They Want Justice

Update: 68 of the 137 drivers still in limbo

For sure you have heard of the 137 stranded bus drivers in UAE.  Right?

They went to Dubai with the hope of  giving their families a better future, they took the risk, quit their regular jobs in the Philippines,  borrowed money and off they go. Well, they did arrived at Dubai…. sans the job. Now they are broke and in debt.

According to these drivers, CYM, their recruiter, offered them  job as drivers for  $1,500 a month. Each of them gave the agency 10,000 pesos for the “processing fee” and the agency also asked them  to secure a 150,000-peso loan from a lending agency recommended by them. These drivers also claimed that they’re made to  sign undated cheques worth 405,000 pesos addressed to a bank and the lending agency, payable in 15 months.

In Dubai, they were housed in a building beside a garbage dump. Without food, they either rely on the kindhearted Filipinos or scavenged for tomatoes in the area to serve as “ulam”. Even though the job is a hoax, now they are being pressured to pay the lending agency.

In contrast to  the political ad of Manny Villar, when these drivers approached him for help they were advised to just go to  POEA.

It’s good that Blas Ople Policy Center stepped in. Thanks to Susan Ople, it’s President.

Blas Ople Policy Center is a non-government organization engaged in the fight against human trafficking and illegal recruitment. The center is on the lead to bring justice to these drivers. Among others, Blas Ople Policy Center filed a class suite against the alleged perpetrators,  CYM International, RJJ Lacaba Financing Company, Asian United Bank, Paramount Life and General Insurance Corporation, HQR Technical Insurance. The center also requested POEA, Congress and Senate to investigate this incident.

Now, how can we help?

• Spread the news– make your relatives, friends and neighbor aware of the risks of applying abroad. Video below will help.

• If you are an employer, or knows someone who need a driver, please refer them.
• If you are a lawyer or banker, your services to assist them get out of debt will be of great help
• Blog about this.