Linn Silawan: champion of overseas Filipino workers in their times of need

Philippine officials had tried to silence Linn Silawan, real name Elanel Ordidor, after she criticised President Rodrigo Duterte’s pandemic response

But the Taiwan-based carer still fights for the rights of OFWs less fortunate than herself on social media – and her voice is increasingly being heard

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Overseas Filipino worker Elanel Ordidor, alias Linn Silawan, pictured in Taichung, Taiwan. Photo: Cat Thomas

Published: 8:00am, 20 Sep 2020Updated: 7:58pm, 20 Sep 2020

When Filipino domestic worker Prescilla Pancho found herself at the mercy of a physically and emotionally abusive employer in Saudi Arabia, the 27-year-old knew of few places to turn for help.

Word of an appeal she had live-streamed on Facebook in mid-June made its way back to her employer, who threatened her with further violence should she attempt something similar again.

Fortunately, Pancho knew of someone she could reach out to – a Taiwan-based Filipino vlogger Linn Silawan who has made a name for herself by drawing attention to fellow overseas Filipino workers’ (OFWs) plights in troubled times.

Linn Silawan, real name Elanel Ordidor, works as a carer in Taiwan’s Yunlin County – and oddly it was an attempt to silence her that made her a household name.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. Ordidor was accused of ‘cyber libel’ earlier this year for criticising his handling of the coronavirus pandemic. Photo: Malacanang Presidential Photographers Division via AP

In April, she was accused by the Philippine Department of Labour and Employment of “cyber libel” because of videos she had shared criticising President Rodrigo Duterte for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

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