President Duterte Threatens to Stop Filipina Maids in the Middle East
On a sweltering January day, Rodrigo Duterte made headlines by saying he’d “ban” Filipino domestic workers from heading to the Gulf, after heartbreakingly hearing about a Filipina’s tragic fate in Kuwait. He didn’t want any more of his countrymen suffering in unfamiliar lands.
Why the Bans?
- Rape & Suicide – Reports of a Filipina maid being sexually assaulted and subsequently taking her life, forced Duterte to act.
- Widespread Abuse – Over‑work, under‑payment, and often outright exploitation have plagued Philippine workers.
- Global Message – The president wants the world to know that Filipino families don’t just hand over money for a paycheck; they hand over their lives.
What the President Said
During a brief phone call before boarding for India, Duterte said, “I’m going to stop – I’m going to ban Filipinos from working there. All our people in Kuwait can go home.” He was “visibly angry” and openly declared his disappointment at the status quo in the Gulf.
His Conversation with Diplomats
Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano explained that Duterte’s move was reaction‑time, spurred by recent abuse reports. He added, “Kuwait and Philippine diplomats met on both sides to discuss the issue. They expressed surprise at our immediate ban. We’re sending a strong message worldwide.”
The Numbers
- 200,000 Filipino workers in Kuwait alone.
- 10 million overseas Filipinos, with Middle‑East countries being the top destinations.
Bottom Line
Duterte’s stern stance reflects a growing concern about the treatment of Filipino overseas workers. One might say it’s a plea: don’t let our brothers and sisters be treated as bargaining chips. They deserve dignity, a living wage, and—most importantly—a respectful life.