MANILA, July 7 -- The Philippine government lifted its ban on deployment of maids to Singapore over the weekend, the nation's president said Sunday. Fidel Ramos said he lifted the ban in light of the normalization of bilateral ties between Manila and the city-state.
The ban was imposed last year after Singapore hanged Philippine maid Flor Contemplacion, found guilty of murder, despite strong protest by Filipinos and appeals by the Ramos government. Diplomatic ties between the nations soured and eventually led to withdrawing of their respective ambassadors. Ramos and his Singapore counterpart, Ong Teng Cheong, healed the rift last year and posted ambassadors early this year. Ramos said his administration will work for improved labor ties with Singapore, particularly in the prevention of the flow of undocumented workers.
