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batoleyte.com
Saudi Arabia
703 Posts |
 Posted - 08/02/2007 : 19:05:06
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My Fellow Batohanons,
To all OFWs, friends and members of any organization or group,
please support us in this cause
1. visit this url : http://petition.patnubay.com/
2. Read and Sign the Petition Letter
3. Pass this info to fellow OFWs, Families and Friends.
Thanks and God bless you all,
TAS
http://www.anginyonglingkod.com
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batoleyte.com
Saudi Arabia
703 Posts |
Posted - 08/03/2007 : 12:58:11
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From: Foolish Heart [mailto:foolish_heart701@yahoo.com]
Sent: Friday, August 03, 2007 3:59 AM
To: Gloria_Montelibano@yahoo.com
Cc: ronnie.abeto@gmail.com; jespiritu@batoleyte.com; ellenesana@yahoo.com; mikebolos@yahoo.com; relle3232@yahoo.com; arnelcodera@yahoo.com; nunez.noel@gmail.com; a.sutarez@arasco.com; rolando@maaden.com.sa; jayebora@yahoo.com; alexasuncion@gmail.com; vicbarrazona@yahoo.com
Subject: RE: Masyado Tayong Magulo
Ms. Montelibano,
You said: "Mawalang galang na lang ho sa inyo, pakipasa na lang ito sa concerned
tungkol sa dollar exchange rate petition."
Mukha nga na wala kang galang.
Pinakinggan naman ang hiling mo na maipasa itong email mo sa concerned tungkol sa dollar exchange rate petition... kaya nakarating sa akin.
You said: "Alam nyo masyado nang magulo ang mundo pero hindi katulad ng gulo ng mga pilipino na wala ng katapusan."
Ano ba sa palagay mo ang ugat ng mga gulo ng Pilipinas at ng mga Filipino?
Ito ring email mo magulo ang mensahe at dumagdag pa sa gulo sa mundo.
By the way, kung ayaw mo ng gulo, doon ka sa sementeryo, tahimik ang mga tao doon.
You said: "Dapat nga matuwa kayo at strong na ang peso ..."
Natutuwa din naman ako at lumalakas na ang peso, pero bakit kaya hindi nararamdaman ng milyung-milyon mahihirap na filipino ang lakas ng peso. Bakit patuloy pa rin ang pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin?
Parang di naman dapat tayo lubusan na matuwa noh? Baka naman may idea ka kung bakit lumalakas ang peso pero humihina ang mahihirap dahil puro cup noodles na lang ang kinakain.
May idea ka ba kung bakit ganun?
You said: "... at ang dapat ninyong hilingin na proyekto ay ang integration plan."
Integration plan?
hmmm, baka naman reintegration plan?
You said: "Ang hirap sa atin puro na tayo mga mukhang pera. Hindi lang ang Pilipinas ang naghihirap sa buong mundo at lalo tayong maghihirap kung puro PERA na lang ang nasa utak natin."
Ikaw ba tuwing humaharap sa salamin ay nakikita mong mukha ka ng pera? Dollar or Euro?
Kung mukha ka ng pera ay huwag mo naman kami idamay. Matitinong tao ang mga may akda ng petition at hindi sila mga mukhang pera.
Meron sa kanila kamukha ni Rizal, Bonifacio, Mabini, Gabriela Silang... yun isa nga lang kamukha ni Bentong of Wowowee.
By the way, nasa banko sa Pilipinas ang pera ko at hindi sa utak ko.
You said: "Parang kayo lang ang nagreremit ng dolyar sa Pilipinas bakit kaming mga nasa Europe, America, etc. at hindi OFW wala bang karapatan sa mataas na halaga ng
dolyar?"
Saan ba location mo? Europe? America? or etc.?
Parang discriminatory naman ang tono mo dahil ba nasa middle east kami at OFW.
Ikaw lang naman siguro ang sumulat ng email na ito dami mo pa dinamay na imaginary networks mo.
May I remind you na ang mataas na halaga ng dolyar ay hindi pwedeng tawagin na karapatan gaya ng nasabi mo sa mensahe mo.
You said: "Ako natutuwa at naaayos ang kalagayan ng Pinas pero kung puro pangsarili ninyo ang iisipin ninyo, PAPUNTA NA TALAGA SA KABULUKAN ANG PILIPINAS."
Mukha nga natutuwa ka sa tono ng mensahe mo.
Maayos na nga ba talaga ang kalagayan ng Pinas? Maraming expert economists ang nagsasabi na hindi naman daw maayos ang kalagayan natin. Ano ang reference mo at nasabi mo yun?
Si madame Auring ka noh? aminin...
If you will do your own research, malalaman mo na hindi mapangsarili ang mga may akda ng petition at mga signatories. They are highly respected migrant advocates who are fighting for the rights and welfare of migrant filipinos.
Tutal marunong ka gumamit ng internet... I guess marunong ka din gumamit ng "Google" search engine. Do a random check ng ilang pangalan na nasa petition... you can have tons of infos and backround information ng mga taong inaakusahan mo.
type www.google.com sa web address field ng internet explorer mo, then type mo pangalan ng gusto mo search.
