President Rodrigo Duterte made an appeal to local officials in Iloilo City, citing the supposed refusal of returning OFWs stranded Manila. “I do not want to quarrel with the mayors but they took the warning nonchalant.” 

According to Mr. President Duterte, “I’m sure the City of Iloilo, di ninyo tinanggap yung mga OFW. Mayor, nakikiusap ako sainyo na sundin lang ninyo yung guidelines. I will operate through the DILG kasi it’s either sumunod kayo or I will impose it on you.” 

Mayor Treñas made it clear, he will only bar the entry of ships transporting returning OFWs to Iloilo City if concerned agencies CONTINUE TO FAIL to COORDINATE with the Iloilo City government and that he will not allow any dock in the port of Iloilo City “WITHOUT PROPER CONSENT.” 

“Importante lang na the returning workers who labored abroad (and) gave us also their share of their income with us. Kaya iyang remittances ng dollar is one of the pillars ng ating economy. We do not want to repay them with this type of behavior,” Duterte added. 

However, President Duterte will be giving a PHP30,000 cash prize to those who will report local officials involved in corrupting funds intended for the Social Amelioration Program (SAP). 

Related Article: President Duterte Gives PHP30,000 cash prize to those who will report local officials involved in corrupting funds for Social Amelioration Program (SAP)

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