The groups Migrante Philippines, Samahan ng mga DH sa Gitnang Silangan (SANDIGAN, or Association of DHs in the Middle East), Concerned Seafarers of the Philippines, and National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) announced on November 25 the establishment of the MALETA Network or Returned Migrants, Advocates and Loved Ones Engaged in Transparency and Accountability, an alliance of migrants and their families against corruption.
According to the Maleta Network, around 8,000 Filipino workers leave the Philippines every day to seek their fortunes abroad. A total of about 15 million migrants work in the Middle East, US, Europe, Australia, and Asia. In 2024, the total remittances they sent reached $38.34 billion.
However, even before leaving the country, a migrant must complete and pay for numerous prerequisites. These include NBI, police clearance, birth certificate, passport, medical, placement fee, SSS, PAG-IBIG, Philhealth, and OWWA membership fee. The privatization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport has also become an additional burden, resulting in higher airport fees, according to the alliance.
Amid numerous fees paid, migrants receive minimal or almost no services and protection against abuse and violence abroad. Migrants are called heroes. Yet, in times of danger, they have to beg government agencies for help or rescue.
Worse, the funds allocated for the protection and services of migrants and their families end up in the pockets of the elite.
According to the alliance, it is time to stand up and oppose the widespread corruption in the government. Hold everyone involved accountable, and recover all stolen public funds. They called on fellow migrants and their relatives to join the national anti-corruption action on November 30 at Luneta Park.