You said: "Hindi ang mataas na halaga ng dolyar ang solusyon sa problema natin. Ang solusyon baguhin na ninyo yang mga attitude ninyo at mga mentalidad. HINDI PURO PERA.......MANINDIGAN KAYO!"
Bakit naman kami lang ang dapat magbago ng attitude at mentalidad... bakit naman exempted ka? Ikaw ba ay isang ehemplo ng sambayanang Filipino na dapat gayahin?
MANINDIGAN? Ano na ba ang nagawa mo tungkol sa paninindigan?
Again mag-research ka tungkol sa may akda ng petition and do a random check of the names among the signatories... makikita mo yun paninindigan na sinasabi mo.
Just for curiousity, I did a Google search of your name and the result is given below:
Your search - "gloria montelibano" - did not match any documents
I just assumed na tahimik ka lang kumilos at walang nakakaalam na marami ka ng nagawa para sa kapwa mo at para sa Pilipinas.
Pero kung hindi ka interesado sa nasabing petition, dahan-dahan ka naman sa pagbitaw ng mga salita.
Sana matututo kang gumalang sa ginagawang pagkilos at ipinaglalaban ng kapwa mo filipino kahit na salungat ang opinion mo tungkol dito.
GLORIAAAA! Mag-isip muna bago mag-akusa na ang mga (overseas) Filipinos ay mga mukhang PERA!
-----Original Message-----
From: Joseph Henry B. Espiritu [mailto:jespiritu@batoleyte.com]
Sent: Friday, August 03, 2007 12:28 AM
To: 'Gloria_Montelibano@yahoo.com'
Cc: 'ronnie abeto'; 'ellenesana@yahoo.com'; 'mikebolos@yahoo.com'; 'relle3232@yahoo.com'; 'arnelcodera@yahoo.com'; 'nunez.noel@gmail.com'; 'a.sutarez@arasco.com'; 'jayebora@yahoo.com'; 'alexasuncion@gmail.com'; 'vicbarrazona@yahoo.com'
Subject: Re: Masyado Tayong Magulo
Maraming Salamat po sa iyong concern tungkol sa dollar to peso
Exchange rate. At personally, natutuwa ako na may isang pilipino
Na napaka-concerned at namamangha at nanindigan na naayos na
Ang kalagayan ng Pilipinas.
Maam, mawalang galang na rin po. Hindi po natin pwedeng ijudge or
Tawagin kahit anu-ano ang mga pasimuno sa petition letter na ito.
Una, wala silang tinapakan na kapwa sa petition letter na yan.
wala rin masakit na salitang binitawan para sa mga taong salungat
sa kanilang paniniwala (na katulad mo po).
Simple lang naman ang hiling ng petition letter,ang mapapakinggan
ang boses ng ofws, at kung agree ka sa pinagsusulat sa petition
letter na yan, ay magsign ka. Kung ayaw mo din, karapatan mo rin
yon at gagalangin po namin yon.
Sana lang po, pinagbigyan mo lang ng oras na basahin yong petition
letter at sana hindi po tataas ang alta-presyon nyo kaagad.dahil wala
ka talagang dapat ikakagalit dyan. Wala po kaming sinasaktan na kapwa.
Sino ba ang hindi natutuwa sa pagtaas ng value ng piso? Sino ba ang
hindi natutuwa na tumaas ang stock exchange. Pero sana rin po intindihin
nyo rin po ang kalagayan ng mga ofws na katulad ko. Maam maniniwala ka po,
nahihirapan po talaga kami, ang pamilya namin dahil hindi naman kami
kasing swerte nyo na nasa Europe, nasa america, at iba pa. Maliit
lang po ang sahod namin. Pero kahit ano pa man dahil sa dami naming
mga ofws ay nakakatulong pa rin kami sa pag-angat ng ekonomiya.
Hindi po kami mukhang pera, hangarin lang po namin na bigyan ng kunting
importansya ang kalagayan namin at protektahan kami sa mga sitwasyong
ganito na kami ay lubos na apektado.
Yong mga taong pasimuno sa cause na ito ay pesonal kung kailala, they
save many lives din sa mga distress workers dito. And nasasaktan po ako
na tatawagin mo silang mukhang pera dahil lang hindi ka sang-ayon sa
hiniling nila. Masakit po yon para sa akin dahil alam ko ang ginagawa
nila kung pagtulong sa ibang tao ang pag-uusapan
Pero salamat pa rin, at ginagalang ko po ang iyong opinyon. Kahit gaano
pa ito kasakit. Wala po akong karapatan na magagalit sa iyo or mainggit
man dahil nasa Europe ka at hindi ka ofw. Sa halip ay ipagdadasal ka
namin, at i-encourage ang lahat ng mga ofws na ipagdasal ka rin. Para
manatili kang matatag. After this email, I will do that and Ill read
a Psalm for you hanggang sa pagsikat ng araw.
God bless po sa yo and Take care po.
