By Genalyn Kabiling

China could be the alternative job destination for overseas Filipino workers following a deployment ban to Kuwait.

President Rodrigo Duterte has asked China to open its doors to Filipino workers, including teachers and domestic helpers, amid concerns over reported migrant workers’ exploitation and sexual abuse in some countries.

The President said China was “not really bad as the others” since Asians do not resort to such “barbaric form” of maltreatment.

“I will ask China to open its doors to us. They need teachers and domestic helpers. And I said to them that if you can consider the Philippines, we would be glad to allow our workers to work here,” he said in a press conference in Davao City early Saturday morning.

“All I ask is that treat them, I said with dignity. Huwag ninyong abusuhin [Do not abuse them]. They are not…you know, Filipino women are not merchandise you buy and just do what you want. It sucks,” added Duterte, who return home from his three-day visit to India.

The President recently ordered the labor department to stop sending Filipino workers to Kuwait following the deaths of several domestic helpers. Duterte also warned of a pullout of other Filipinos working in Kuwait if another citizen dies due to abuse.

In his remarks at the Davao International Airport, the President appealed anew for the fair treatment of all Filipinos working across the world.

Duterte said he was prepared to lose friendship with countries if their governments allow violence and sexual abuse in the workplace.

“I would like to address myself to all nations taking in Filipino as workers. All I ask is that you treat them decently. Do not destroy their dignity as a human being,” he said.

“As a worker of government, as one who also decides whether we go there or not. I will not hesitate to lose your friendship, not at the expense of the Filipino. Do not do it,” he stressed.

Duterte said the Philippines was ready to suffer the adverse economic impact should its workers are pulled out from some countries.

He lamented the “cultural insanity” in some countries where migrant workers were treated as sex slaves.

He said some workers have complained of lack of sleep and being fed with leftovers by employers abroad. Some were raped while others resorted to suicide due to abuse, the President bewailed.

“There are countries that if you are a slave bought from the slave markets, or you are paid to work for them, rape is included in the terms of agreement. It’s a cultural insanity,” Duterte said.

“We are ready to suffer. They can come home,” he said.

Aquino admitted that he fears the loss of job opportunities for Filipinos but also grieves for the suffering of the workers.

“If it means a reduced income, it will redound to a less GDP (gross domestic product). Then, so be it,” he said.