Senators mourn ‘true champion of OFWs’ Ople’s passing

Senators on Tuesday mourned the passing of Migrant Workers Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople, who was known for dedicating her life to championing the welfare of the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

During the Senate session, Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri praised Ople for her “big heart” for Filipino migrant workers.

“Today is a sad day for all our laborers and OFWs on the death of our dear friend, not just to me, but to the Filipino people, Secretary Toots Ople. She was a wonderful woman with a big heart for our OFWs. We pray for her family and for the eternal peace and rest of her soul,” he said.

In a separate statement, Zubiri also honored Ople for proving that true leadership was “about kindness and compassion” which the latter showed by “dedicating her life and career to the least privileged and the least heard.”

“Sec. Ople’s passing leaves an irreplaceable void, but one that we will strive to fill with the same remarkable warmth, conviction, and passion that she had in life. In her honor, we will continue the great gains she has made to protect and uplift our migrant workers and all of our laborers,” he said.

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, who sponsored the law which created the Department of Migrant Workers, mourned the passing of his kababayan, which also came after the death of Ople’s two brothers.

“It’s not just the loss for the province of Bulacan, but also this nation. When we passed DMW, you and I know very well the first person on our minds then to head that department is no other than Secretary Toots Ople. So when she was chosen wala ni isang nagtaas ng kilay o nag-question bilang secretary ng DMW,” Villanueva manifested during the session.

Senator Risa Hontiveros issued a statement lauding Ople for dedicating herself wholeheartedly to the welfare and well-being of the OFWs.

“Her work extended far beyond the call of duty, as she tirelessly advocated for fair labor practices, better working conditions, and the protection of the rights of OFWs. She has always welcomed our office’s efforts in rescuing our kababayans who were victims of human trafficking,” she said.

“She bravely stepped up to help OFWs in need. She was a refuge for women workers who were experiencing abuse in foreign countries. She was at the forefront of the war against modern slavery. She was loving and full of faith,” she added.

For Hontiveros, Ople was a “beacon of compassion and a true champion of OFWs.”

Senate Labor and Employment Committee Chairperson Jinggoy Estrada, likewise lamented the passing of the DMW Secretary, who devoted her life to aiding OFWs and played a crucial role in bringing government's attention to several issues.

He mentioned Ople’s vital role in raising issues such as the "laglag bala scheme", the opening of balikbayan boxes, and extortion schemes at NAIA.

Estrada likewise acknowledge Ople for securing the release of a Filipino seafarer who was held captive by Somalian pirates for three years, as well as two others who were held hostage in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Senator Francis Escudero also extended his condolences to the family of Ople who was the goddaughter of his father, the late Agriculture Secretary Salvador Escudero.

As the first secretary of the DMW, Escudero said Ople’s accomplishments were remarkable even for the very short period of time when she led the department. Her successor had big shoes to fill. — DVM, GMA Integrated News