Tas
Psalm 109 Fanatic
-----Original Message-----
From: Gloria_Montelibano@yahoo.com [mailto:Gloria_Montelibano@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, August 02, 2007 11:39 PM
To: ail@anginyonglingkod.com
Subject: Masyado Tayong Magulo
Mawalang galang na lang ho sa inyo, pakipasa na lang ito sa concerned tungkol sa dollar exchange rate petition.
Alam nyo masyado nang magulo ang mundo pero hindi katulad ng gulo ng mga pilipino na wala ng katapusan. Dapat nga matuwa kayo at strong na ang peso at ang dapat ninyong hilingin na proyekto ay ang integration plan.
Ang hirap sa atin puro na tayo mga mukhang pera. Hindi lang ang Pilipinas ang naghihirap sa buong mundo at lalo tayong maghihirap kung puro PERA na lang ang nasa utak natin. Parang kayo lang ang nagreremit ng dolyar sa Pilipinas bakit kaming mga nasa Europe, America, etc. at hindi OFW wala bang karapatan sa mataas na halaga ng dolyar? Ako natutuwa at naaayos ang kalagayan ng Pinas pero kung puro pangsarili ninyo ang iisipin ninyo, PAPUNTA NA TALAGA SA KABULUKAN ANG PILIPINAS. Hindi ang mataas na halaga ng dolyar ang solusyon sa problema natin. Ang solusyon baguhin na ninyo yang mga attitude ninyo at mga mentalidad. HINDI PURO PERA.......MANINDIGAN KAYO!
-------------------------------------------
This message was sent by the AngInyongLingkod.com MailForm at http://anginyonglingkod.com
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SAG
Philippines
66 Posts |
Posted - 08/03/2007 : 20:34:31
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Hi TAS,
I read your Petition Letter dated August 1, 2007. I also understand that the fast-paced appreciation of the peso which significantly hurt OFWs earnings is one of your great concern.
In as much as I empathize with your cause I also want you to know that we too in the Philippines are experiencing the same concern. We can not feel the economic blessings our country is enjoying right now. Prices of basic commodities specifically Dairy products and petroleum products keep on rising. Our salaries and wages are still the same.
But on a lighter note, let me quote an article from one of local worker. I just want to share this with all of you so you'll have a better idea of what's going on in our country...
THE BETTER SIDE OF THE PHILIPPINES
The following was written by INTEL General Manager Robin Martin about the Philippines :
Filipinos (including the press, business people and myself) tend to dwell too much on the negative side, and this affects the perception of foreigners, even the ones who have lived here for a while. The negative perception of the Philippines is way disproportionate to reality when compared to countries like Columbia , Egypt , Middle East, Africa , etc.
Let us all help our country by balancing the negative with the positive especially when we talk to foreigners, whether based here or abroad. Looking back and comparing the Philippines today and 1995 (the year I came back), I was struck by how much our country has progressed physically.
Consider the following:
1. The great telecom infrastructure that we have now did not exist in 1995. 1995 was the year the telecom industry was deregulated. Since then billions of dollars have been invested in both fixed line and cellular networks producing a system with over 5,000 kms of fiber optic backbone at a world competitive cost. From a fixed line capacity of about 900,000 in 1995 we now have over 7 million. Cellular phones practically did not exist in 1995; now we have over 11 million line capacity.
2. The MRT, many of the EDSA flyovers (including the Ayala Avenue flyover), the SKYWAY, Rockwell and Glorietta 4, the Fort, NAIA terminal 2 and most of the new skyscrapers were not yet built in 1995.
3. If you drive to the provinces, you will notice that national roads are now of good quality (international quality asphalt roads). I just went to Iba, Zambales last week and I was impressed that even a not so frequently travelled road was of very good quality.
4. Philippine exports have increased by 600% over the past eight years. There are many, many more examples of progress over the last eight years. Philippine mangoes are now exported to the US and Europe .
Additional tidbits to make our people prouder:
1. INTEL has been in the Philippines for 28 years. The Philippines plant is where Intel's most advanced products are launched, including the Pentium IV. By the end of 2002, Philippine operations became Intel's biggest assembly and testing operations worldwide.
2. TEXAS INSTRUMENTS has been operating in Baguio for over 20 years. The Baguio plant is the largest producer of DSP chips in the world. DSP chips are the brains behind cellphones. TI's Baguio plant produces the chip that powers 100% of all NOKIA cellphones and 80% of Erickson cellphones in the world.
3. TOSHIBA laptops are produced in Santa Rosa , Laguna.
4. If you drive a BENZ, BMW, or a VOLVO, there is a good chance that the ABS system in your car was made in the Philippines .
5. TREND-MICRO, makers of one of the top anti virus software PC-Cillin (I may have mispelled this) develops its "cures" for viruses right here in Eastwood Libis, Quezon City . When a virus breaks in any computer system in the world, they try to find a solution within 45 minutes of finding the virus.
6 . Today a majority of the top ten U.S. Call Center firms in the U.S. have set up operations in the Philippines . This is one area in which I believe we are the best in the world in terms of value for money.
7. America Online (AOL) has 1,000 people in Clark answering 90% of AOL's global e-mail inquiries.
8. PROCTOR & GAMBLE has over 400 people right here in Makati (average age 23 years) doing back-up office work to their Asian operations including finance, accounting, Human Resources and payments processing.
