THE OFW Party List, long recognized for championing the rights of Overseas Filipino Workers and seafarers, lost its bid for a seat in the 20th Congress despite drawing substantial support in the recently concluded midterm elections.
The group confirmed its exclusion after the Commission on Elections released the list of party lists to be proclaimed.
In a statement released Monday, OFW Party List Rep. Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino said they will challenge the seat allocation before the Supreme Court.
She also reaffirmed the group’s unwavering commitment to its advocacy, even without a congressional seat.
Magsino said: “We will fight for the right to representation of OFWs and seafarers all the way to the Supreme Court. Our voice should not be denied in Congress simply because of an inequitable and disproportionate distribution of seats.”
Supporters from various OFW and maritime communities have expressed dismay over the outcome, citing the critical role that representation plays in policy-making for migrant workers.
“We are saddened by the absence of a dedicated voice for OFWs in the 20th Congress. We feel disregarded despite OFWs’ and seafarers’ contributions to our economy and society,” said a seafarers’ rights coordinator based in Manila.
The disparity in seat allocation has also sparked conversations among election lawyers and sectoral advocates, particularly as some sectoral groups with notable vote shares were not granted any representation.
Despite the setback, Magsino reiterated that the fight for OFW rights is far from over: “We may not have a seat in the 20th Congress, but our service continues. We remain the voice of OFWs and seafarers, in every case, in every policy, in every struggle. We are not stepping back; we are stepping forward.”
Magsino said the OFW Tulong at Serbisyo Center will remain open to continue the party list’s advocacies and services.
“Even without a seat in Congress, the cause lives on. We will not allow our voice to be silenced. It will find its way into every space where OFWs need to be heard,” Magsino said.
