Workers' Congress Held in Japan

The Kapisanan ng Migranteng Pilipino sa Japan (KAMPI), a network of Filipino organizations and individuals in Japan chaired by Zenaida Ta-a, organized a congress for Filipino workers in Tokyo from Nov. 24 to 25. Philippine Vice-President and Foreign Affairs Secretary Teofisto Guingona, Undersecretary Merlin Magallona, Philippine Ambassador to Japan Domingo Siazon Jr. and International Labor Organization and Philippine Embassy officials attended the launching project.

The stated mission of this event was to enhance the capability of Filipino migrant workers in dealing with their economic and social problems in the countries where they are employed; to maximize the productive mobilization of their savings and encourage them to participate in the capital-formation of the country; to organize cultural advancement programs; and to make effective their right to vote as Filipino citizens in their countries of employment.

During the event, the idea of a 100-dollar bond for overseas workers, which will give them life insurance coverage as well as other benefits, was floated by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Acting as secretariat of the congress is the Maryknoll Philippine Center, which is a special desk that offers services to Filipinos such as marital counseling, referrals on legal, health and labor problems, detention and prison ministry and free computer lessons.

On November 19, the "1st Japan-Philippines Legal Forum on Filipino Migrants" was held in Akabane, Tokyo, led by then Dean Merlin Magallona of the College of Law of the University of the Philippines, U.P. Law professors, Japanese lawyers and Philippine Embassy officials to address the legal problems of Filipinos in Japan.*

The Saitama Filipino Community held their thanksgiving bowling tournament on November 4 at Bowlex, Irumashi, Saitama to strengthen the spirit of cooperation, unity and sportsmanship among Filipinos in Saitama and Kanto areas. The Forex-Feranha Team (above photo) emerged as Champion, followed by the Hibari and Shiki Bowlers teams as first and second runners up, respectively. Mark Cefre (second from right) hosted the event, while Philippines Today gave free international telephone cards and discounts for door-to-door delivery as one of the sponsors. In behalf of the organization, prexy Avelino "Mhar" Lucas expressed his thanks and gratitude to all those who participated and supported the event. The other officers of the Saitama Filipino Community are Toti de Vega and Michael Dilag (VPs), Ryuichi Tomita and Dhories de Guzman (Secretaries), Alex Maralit and Sheryl de Guzman (Treasurers), Edwin Mapoy and Tetsuya Kondo (PROs), Edmundo Ramiro and Melanie San Miguel (Auditors), Panchito Monjiyama and Fely Besana (Advisers).

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Labor Attache Pushes for Filipinos' Voting Rights

Labor Attache Rey Regalado who has recently re-assumed the post in Tokyo is fighting to give overseas Filipinos franchise, making this the centerpiece agenda of his office.

In late November, he met with members of the Senate Committee on Constitutional Amendments and Revision of Codes and Laws to present the specific concerns of Filipinos in Japan. According to the Bureau of Immigration statistics, there are presently 100,000 registered and 32,000 to 35,000 undocumented Filipinos in Japan.

A key area of concern is the electoral mechanics, according to Regalado, especially on the issue of grant of franchise to the informal sector. Another thorny issue is the determination of citizenship, as well as the scope of their franchise. Regalado expresses hope that the various bills now being filed in both the House and Senate will be consolidated to give overseas workers the right to vote for national positions and party list representatives. *

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