9. Among many other things it does for its regional operations network in the Asia-Pacific region here in Manila , CITIBANK also does its global ATM programming locally.
10. This is the first year ever that the Philippines will be exporting cars in quantity courtesy of FORD Philippines. (I have an idea this article was written between 2001 - 2002, so this operation should have been on-going for the last 5 years or so. CYN)
11. The government is shedding off graft and corruption slowly but surely. This is the first time in our history that a former president is in jail and facing charges of plunder. Despite all odds, we are still pursuing the ill-gotten wealth of Marcos now enjoyed by his unrepentant heirs.
Next time you travel abroad and meet business associates tell them the good news. A big part of our problem is perception and one of the biggest battles can be won simply by believing and by making others believe. This message is shared by good citizens of the Philippines who persevere to hope and work for our country.
PLEASE PASS THIS ON TO OTHER FILIPINOS & NON-FILIPINOS AS WELL!!!
TAS,
I belong to NON-FILIPINOS - I am an Indio - a native of this archipelago. I too am eager to have a drastic change in our motherland (including its name). But the reality remains the same, that every month I have to give away Php30,000 to the government as income tax (withheld). That the remaining amount - my take home pay will again be subjected to 12% VAT to all the purchases made. Na kung mamalasin sa Kalye... Kukutungan ka pa ng mga Crocodiles in the street.
Pero kalimtan ko na lang ang mga frustrations ko, para sa inang bayan.
Sana ibigay sa inyo mga OFWs ang inyong mungkahi.
As for us factory workers, we can not get away with the with-holding tax imposed on us. All we hope as workers in this Lupang Hinirang, that the Gov't will be sincere in providing the basic services corresponding to the amount of money paid by every tax payer working in this country. And also, sana maubos na rin yong mga KAWATAN sa pera ng bayan.
Good Luck to you and the granting of your petition “Special Exchange Rate”.
Mabuhay kayong lahat.
SAG
Creating future Environment...today |
Edited by - SAG on 08/03/2007 20:41:38 |
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batoleyte.com
Saudi Arabia
703 Posts |
Posted - 08/03/2007 : 21:40:33
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Salamat nong,
actually ambitious ra kaayo na petition. ang part nako ana is to set-up the website. ang gusto nako is mapansin pod ming mga ofws na nagkahiusa mi karon, kaysa puro ra bolatik sa atong pinalaggang presidente ang atong madunggan. hero lagi kuno. unsaon na noon ni mamatay man ta sa pagkapasmo sa atong pagka-hero.
TAS |
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SAG
Philippines
66 Posts |
Posted - 08/04/2007 : 19:27:27
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Never say die...Gone are the days nila Rizal (balik na sab ko sa hot topic). Pwede man sab ta maging Hero without experiencing death to be recognized.
The Mangyans of Mindoro, Aetas of Luzon were able to protect and preserve their identity until the present time.
To cite example, our Mission Driven Work Team is responsible in filling the gaps - providing the necassary mothers' milk substitute to all infants deprived to drink mothers' milk for one reason or the other.
We are not advocating infant formula vs Breast feeding. We still believe that breast milk is best for babies.
But nowadays where mothers are too busy to lactate because of their work, at least we are here supplying the needed nutrition for babies.
We even supplied formula in lieu of the US milk brand recalled by BFAD recently due to food safety issue. I am pround to say, we are all Indio - native of the archepilago, in our team.
Thousands of tons of our products are shipped out to the Asia-Oceania-Africa region, like PH, ID, MY, KH, VN, TH, SG, UZ, ZA, MV, and soon we will supply the arab nations because our products are HALAL certified.
I consider my team members heroes in their own rights.
You too must strive to live and to survive because life is worth living... and a happy life for that matter.
Just live...survive and strive to be happy for the glory of your motherland - (name pending)
SAG
I am an Indio who just know how to surf the net... Creating future Environment...today |
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batoleyte.com
Saudi Arabia
703 Posts |
Posted - 08/04/2007 : 20:38:34
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nong,
It is good to hear na successful ka sa imong
pagnegosyo dinha.
Ask ko lang if you can employ some batohanons,
or basin naa nay mga batohanon na empleyado nimo
dinha sa imong company.
pwede ba pod mi makarecommend ug mga trabahante
nimo. for example kanang mga dh diri na gidimalas
tawon sa ilang mga employer.
Kind Regards,
joseph
Kung gusto ka magrelax, i suggest you may visit
Bay Spa, amigo nako ang tag-iya.
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SAG
Philippines
66 Posts |
Posted - 08/05/2007 : 14:18:55
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Send mo resume thru email, bisan scanned copy. Technical background is necessary. Muagi sila sa normal screening process. Walay palakasan.
If they will pass, they will join the #1 wellness company worldwide. A company that meets the need of the present without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their own need through sustainable development business strategies.
Mura pod ko may-ari ng company noh, hehehe. Alipin din ako dito...Aliping walang panginoon.
