Support for proposed Magna Carta of Filipino Migrant Workers snowballs 

House of Representatives (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

The proposed Magna Carta of Filipino Migrant Workers received overwhelming support from private and public stakeholders during a recent House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs hearing.

Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo, who chairs the committee, said the proposed legislation will further promote the rights of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), consistent with international conventions, existing laws, and the Constitution.

Salo is the principal author of House Bill (HB) No. 8951, which seeks to institutionalize the Magna Carta of Filipino Migrant Workers.

“The proposed measure marks a significant stride in fortifying the protection afforded to our [OFWs]. It stands as a safeguard against the exploitation and abuses perpetuated by unscrupulous employers, human traffickers, and other nefarious entities,” the solon said.

“Through this legislation, we aim to fortify their rights, elevate their welfare, and ensure their safe and dignified journey, ultimately empowering them to navigate their roles abroad with security and confidence,” added Salo.

During the hearing held last Thursday, Nov. 30, members of the private sector, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Department of Foreign Affairs-Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs (DFA-OUMWA), and the Department of Justice (DOJ) expressed their support for the passage of HB No. 8951.

Salo explained that the magna carta will include provisions on the obligations of recruitment agencies. This is to ensure fair and ethical practices, just and humane working conditions, and the protection of the rights of OFWs to receive adequate wages, benefits, and social protection.

The bill will establish mechanisms for legal assistance, repatriation, and access to healthcare services—which will be aligned with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth).

“It is crucial that we incorporate mechanisms such as better access to PhilHealth benefits by OFWs even while abroad to enable a more holistic and comprehensive,” noted Salo.

“We aim to cover all bases, and we are dedicated in enhancing provisions of the bill to make it more effective and responsive to the challenges faced by our migrant workers,” the veteran lawmaker said.

“The Filipino migrant workers’ contributions are invaluable, and they sustain our economy through their dedication and sacrifices. Thus, this proposed measure acknowledges their unique circumstances and challenges, and seeks to institutionalize protections aligned with the true OFW experience,” he stressed. –Dexter Barro II