Susan Ople confirms Marcos’ offer to lead Department of Migrant Workers

Presumptive president Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. offered Susan “Toots” Ople, a well-known advocate for the rights of Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), a Cabinet position to manage the newly-formed Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

Marcos’ offer, which came at a meeting last week, humbled and pleased Susan Ople, the daughter of the late Senate president Blas Ople.

“We had a wonderful and exciting meeting last Friday. He (Marcos) stressed the importance of getting the new department up and running so that it can care for our OFWs and establish programs for their families, particularly migrant workers’ children “In a statement, Ople added.

“Given his generous offer to return to public service, I am now in the midst of a process of discernment and consultations – since I am well aware of the immensity of the work and the obstacles ahead,” she continued.

Former Labor Undersecretary, Ople established the nonprofit Blas Ople Policy Center to assist OFWs and locally-based workers. She was also diagnosed with Stage 2 breast cancer, which she announced in her February daily column. Since then, she’s had chemotherapy and PET scans.

One of the considerations she would consider in deciding whether or not to accept the job is her struggle with cancer.

During the government of Bongbong’s father, late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., her father served as Labor Secretary.