SAG
I am an Indio who just know how to surf the net... Creating future Environment...today |
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batoleyte.com
Saudi Arabia
703 Posts |
Posted - 08/07/2007 : 00:52:04
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OFWs in Saudi launch online petition for ‘special forex rate’
Source : http://www.gmanews.tv/story/54544/OFWs-in-Saudi-launch-online-petition-for-special-forex-rate
Because a stronger peso has weakened the value of foreign currencies they earn for their families, overseas Filipino workers based in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, have launched a campaign to secure from the Philippine government approval of a "special" foreign exchange rate for them.
Online news site Arab News (www.arabnews.com) reported Monday that a group of OFWs started an online petition addressed to President Arroyo.
The Arab News article was bylined by Romy Tangbawan.
In the petition, the OFWs sought a fixed 10-percent premium above the exchange rate prevailing in the market or a flat rate of 50 pesos to $1 be given to "legitimate" OFWs.
Once the peso reaches P50 to $1, the premium or flat rate shall be automatically lifted.
"The more signatures we get, the better so that our officials in Manila will listen," said Ronnie Abeto, one of the leaders of the V-Team – Advocacy and Community Service group that is spearheading the campaign.
Joseph Espiritu, one of the senior leaders of V-Team, said those who have access to the Internet may add their signatures at www.petition.patnubay.com. The petition can also be downloaded from the same site.
Abeto noted that as the government has readily offered to grant relief to Philippine exporters of goods, it should also give a little help to OFWs.
He added the government had offered to put up a $1-billion stabilization fund through the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) for exporters who complained of losses.
Abeto asked leaders of all OFW organizations, regardless of persuasion or calling, to print a copy of the petition being passed around by e-mail and help in the campaign.
In their letter, the group said the Philippines is an "exporter" of labor that "brings significant benefits to the economy."
"Unlike exporter of goods; the government spends only very minimal cost on us, if at all. If government can shell out some funds to benefit exporter of goods, surely they can do the same for more than 8.5 million OFWs and nearly 25 million family members back home," the letter said.
"Ito na ang pagkakataon nating magkaisa para pakinggan ng mga nasa poder sa Maynila ang boses natin (Here's a good chance for us to speak as one so that the powers-that-be in Manila will listen to us)," he said.
The OFWs said the peso's "rise" "certainly hurt our family's budget and the over-all spending power of OFWs."
"The extent of this reduction on OFW spending power caused by decreased remittances is magnified even more by the consequent rising of prices of commodities which ironically should have decreased, if not stabilized due to the strengthening of the peso. Now, not only our families suffer from decreased budget but also from increased prices," it said.
It added that while many OFWs are considering returning home due to the peso's strengthening, returning home for good "does not appear to be an attractive option either."
"Our life abroad and the life of our families back home gets harder with the continuing rise of the peso. Our families have to manage smaller budget against increased prices and we have to work longer hours and cut expenses to be able to remit more dollars. Our common goal for a shorter timeline of working away from loved ones has no doubt been lengthened. With the peso hovering around P44-P45 a dollar, it will now take us longer to achieve our plans of saving to build livelihood, if not impossible," the letter lamented.
The petition proposed that the government put up a stabilization fund similar to that conceived for exporters, and enter into a collective "Forward Contract or Currency Options" with financial institutions to shield future dollar remittances against sudden unfavorable peso appreciation while taking advantage of exchange rate movement that favors OFWs.
It also said OFWs would be willing to send representatives to a committee to draft the implementing guidelines or provide input.
"Our families have enough to suffer from us being detached from them. From the fear of letting time and distance tear us apart. From the fear of us coming home one day defeated. Do not allow those suffering be compounded by fear of us losing what we have sacrificed for because our dollar earnings is being dwarfed by an unjustifiably fast-paced and unrestrained peso appreciation," it said. - GMANews.TV |
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batoleyte.com
Saudi Arabia
703 Posts |
Posted - 08/07/2007 : 00:54:34
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Overseas Filipinos Launch Campaign for Special Foreign Exchange Rate
Romy Tangbawan, Arab News
Source : http://www.arabnews.com/?page=4§ion=0&article=99373&d=6&m=8&y=2007&pix=world.jpg&category=World
JEDDAH, 6 August 2007 — If you and your family are adversely affected by the drastic rise of the Philippine peso against the US dollar, here’s your chance to be heard in Manila: A petition letter for a special exchange rate for OFWs.
The letter is addressed to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and it will be delivered to Malacañang as soon as a substantial number of signatures are gathered, initiators of the campaign said.
“The more signatures we get, the better so that our officials in Manila will listen,” said Ronnie Abeto, one of the leaders of the V-Team – Advocacy and Community Service group that is spearheading the campaign.
He said that as the government has readily offered to grant relief to Philippine exporters of goods, there’s no reason not to give a little help to OFWs.
The government has offered to put up a $1 billion stabilization fund through the Development Bank of the Philippines for exporters of goods who complained of losses.
The letter also stressed the same point.
“After all, we are exporters of labor that brings significant benefits to the economy and unlike exporter of goods; the government spends only very minimal cost on us, if at all. If government can shell out some funds to benefit exporter of goods, surely they can do the same for more than 8.5million OFW and nearly 25 million family members back home,” it said.
