Press Release
October 8, 2007

KIKO PRESSES DFA TO GET TO BOTTOM OF PINAY MURDER
CASE IN CANADA; PUSHES GOV'T FOR BETTER OFW BENEFITS

Following the murder of a 27-year-old Filipina maid in Canada, Senate Majority Leader Kiko Pangilinan today called on the Department of Foreign Affairs to swiftly intervene in the case's resolution, urging the government to channel its attention to long-term programs that will encourage OFWs to invest and stay in the country.

"It is disheartening, not to say sickening, how not a few hardworking Filipinos overseas meet this kind of fate, and that Philippine officials can only step in for them when, evidently, it is too late. Nagpapakahirap na nga sila para sa kanilang pamilya, tumutulong na nga sila sa pagpapalago ng ating ekonomiya, ganito pa ang sasapitin nila sa ibang bansa."

Police found the lifeless body of Jocelyn Dunluan last October 1, apparently murdered at the Doulton Place mansion, a posh home in Mississauga City.

Sen. Kiko said "the government should stop encouraging Filipinos to find work abroad. Instead, the government should think of long-term solutions such as creating more jobs and providing investment opportunities."

Kiko is the author of Senate Bill No. 1254 or the Overseas Filipino Investment Bill, which encourages Overseas Filipinos to save, invest and engage in business here in the Philippines.

"Given a choice, I don't think anyone would want to be separated from his/her loved ones. We are therefore pushing for incentives and benefits for our Overseas Filipinos (OF), to make it more viable for them to invest and engage in business here in the Philippines and make their savings work for them and their loved ones."

With an estimated $8B worth of remittances every year from OFWs, the Senator believes that there's a market that can be tapped to ensure that Filipinos abroad will have the chance to be reunited with their families.

"This will also help strengthen our economy," Kiko added.

Under the Overseas Filipino Investment Bill, OFWs may apply for certification from the Philippine Overseas and Employment Agency, the Overseas Workers' Welfare Administration (OWWA) or the Department of Foreign Affairs, to avail of savings and risk-free investment facilities, enjoy preferential benefits and privileges in availing funds from government financial institutions (such as the Land Bank of the Philippines, Development Bank of the Philippines, etc.), apply for tax exemptions, and tap Local Government Units for assistance, among others.

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