'Sex-for-fly' scheme in Kuwait for distressed overseas Filipino workers?

MANILA – Some embassy and labor officials in Kuwait are allegedly involved in the so-called "sex-for-fly" scheme in which distressed overseas Filipino workers are forced to have sex with them in exchange for a ticket home.

"First of all, I’m really enraged by this thing going on. We immediately put up an investigating panel, five people in it and we welcome the investigation started by Congressman [Walden] Bello," said Charge d’ Affaires Atty. Raul Dado.

The move of the embassy and the Philippine Overseas Labor Office-Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (POLO-OWWA) to create a five-man investigating panel was in response to Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello's call to probe the reported scheme. Bello is also the chairman of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs.

Labor Attache David Des Dicang condemns the reported scheme. He likewise appealed to alleged victims to come out and tell the truth.

"Kasama po ni Congressman Bello, kinokondena po namin itong mga balita na ito. At kung may katotohanan po ito, nanawagan po kami, lahat po ng mga complainants kung sinuman po sila, lumabas na po," said Dicang.

Victims already back in the Philippines are urged to file their complaints with the OWWA, the Department of Labor and Employment or with the Department of Foreign Affairs, while those still in Kuwait are also encouraged to report such incidents.

"Lumabas po kayo. Sabihin po ninyo ang totoo in the spirit of fairness and for the truth. Para malaman po natin ang totoo. Lumantad na po kayo para lumabas na po ang katotohanan at magawan po ng aksyon ang mga hinaing ninyo," he said.

The repatriation of distressed OFWs continues with the help from Kuwait immigration authorities. There are about 200 distressed OFWs temporarily staying at the Filipino Workers Resource Center in Kuwait.

"Nandito po kami para sa welfare at saka proteksyon ng mga OFWs, lalo na po yong mga alaga namin dito sa center. So kung may mga ganyang isyu po, willing naman po kami sa sinasabi nilang imbestigasyon, open naman po tayo doon because we will not condone such act," said Welfare Officer Norlita Lugtu.

The investigating panel vows to get to the bottom of the issue.

"I will personally make sure and use all my investigation skills to find out who this person is and to make him answer to the law to the fullest not only with an admin case but most especially with a criminal penalty of going to jail for this violation," said Dado.

(L-R) Charge d’ Affaires Atty. Raul Dado and Labor Attache David Des Dicang