Abeto asked leaders of every OFW organization, regardless of persuasion or calling, to print a copy of the petition being passed around by e-mail and explain to members the purpose of the campaign so that they may affix their signatures .
“Ito na ang pagkakataon nating magkaisa para pakinggan ng mga nasa poder sa Maynila ang boses natin (Here’s a good chance for us to speak as one so that the powers-that-be in Manila will listen to us),” he told Arab News.
Joseph Espiritu, one of the senior leaders of V-Team, said those who have access to the Internet may add their signatures at http://www.petition.patnubay.com. The petition can also be downloaded from the same site.
The Prayer
As sought by the letter, a fixed 10 percent premium above the exchange rate prevailing in the market or a flat rate of 50 pesos to $1 be given to “legitimate” OFWs. Once the peso reaches P50 to $1, the premium or flat rate shall be automatically lifted.
The letter explained that the peso’s rise from 56 to 45 versus the US dollar has caused substantial decrease in OFWs’ peso-equivalent earnings, which can be translated much like to a 20% reduction on salaries. “This reduction certainly hurt our family’s budget and the over-all spending power of OFWs,” it said.
“The extent of this reduction on OFW spending power caused by decreased remittances is magnified even more by the consequent rising of prices of commodities which ironically should have decreased, if not stabilized due to the strengthening of the peso. Now, not only our families suffer from decreased budget but also from increased prices,” it said.
The letter noted claims by surveys about the increase in total OFW remittances yearly being due to more and better job offers and better salary packages as a result of increased demand for Filipino workers abroad is only partly true.
“A big chunk of that increase is mainly because we have chosen to cut our personal expenses abroad and employ belt-tightening measures in order to send more dollars so that our remittance can cope up with the lower exchange rate.”
“A lot of us now are becoming constrained to give up our jobs and get back to our country because of the declining peso-equivalent of our remittances. We are concerned that the prospect of massive flight of OFW back home isn’t sustainable in the long run considering our vast number against the small number of jobs generated yearly,” it said.
Returning home for good, however, does not appear to be an attractive option either, considering the increasing number of jobseekers fighting for low-paying jobs, said the petition.
“In short note, our life abroad and the life of our families back home gets harder with the continuing rise of the peso. Our families have to manage smaller budget against increased prices and we have to work longer hours and cut expenses to be able to remit more dollars. Our common goal for a shorter timeline of working away from loved ones has no doubt been lengthened. With the peso hovering around P44-P45 a dollar, it will now take us longer to achieve our plans of saving to build livelihood, if not impossible,” the letter lamented.
Where to Source Funds
Noting that the special rate may entail costs, the petition letter proposed the following as source of funds:
• The government to put up a stabilization fund similar to that conceived for the exporter of goods.
• The government to enter into a collective “Forward Contract or Currency Options” with financial institutions in order to shield future dollar remittances against sudden unfavorable peso appreciation while taking advantage of exchange rate movement that favors OFW.
The petition said OFWs would be willing to send representatives to a committee to draft the implementing guidelines or provide input.
“We fully understand that this proposition for special rate may entail costs to the government, which could be material. But it is our position that these costs surely pales in comparison to the benefits we have hauled to the government in the past and the benefits it will get from us in the future,” said the letter.
It said this is the chance of the government to return the favor by giving them “relief to stabilize our earnings.”
While crediting President Arroyo for her government’s recent economic achievements, such as the spectacular 6.9 percent growth rate during the first quarter of the year, the highest in 17 years, the letter noted that these achievements have not translated into better life for OFW families.
“Our families have enough to suffer from us being detached from them. From the fear of letting time and distance tear us apart. From the fear of us coming home one day defeated. Do not allow those suffering be compounded by fear of us losing what we have sacrificed for because our dollar earnings is being dwarfed by an unjustifiably fast-paced and unrestrained peso appreciation,” the letter said.
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batoleyte.com
Saudi Arabia
703 Posts |
Posted - 08/07/2007 : 00:55:51
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BSP won't back 'special' forex rate for OFWs
Source : http://www.gmanews.tv/story/54638/BSP-wont-back-special-forex-rate-for-OFWs
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas is not likely to support the online petition started by overseas Filipino workers based in Jeddah calling for a “special" foreign exchange rate for them.
A group of OFWs, V-Team – Advocacy and Community Service, has launched an online campaign addressed to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, that if successful, will secure for “legitimate" OFWS a fixed 10-percent premium above the market’s peso-dollar exchange rate, or a flat rate of P50:$1.
“The BSP’s policy is to essentially let the market determine the exchange rate which has benefited from foreign exchange inflows," BSP Gov. Amado M. Tetangco Jr told GMANews.TV in a text message.
This means the central bank is not likely to interfere with the peso-dollar exchange rate.
Tetangco said that the BSP is aware that the peso’s strength has adversely affected both OFWS and their families, and even the export industry. He said that instead of interfering with the exchange rate, the government has instead set up measures to help sectors affected by the peso’s run-up against the dollar.
