Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz appealed yesterday to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly those who are experiencing difficulties because of the implementation of Saudi Labor Law amendments, to take advantage of the Saudi government's offer of a three-month grace period and correct their status as foreigners in the Kingdom.

Citing a media statement of the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, Baldoz said the three-month grace period, which shall end on July 6, is a window of opportunity for OFWs who have violated either the Saudization policy, or Nitaqat, or immigration law, to correct their status and be spared from jail time, fine, or deportation.

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines is ready to shoulder the repatriation of undocumented Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia but is asking the Saudi government to help speed up their return by waiving some requirements.

In a press briefing yesterday, presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said there are only 1,000 Filipinos in Jeddah. They camp outside the consulate during daytime and go home to several places at night, he said.

ILOILO CITY—Some 400 people, including artists, students and young professionals, pedaled through the city streets on Saturday to raise public awareness on human trafficking.

The Freedom Ride, led by the group Dakila, or the Philippine Collective for Modern Heroism, kicked off from the Iloilo provincial capitol grounds at 7 a.m.