MANILA -- One of the country's focus at the 73rd United Nations General Assembly is to champion migration, Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said Monday.
The official left for New York to attend the event and hold bilateral talks with 10 to 13 countries on the sidelines.
With around 10 million Filipinos abroad, Cayetano underscored the importance of giving an input on the benefit of a Global Compact on Migration (GCM) "since (the Philippines) is rich in both good and bad experience."
Philippines is a leading country in the promotion of the GCM, which is expected to be adopted in Marrakesh, Morocco in December 2018 after its final text was approved by the UN in July 2018.
Cayetano said the subject will be discussed during a side event at the UN General Assembly.
"Basically, the GCM is a migrant-centered agreement. It contains provisions and framework for respect and protection of human rights as its underlying framework. International cooperation and shared responsibilities of the states are key to the success of the GCM," he said. "We are pushing for it."
The official did not disclose the list of the delegation's expected at bilateral talks, but noted that issues on security and overseas Filipino workers will be discussed.
"We will have at least 10 to 13 bilateral talks on the issues of our overseas Filipino workers, labor, economic opportunities here, and security."
Meanwhile, when asked to comment on the Trump administration's proposal to impose stricter rules for immigrants applying for green cards or visas, Cayetano said the issue lies "purely" in the host country.
But in case a Filipino citizen may seek help, the Philippine embassy in Washington was instructed "to assist."
On the other hand, he said the main goal of the GCM is to discuss such migration issues.
"Having said that, that's why we are pushing for a Global Compact on Migration because there are pendulum swings," he said, citing instances when a country would hire a foreigner to the point of "brain drain" in his/her country of origin, and at the same time, easily impose strict policies when problems arise.
Lead negotiators of the GCM, including Manila, hurdled opposition from several Western member-states before its final text was approved.
In 2017, the United States cut its commitment in the GCM's development, citing a number of New York Declaration policy goals that run counter to US law and policy. (PNA)