‘We are aware that the movements in the rate affect different sectors of the economy differently. We have implemented measures to smoothen sharp movements in the rate," Tetangco said.
“In our analysis, excessive volatility in the rate is more undesirable to a broader base of the economy than the absolute level of the exchange rate," he added.
The national government has created a $1-billion stabilization fund through the Development Bank of the Philippines to help the export industry cope with the steady rise of the peso. No such measure has been put in place for OFWs.
Leaders of the V-Team – Advocacy and Community Service said that should not be the case. OFWs have been considered as one of the main driving forces of the Philippine economy. Remittances from overseas Filipino workers reached P12.7 billion in 2006, their all-time highest level.
"Unlike exporter of goods; the government spends only very minimal cost on us, if at all. If government can shell out some funds to benefit exporter of goods, surely they can do the same for more than 8.5 million OFWs and nearly 25 million family members back home," V-Team said in its petition.
"Our life abroad and the life of our families back home gets harder with the continuing rise of the peso. Our families have to manage smaller budget against increased prices and we have to work longer hours and cut expenses to be able to remit more dollars. Our common goal for a shorter timeline of working away from loved ones has no doubt been lengthened. With the peso hovering around P44-P45 a dollar, it will now take us longer to achieve our plans of saving to build livelihood, if not impossible," the petition continued.
Joseph Espiritu, one of the senior leaders of V-Team, said those who have access to the Internet may add their signatures at www.petition.patnubay.com. The petition can also be downloaded from the same site.
"Ito na ang pagkakataon nating magkaisa para pakinggan ng mga nasa poder sa Maynila ang boses natin (Here's a good chance for us to speak as one so that the powers-that-be in Manila will listen to us)," Ronnie Abeto of the V-Team said. - GMANews.TV |
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batoleyte.com
Saudi Arabia
703 Posts |
Posted - 08/08/2007 : 04:04:16
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Lawmakers cool to 'special' forex rate proposal for OFWs
Lawmakers appeared cool to the proposal of giving a ‘special fixed foreign exchange rate’ for overseas Filipino workers, but they were one in saying that the sector deserves help in alleviating the effects of a strong peso against the US dollar.
Senator Benigno Aquino III, for one, said pegging the peso at P50 to the dollar would only mean ‘frying them in their own lard."
“Let’s say the exchange rate today is P45, and then we will fix it to P50 for the OFWs, where we will get the P5 difference? From government subsidy? Who is subsidizing the government now to keep its economy afloat? Isn’t it the OFWs through their remittances?" the neophyte senator pointed out.
Aquino said it would be “easier and doable" if government could give the OFWs tax breaks, exemption from paying airport fees and other charges.
To Aurora Rep. Juan Edgardo Angara, the proposal would be difficult to implement because the market dictates the exchange rate.
“Mahirap ding magbigay ng subsidy ang government kasi may fiscal deficit tayo. Siguro mas maganda tulungan sila (OFWs) ng government na mabayaran ang mga utang sa agencies like intervention siguro sa placement fees," Angara suggested.
Party-list Rep. Joel Villanueva of Citizens Battle Against Corruption (Cibac) said it would mean distorting the exchange rates that would have serious economic and financial implications.
He suggested that the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas and the Department of Finance (DoF) seriously study the proposal put forward by OFWs from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
“I empathize with our OFWs. I my self had once worked aboard and I genuinely feel the burden imposed upon them by the continuous decline in the dollar’s value against the peso. I encourage the DoF and BSP to consider the proposal. But I would have to remind them, both our OFWs and the finance department that other factors must be considered," he said.
Villanueva said OFWs and their families should be given discounts on goods and basic services, including tuition cuts.
Davao City Rep. Prospero Nograles, head of the House contingent to the bicameral Commission on Appointments, said the OFWs proposal smacks of a violation of the equal protection clause in the Constitution.
“We can’t do this (fixed rate) for a sector or class of people only and then different for others. The law must apply to all or none at all," Nograles said in text message.
Leaders of OFW groups in Saudi Arabia met in Riyadh over the weekend and discussed concerns involving the continuing strength of the peso versus the US dollar which translate to depreciation in their purchasing power.
At the end of the meeting, the OFWs came up with an online petition addressed to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo asking government’s intervention in the foreign exchange market, specifically seeking a fixed 10-percent premium above prevailing forex or a flat rate of 50 pesos to $1.
Once the peso reaches P50 to $1, the premium or flat rate shall be automatically lifted.
"The more signatures we can get, the better so that our officials in Manila will listen," said Ronnie Abeto, one of the leaders of the V-Team – Advocacy and Community Service group that is spearheading the campaign. - Fidel Jimenez, GMANews.TV
Source : http://www.gmanews.tv/story/54656/Lawmakers-cool-to-special-forex-rate-proposal-for-OFWs |
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batoleyte.com
Saudi Arabia
703 Posts |
Posted - 08/08/2007 : 04:05:43
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Again, I would like to ask your support my fellow batohanons
My Fellow Batohanons,
To all OFWs, friends and members of any organization or group,
please support us in this cause
1. visit this url : http://petition.patnubay.com/
2. Read and Sign the Petition Letter
3. Pass this info to fellow OFWs, Families and Friends. Distribute this wildly
Thanks and God bless you all,
TAS
http://www.anginyonglingkod.com
TAS |
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SAG
Philippines
66 Posts |
Posted - 08/10/2007 : 20:54:23
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I know the implication of your petition to the present economy, but because I empathize, there is no need to delay my signing on the said petition.
