ON Migrant Workers’ Day, June 7, OFW Party List Representative Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino renewed calls for stronger government intervention to address the persistent challenges faced by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), especially with the resurgence of global labor migration.
Rep. Magsino highlighted the threats of human trafficking, illegal recruitment, abuse, delayed repatriation, and reintegration problems faced by OFWs. She emphasized the urgent need for enhanced government services, particularly concerning the lack of OFW representation in the upcoming 20th Congress.
While acknowledging positive government steps such as bilateral labor agreements, expanded Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) welfare services, and skills upgrading initiatives, Rep. Magsino stressed that thousands of OFWs continue to be abused, defrauded, and neglected.
As Chairperson of the Anti-Trafficking OFW Movement and an observer in the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT), Rep. Magsino reiterated the importance of her proposed House Bill 7865. This bill aims to consolidate provisions against illegal recruitment and human trafficking into a comprehensive law, increase penalties for deceitful agencies, and strengthen coordination with foreign counterparts against trafficking syndicates.
Rep. Magsino cited recent cases where OFWs, promised call center jobs, were instead forced into scam operations in the “Golden Triangle” region, enduring hunger and abuse. She underscored the ongoing challenge of illegal recruitment, often leading to human trafficking abroad, despite rescue efforts undertaken with the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and DMW.
Further advocating for OFWs, Rep. Magsino champions House Bill 11130, which proposes an integrated reintegration program for returning OFWs, providing livelihood support, counseling, and training for a successful re-entry into Philippine society.
Concluding her statement, Rep. Magsino declared that Migrant Workers’ Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle faced by OFWs, despite the absence of OFW representation in the next Congress. The OFW Party List, she pledged, will continue to fight for the rights, welfare, and future of the nation’s modern-day heroes.
