MANILA, Philippines — Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said Wednesday it is “perfectly legal” for the government to prevent health workers from going abroad for the sake of their safety. President Rodrigo Duterte, during an earlier public address, said he will consult the Department of Justice (DOJ) on the legality of stopping health workers from migrating to other countries amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. ADVERTISEMENT“Perfectly legal,” Roque said in an interview over ANC. The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) had temporarily suspended the deployment of workers abroad so they could help the country in fighting the pandemic. But the deployment ban was recalled, allowing nurses and other health care workers with existing contracts to return to their jobs abroad.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer May 06, 2020 03:11 UTC