CBCP official says: No lack of jobs in PH, Filipino workers are just not being given priority

Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos, chairman of the CBCP Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People / Photo from CBCP News

Manila, Philippines – A Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People official believes that lack of jobs in the country was because Filipinos are not prioritized, not that they could not find work.

“It is not true that there are no jobs here. It is because Filipinos are not prioritized. Our local jobs are being given to others,” Balanga Bishop Ruperto Santos said in a statement on Sunday

As proof, the Bishop cited 400,000 Alien Employment Permits (AEPs) and 180,000 Special Working Permits (SWPs) that were reportedly issued to foreigners by DOLE and the Immigration.

“This is why I believe there is no truth to the statement of some government officials that Filipino workers are not qualified for the jobs,” he said

The prelate also took the opportunity to laud the hard work of our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) which is for him in contrast to what special envoy to China Ramon Tulfo said that Filipinos are “lazy.”

“There is no OFW that is lazy and idle. They always work hard. They work with all their heart, skills, and abilities. They learn easily. They follow orders well. They are open to criticisms,” Santos said

“Our OFWs not only help their families and relatives by sending their balikbayan boxes containing food, clothes, and other items. They are also helping our economy,” he also said

“And during times of calamities, our OFWs are one and help one another. Our modern day heroes are naturally helpful,” he added.

Source: Manila Bulletin