Overseas Filipino workers return after Saudi amnesty

By Roy Ramos

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (AA) - President Rodrigo Duterte wrapped up his visit to three Middle East countries, where he was able to secure amnesty for undocumented 150 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

In his arrival speech in capital of Manila, Duterte said he was overwhelmed by the warm reception from crowds of Filipinos, who met him during his visit to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatar.

Duterte said leaders of the three nations were more than willing to help Filipinos there.

A total of 150 undocumented OFWs, who were granted amnesty by the Saudi Arabia’s government arrived in the Philippines the same time as Duterte early Monday and received monetary assistance from the president.

He said that he got 76 percent of the OFW vote in Qatar in the May 2016 election.

"Really, I felt like kneeling down. Thank you for helping the country. Your help to the country is so significant. Your remittances, that keeps us afloat. During the years of crisis, remittances buoyed the economy," the president said.

He said the government is spending billions on livelihood programs for OFWs intent on learning a new trade.