Filipino wives

Press, 26 September 1980, Page 12

Filipino wives

Sir, — I, and all of the Filipino community are disgusted with Wendy Kissel’s false image of the. Philippines and its people in the article of September 19. An example of distortion is the passage saying that landbased overseas Filipinos must send home 30 per cent of. their wages and seamen 70 per cenb This is a Philippines custom' practised well before martial law, and it does not-refer to .people who emigrate- to/another country as-it is made-to seem. The biggest problem ,in squatter areas is laziness and the refusal to accept the opportunity ■’ of free education. Strangely enough, Miss Kissel’s group is not: supported by Filipinos. — Yours, etc., A CORTES..

September 22, 1980. Sir, — We have listened to and read with tolerance about the accusations of Wendy Kissel (September 19) and fail to understand why she is making such a determined effort to prevent us doing this needed work. We have had advice from the Church and the opinion

of a solicitor. Their reply was that it was a worthwhile cause and we intend to continue. Wendy Kissel’s allegation that land-based overseas Filipinos have to send home 30 per cent of wages, etc., does not apply to emigrated Filipinos. This is an early tradition derived from “Arae” (support your family) part of a Catholic wedding ceremony. There is not the exploitation that Miss Kissel mentions. — Yours, etc.. ARTHUR EATON. September 22, 1980. [This correspondence is now closed. — Editor.)