May the divine creator grant your request!
Mabuhay ang OFW!
SAG
I am an Indio who just know how to surf the net... Creating future Environment...today |
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batoleyte.com
Saudi Arabia
703 Posts |
Posted - 08/12/2007 : 02:28:48
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Thank you manong serge,
I would like to invite you all to visit the site ( http://petition.patnubay.com )once more..
para makahibalo mong tanan how things are going.. medyo brasohan na ni sya karon. naa na pod mga videos didto for people to understand what we are fighting for.
Kind Regards,
tas |
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batoleyte.com
Saudi Arabia
703 Posts |
Posted - 08/12/2007 : 02:30:39
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V-Team Statement Relating to Recent Unfavorable Comments (first posted in http://petition.patnubay.com ) :
We refuse to accept the recent commentaries by some political leaders indicating that our petition for special exchange rate or for a relief to stabilize our remittance is not doable because of various reasons, among which are its alleged violation to the equal protection clause of our constitution and its being against BSP policy to let the exchange rate determine its own course.
We refuse their biased comments on the following grounds:
First, how could it be that when we OFWs asks the government for relief or a special exchange rate through a stabilization fund or any measure to stabilize our earnings, it is called a violation of equal protection clause of our Constitution while it is not in the case of DBP putting up a $1billion stabilization fund for exporters?
Second, how could BSP say “they (BSP) will let the market determine the exchange rate” with regards OFWs remittances, indirectly saying we OFWs have to bear the consequences of the strong peso while at the same time protecting exporters with a stabilization fund?
If it is the government policy not to favor one sector over another, then why this stabilization fund for exporters and nothing for OFWs?
Granting that no relief is given to exporters, still it is our stand that the government has the obligation to protect our interest because it is us, the OFWs who keeps our economy afloat. This is a fact which the government itself accepts.
We launched our campaign with the aim of generating support from political leaders and to arouse creativity among them as we believe that our situation is not without remedy and deserves careful consideration.
Much to our dismay, our cause is once again exploited by grandstanding politicians and insensitive cabinet secretaries who know little or refuse to listen to our predicament. One of this is our very own Labor Secretary who is supposed to look after our welfare but instead negate our very right to be heard. Instead of giving (calculated) insights, they blurt out shallow commentaries which do not bespoke of ideals we have once seen from them or at least from their ancestors.
We don’t need political grandstanding. What we need is a sincere effort from these leaders to look into our situation.
We maintain our position that possibilities are there to come up with special exchange rate for us. We know that it is the issue of cost and funding that is critical. In that case we appeal to our economic managers in the government for a little brainwork. If the government readily coughed up $1billion for exporters, surely they can formulate some measure for OFWs. Our contribution to the economy is so huge that it will far outweigh any costs.
On a side note, while we sympathize with the passion of some OFWs to resort to radical moves like cutting remittances, we deem it not necessary at this time as we have strong arguments and facts to support that what we are asking is indeed doable.
We will push for this campaign with much muscle we can gather. The more the government refuses us and the more shallow comments we get from politicians and other government officials, the more OFWs around the globe realizes how we stand to the government, it’s the harsh truth of being “Bagong Bayani”.
OFW Task Force “Special Exchange Rate”
Date : August 12, 2007
Feautured Video : Pangakong Napako - The Joselito Alejo Story - http://petition.patnubay.com
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SAG
Philippines
66 Posts |
Posted - 08/17/2007 : 23:11:55
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It seems your prayers are partly answered. There are several factors affecting the exchange rate.
Peso resumes slide, hits 3-mo low vs dollar on credit worry
Thomson Financial
Last updated 09:31pm (Mla time) 08/17/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE) The peso lost more ground in early trade Friday, hitting three-month lows against the US dollar as global investors stay away from emerging markets due to lingering concerns about the US housing and credit markets.
The peso quickly fell to P46.88 to the dollar after opening at P46.70 -- a level that had prompted the Philippine central bank to add more than usual liquidity yesterday in its regular money market operations.
As of 4:08 p.m. Friday, the peso closed at P46.85 to the dollar.
On Thursday the local currency closed at P46.43 to the dollar.
"Market players will continue to take their lead from international developments. More risk aversion should see a higher dollar versus the peso," a trader with a local commercial bank said.
"However, should risk aversion wane, the peso should get a boost as the Philippine economy remains fundamentally sound," he said.
"People are still taking a defensive position and given that, I think there's room for a further slide to the 47 (to the dollar) levels," Jonathan Ravelas, a market strategist at Banco de Oro-EPCI Inc., said. -- Enrico dela Cruz
SAG
I am an Indio who just know how to surf the net... Creating future Environment...today |
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Please Support us (OFWs)
