By Leslie Ann Aquino A Catholic prelate said the government should see to it that the provisions in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the protection of overseas Filipino workers will be implemented once it has been signed. Bishop Ruperto Santos (CBCP / MANILA BULLETIN) This statement was made by Bishop Ruperto Santos, chairman of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines-Episcopal Commission on the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (CBCP-ECMI), days after Philippine and Kuwaiti officials approved the final draft of the MOU. "Once signed, we appeal that our government officials (Embassy and OWWA) monitor that MOA is strictly followed," he said in an interview. The Balanga prelate said he is hoping that the MOU will finally be signed by the two countries as this would be beneficial to OFWs. "We pray and hope the MOA would be signed by Kuwait and our country," he said. "We support it as it is beneficial to our OFWs. Their rights would be protected and dignity be promoted," added Santos. The CBCP-ECMI official said they particularly support the provision allowing OFWs to keep their passports. "It is just fair and legal that our OFWs keep and hold their passports, to have and use cellphones and enjoy benefits of days off," Santos said. He said they also support the part where employers are prevented from contract substitutions, among others. The Department of Labor and Employment said they expect the signing of the MOU to take place in two weeks.