China has no control with the employment of the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) based in Taiwan as the latter is acting independently in hiring foreign workers, according to the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) on Monday.
MECO chairman Silvestre Bello III made the remark after Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian said that if the Philippines cared for the OFWs in Taiwan, it should oppose Taiwan independence rather than giving the United States access to its military facilities near the Taiwan strait.
Bello, who was the former Labor Secretary, clarified that there are almost 200,000 OFWs who are currently in Taiwan, and their welfare and interest there are all “well-protected.”
He said Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor is even coordinating with the Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers to hire more Filipino teachers and hospitality workers, and even fishermen and farmers.
“Very independent (Taiwan). China definitely has nothing to do with the employment of our overseas Filipino workers,” Bello said in an ANC interview.