The Taiwanese government has rejected the request from the Philippines Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) to deport an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) for posting messages critical of President Rodrigo Duterte.
DOLE previously accused the Filipina of cyberlibel for “willful posting of nasty and malevolent materials against President Duterte on Facebook intended to cause hatred amidst the global health crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.”
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Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it is willing to coordinate with the Philippines regarding the issue but a formal request for mutual legal assistance through diplomatic channels must first be made. Otherwise, Taiwan is firm in giving its foreign workers “citizen treatment.”
This means that their rights and interests are “protected by relevant laws and regulations, including freedom of speech, which should be respected by governments of all countries.”
The Foreign Ministry emphasized that “no person or institution, in this case, has the right to pressure her, her employer, or broker, nor shall she be deported without consultations held between both governments.”
Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque has denied Malacañang’s involvement in any requests to deport the OFW.
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