Labor Pains

I've seen the movie.
But this is not about giving birth...
I don't think I can write something about it nor will attempt to do one; I am not Thea and firing a pregnant woman is legal here in UAE.
Anyways, back to labor pains...
In Phils. May 1 is Labor day (I know this is 4 days overdue)...
Labor day is not being celebrated on a positive side, instead you can see big protests on streets; laborers begging for a wage increase... I haven't heard or seen any program or events that give recognition for the best employees or some inspiring activities to look forward on this National Day for Laborers.

I have 6 years experience working in Manila, before I became an OFW. I have felt these 'labor pains' too, working day and night (since I am in TV network), on call 24/7, just to received a decent pay LESS TAX and all other deductions which really kills the work force. 

15-20% of what you've worked for will be counted as tax which means, about 2-4 days (sometimes overnight) was allotted to - road construction, medical services, government leaders' salary (just to name some) etc etc.

Aside from these citizen's responsibility, there are also SSS, Health Insurance and Pag-Ibig deductions, which accumulate another approx. 10% of salary.

What's left with the workers are 70-75% of their income... which again, the 20% of that was paid to VAT...

Isn't that worst than actual labor pains???

While some average employees are 'just' satisfied with what they receive, majority are underpaid.
Underpaid in the sense that the salary wont really fit to have a decent living in Manila. Everything are costly... rents, gasoline, food, commodities. That is for single like me... I wonder how parents managed to survived and bring their kids to school...

Being an OFW, I enjoyed the privilege of being 'tax-free' in UAE. I received my salary exactly the same as what is written in my contract... no more, no less! And I am 100% insured (without paying extra for HealthCare). Shopping is more exciting without VAT!!!

All the benefits were given fairly. Government funds were distributed to improve the country, from construction, transportation and services...

If only Phil. government is not corrupt and rules were implemented... We can do better than the other countries. We have the best workers in the world.

OFWs are the key employees of big companies and institutions... From receptionists to accountants, from construction workers to engineers, nursing aides to specialized doctors... We are the nannies who devote ourselves to other's child... The caregivers who give love and time to elders... The silent partners of working parents, who manage other's home and families...

I belong to these workers... we are enjoying financial stability - - - away from home. People who chose to fly outside the country to give better lives to families back home...

It is just a matter of choice. Being home, pay tax and work forever or leave for sometime, earn more, come back and start business... or leave and migrate to other country.

Embarrasing but true... many Filipinos chose the 3rd option because they can no longer see a good future in Philippines... 

The upcoming May 10 Election is the make or break in Philippine government... hence, the result is not only in the hands of the people...

May our Lord God guide every Filipino in choosing the new leader and may it be a clean and honest election. God bless the Philippines!