{
  "id": 16373895,
  "title": "‘I’ve been exactly where they are’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/24/ive-been-exactly-where-they-are",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-24T21:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Straits Times",
    "slug": "straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/ive-been-exactly-where-they-are"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In 2019, Monette found herself drowning in debt to three loan sharks, so overwhelmed by fear that she struggled to function. The 42-year-old Filipina, who preferred not to disclose her last name, described her plight: \"You cannot sleep, you cannot eat, you cannot work. You're so scared that you can't even close your eyes.\"\n\nMonette's torment was compounded by constant harassment from a lender who sent food delivery riders to her employer's home with orders worth around $100 each, payable upon delivery. Her employer's suspicions were heightened by the frequency of deliveries and the incessant ringing of the doorbell. Monette had to confess, \"I didn't order any of this,\" to her employer, who was initially furious but ultimately supportive.\n\nLike many domestic workers she now advises, Monette had borrowed to send money abroad, accumulating debt beyond her means. She admitted, \"I think I lost all sense of boundaries. I just gave and gave and gave. I didn't think about what my family actually needed.\"\n\nWhen Monette finally revealed the truth to her British employer, she anticipated the worst. Surprisingly, her employer took swift action, installing CCTV cameras, instructing security guards to prevent strangers from entering, and connecting her with the Ministry of Manpower and Blessed Grace Social Services. Monette reflects, \"Being honest with my employer changed everything. I faced the consequences, yes, but because I was a good worker and they valued me, they protected me.\"\n\nToday, Monette is a beacon of hope, leading a cell group at her church and guiding other Filipina domestic workers ensnared in similar predicaments. Her advice is straightforward: set limits on what you send home, learn to say no, and never borrow what you cannot repay. \"Explain to your family that you're not earning much. If you can't afford to send money, wait for your salary. Don't borrow,\" she emphasizes. Her personal experience lends weight to her words, as she says, \"I know their feelings. I know their stress. I've been exactly where they are.\" She also cautions domestic workers in trouble to be upfront with their employers and seek assistance before their debts spiral out of control. \"If you're already in trouble, don't make it worse. Learn to manage your money and your salary. That's the best advice I can give you.\"",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}