REPRESENTATIVE Marissa ‘Del Mar’ Magsino of the OFW Party List supports the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) new digital system and guidelines for issuing travel permits to minors as a measure against rampant child trafficking and other crimes.
The lawmaker believes this new system will also protect the children of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) traveling abroad with guardians or other travel companions.
Under the new Minors Traveling Abroad (MTA) system, the process has been strengthened, allowing only parents, legal guardians, or travel companions to register accounts for minors. Additionally, mandatory video conferencing has been included in the requirements, where the minor must be seen with their parent or legal guardian, or travel companion, to ensure the legitimacy of the trip.
Rep. Magsino recognizes this initiative as a step towards strengthening the protection of children’s lives and rights from the threat of human/child trafficking and other forms of abuse.
“We understand the DSWD’s revised policy on the MTA system because we see the ongoing threat of child trafficking, and we need a higher level of protection for our children against this crime. Digitizing the process is also expected to expedite the application process and coordination between the DSWD and the Bureau of Immigration,” said Rep. Magsino.
However, the lawmaker also cautioned the need to balance the implementation of the new policy with the right of Filipinos to travel, even if they are minors.
“Like our previous concerns about the implementation of the IACAT-BI Departure Protocols, we need to avoid restrictions that could cause inconvenience to legitimate travelers, especially the children of OFWs, who only want to be with their parents abroad,” said Rep. Magsino.
She also emphasized the need to specify in the new guidelines sufficient remedies to prevent the wrongful flagging of travelers, especially at the departure point.
“I suggest that the DSWD ensure dialogue with the BI, as well as with airlines, regarding the new policy. If possible, their systems should be integrated so that they do not become obstacles at the departure point. We have helped OFWs whose children were not allowed to leave the country due to incorrect information held by airlines and BI on existing DSWD travel policies for unaccompanied minors and/or those flying with travel companions,” said Rep. Magsino.
The OFW Party List actively promotes policies that help the ‘families left behind’ by OFWs.
This includes stronger government protection for their children left behind through House Bill 8560 or An Act Institutionalizing Mechanisms for the Protection of Minor Children Whose Parent or Both Parents are Overseas Filipino Workers Employed Abroad.
This was later incorporated by the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs into House Bill 370 or the Left-Behind Household of OFWs Act.
