by ethical standards for excellence in public service.”

Dolores Balladares, chairperson UNIFIL-Migrante-HK, charged that Salud “has insulted, neglected and aggrieved OFWs one time too many and must be recalled from his post. We call on the Philippine government to finally make accountable officials who have done misconducts and have showcased their disregard of the rights and wellbeing of Filipino migrant workers. Neglect and transgressions on the rights of OFWs with impunity must stop.”

Migrante International secretary general Gina Esguerra, in a statement, noted that Tenorio’s case is one of the “numerous complaints against labor attaches, embassy officials and personnel but sadly none have been sanctioned.”

“What they do when the complaints become resounding is either they transfer them back to the Philippines or to another post,” she added. Mina Diaz and PNA