Intersections are fascinating. When you get to one, you can go straight. Or turn left. Or right. Or go back. Or stay in a corner. Or cry “Mommy?!” The seemingly finite choices actually lead to infinite possibilities.
This pedestrian reference finds application in the intersection of the law and ICT. Technology has been relentlessly marching onwards, and has, positively or negatively, impacted the way we navigate through life.
In our third world reality, the lives of many initially pointed towards the Middle East but have ultimately led to all other directions in a compass. Unfortunately, many come back in straitjackets or coffins. Everyone knows the horror stories.
OFWs regularly face threats to their life, liberty, and property. When threatened or injured, they most often don’t know where to go for redress. Many work in places where a DFA office is not a stone’s throw away; they must literally move boulders just to get to one.
Capitalizing on our penchant for texting, the Center for Migrant Advocacy instituted the SMS SOS hotline. This enables OFWs to send via text (+639209-OFW-SOS) a cry for help. After CMA gathers more data, it coordinates with the appropriate entities to provide assistance. A fundamentally similar service is offered by Verité (with which this author has been involved) and Clear Voice Hotline Service.
While the proponents of such technology-dependent programs provide another avenue, they certainly cannot do this alone. A cooperative effort among all stakeholders is undoubtedly needed.
A principal stakeholder here is our government, the full support of which has been targeted by CMA. Perhaps the government, now with a new President, can finally make its choice.
Go straight. Turn left. Turn right. Go back. Stay in a corner.
Cry “Mommy?!”?
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Speaking of SOS, here’s The Police: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLFF2P8fInI. Free beer to the one who can tell me how Sting got his name.
- William G. Ragamat
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