Can the law protect us?

It had become so normal that Filipinos coming to China to work are subjected to conditions that are unconstitutional and at times even inhuman. This has nothing to do with the Chinese government's human rights record. That, I believe, is too subjective a topic even for the long-timers. What I am suggesting is the Filipinos' unawareness of the Contract Labor Law.

I received an email with a document attachment from the Honorable Second Secretary and Consul of the Philippine Embassy in Beijing applauding my mention in an earlier post suggesting that we "keep our passports in our persons and any company does not have the right to keep it". Surely, any institutions employing Filipinos play on our ignorance and unawareness, or just plain exhibit their distrusts on our employment. What? Are we really ready to bolt and leave them hanging? In some instances, yes. I've heard of such stories, so it affects every single one of us.

I've sent this email to the Pinoys sa China mailing list in Yahoo!Groups with the hopes that our subscribers would be more aware that the law can protect us.

In another development, Mr. Ronaldo dela Cruz Pertez had indeed violated the law through his company's deceit. It is so sad to hear stories like this but until we can mature to a point that we have responsibilities and obligations to fulfil, and we must fulfil them, there are people around seeking to take advantage of our naivety. Can his company be held responsible? Maybe, maybe not. I am not in the position to hand down a judgment, but I feel strongly that Mr. Pertez should write a testimonial and send it to the Philippine Embassy. Perhaps, nothing much can be done but at least, other Filipinos will hear about this company and maybe, even stir away from any involvement.

I am just glad that another group of Filipinos are working on Mr. Pertez's hasty deportation. That may sound bad but it is the better solution between the rock and the hard place.