To United States Of America,

We, the Filipinos who are currently seeking stable jobs and working in US Government Projects in Afghanistan write this open letter to you as a Free Nation and champion of Human Rights and Democracy that has made a name among its people and other nations in the world which has built up a progressive Democracy image.

We are writing this petition to counter act Philippine Government’s banning to Filipinos working with US Government Projects in Afghanistan and other war zone countries.  The banning is unjust for Filipinos who are seeking stable and protected jobs and that the same is a Violation of Human Rights for each Filipinos to make a choice without harming and violating Philippine Laws just like American Constituents who can work freely in any Jobs, Companies, Professions and Areas of their Choice.

That deployment ban should focus more on other Overseas Contract Workers who are working in non-restricted countries but behind the truth get abused, raped and maltreated.  These are domestic helpers, construction workers and other low income jobs hold by some Filipinos who always make up the news headlines.

We understand that the Philippines, as much as possible, is trying to put a stop on human trafficking that is very rampant on third-world countries hence, they are applying stringent measures in screening for its people who are leaving out of the country.  But this does not mean that people who got all necessary documentations from working overseas will also be barred from going out.  And because we are desperate enough to work abroad, we come to a point that we pay bribes at immigration officials to have smooth access on our departures. 

Mr. President, we are sick of poverty in our country.  All what we wanted is better life and we see it by working in US Government Projects in Afghanistan.  Most of our colleagues who were working in Afghanistan are now struggling to find decent jobs in Philippines.  Our government who is supposed to push us up in every of our endeavors are the one drowning us in the quagmire of poverty. 

Isn’t it a big slap on US government that the Philippines declaring all over Afghanistan including US Camps as unsafe places? It’s just like our country is undermining US capabilities to maintain peace and order or maybe the Philippine government is only trying to stay away from obligations to its constituents? 

Mr. President, we already did our best to convince our government officials to allow us to work legally in Afghanistan but still got unfavorable response.  In order for us to be eventually heard, we have decided to send you this petition so that it will come to your attention how hard we are fighting for this plight.  We know that as the Leader of the World, you can easily make things happen. 

Sir, indirectly, we entrust to you the bright future of our families and the country as a whole.

Thank you very much.

Desperately hoping,

Filipinos in Afghanistan