Ping asks: Can China deport OFW in Taiwan?

Can China deport an overseas Filipino worker based in Taiwan?

Sen. Panfilo Lacson raised this question on Saturday after Taiwan rejected presidential spokesman Harry Roque Jr.’s remark that Taiwan is part of Mainland China.

“International law 101: Can China deport a Filipino OFW in Taiwan?” Lacson said in a post on his Twitter account (https://twitter.com/iampinglacson/status/1256356021225656321).

Last April, the Department of Labor and Employment said the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Taichung, Taiwan sought to have OFW Elanel Ordidor deported for cyber-libel.

The DOLE said the POLO coordinated with her broker and employer on her deportation, but Taiwan refused to deport her, saying foreign workers are protected by Taiwan laws.

Roque, in an interview on ANC, said the Philippines will leave the matter “wholly to the jurisdiction of Taiwan and China,” adding “Taiwan is part of China.”

The Philippines adheres to the One China policy where it maintains diplomatic ties with Beijing and only economic ties with Taipei. The policy considers Taiwan part of China.

But Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected Roque’s claim, with MOFA spokeswoman Joanne Ou saying “China has never ruled Taiwan for one day, and only the popularly elected Taiwan government can represent the country’s 23 million people internationally.”

For his part, Manila Economic and Cultural Office chairman Angelito Banayo said he has not received any instruction from Manila to arrange for Ordidor’s deportation.

Banayo also apologized for the DOLE’s statement, and urged Roque to be more careful in making statements.

Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)