Vice President Sara Duterte said that the Office of the Vice President (OVP) is ready to help Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who decide to come home instead of staying in jobs where they suffer from abuse or unfair treatment.
She made this statement during her visit to the Filipino community in Kuwait last week before flying back to the Philippines.
A Story of Mistreatment
Sara shared a personal story: one of their helpers at home returned from abroad because her employer in Kuwait did not even provide meals.
With emotion in her voice, the Vice President told the OFWs:
👉 “Do not trade your dignity as a person. That kind of treatment is inhumane.”
She urged them:
👉 “If you face this kind of abuse, just come back to the Philippines. Let’s talk at the Office of the Vice President about how we can help.”
Why OFWs’ Voices Matter
During her gathering with the Filipino community in Kuwait, Sara reminded OFWs that their input is important. She explained that since OFWs live and work in many parts of the world, they have seen the best practices abroad—things that are sometimes missing in the Philippines.
By sharing these ideas, she said, they can help improve the country.
The Bigger Picture: Duterte’s Legal Battle
After her Kuwait trip, Sara’s office also mentioned that the Vice President would continue working on the release of her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained at the International Criminal Court (ICC) detention facility in The Hague.
The elder Duterte faces charges of crimes against humanity linked to his war on drugs during his time as mayor of Davao City and later, as President of the Philippines.
Last month, the ICC allowed Duterte’s legal team to suspend the tribunal’s ruling on his interim release request until his defense lawyers complete all supporting documents.
What This Means
Sara’s message is clear:
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For OFWs, she says dignity and safety should never be sacrificed, and the OVP is open to help those who choose to come home.
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For her father’s case, she continues to fight alongside his defense team in hopes of securing his release.
This shows the Vice President juggling two major battles: protecting OFWs abroad and standing by her father amid international trial drama.
