AGIMAT Party-list Rep. Bryan Revilla wants to make consular services more accessible to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), especially those who hardly have the opportunity to get away from the demands of their jobs.

Revilla, chairman of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, has asked Philippine embassies and consular offices in countries with large OFW populations to explore ways to operate even on weekends and holidays—or adopt rotational day-off schedules—to better serve Filipino migrants.

He made the call during the recent organizational meeting of his committee, which featured briefings from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), DFA–Office of the Undersecretary for Migration Affairs (OUMA), and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) regarding their mandates and programs for OFWs and their families.

The ranking congressman pointed out that many OFWs--particularly in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe--have limited opportunities to visit Philippine embassies.

Revilla also stressed that each country has unique needs depending on the size and density of its OFW population. He says many overseas workers are under no work, no pay arrangements, which means they lose a portion of their income whenever they take time off to process documents or seek assistance.

“Karamihan sa mga OFWs, lalo na sa Middle East, isang araw lang ang day-off—madalas pa weekend o holiday. Kaya kung sarado ang embahada o konsulado, wala silang pagkakataon makakuha ng serbisyo,” Revilla said.

(Most OFWs, especially in the Middle East, only get one day off—and often it's on weekends or holidays. So if the embassy or consulate is closed, they have no chance to access services.)

“Kaya nananawagan tayo sa DFA: magpatupad ng rotational day-off system para bukas pa rin ang mga opisina kahit weekends o holidays, lalo na sa mga bansang maraming Pilipino. Bawat bansa may kanya-kanyang pangangailangan, at dapat tugunan ito,” he added.

(That’s why we’re calling on the DFA: implement a rotational day-off system so offices remain open even on weekends or holidays, especially in countries with many Filipinos. Each country has its own needs, and these must be addressed.)

Revilla said this set-up will not only ease long queues but also ensure timely access to vital consular services such as passport renewals, notarial services, and assistance for Filipinos in distress.

“Simple lang ang punto natin: kung ang mga OFWs ay nagtatrabaho araw-araw para sa pamilya nila, dapat laging bukas din ang gobyerno para sa kanila. Puwedeng i-rotate and day off ng staff para tuloy-tuloy ang serbisyo. Ang mahalaga, may mahihingan ng tulong ang ating mga kababayan,” added the AGIMAT solon.

(Our point is simple: if OFWs work every day for their families, the government should always be open for them too. Staff day-offs can be rotated so that services continue uninterrupted. What matters is that our fellow citizens have someone they can turn to for help.)

Revilla says that while the DFA and DMW are expanding digital services, physical and on-site accessibility remains essential for urgent transactions and emergencies.

“Online systems help a lot, pero hindi lahat ng serbisyo puwedeng virtual. ‘Yung may problema sa employer, passport, o dokumento—kailangan nila ng taong kausap, hindi link lang,” said the lawmaker from Cavite.

(Online systems help a lot, but not all services can be virtual. Those with issues involving employers, passports, or documents—they need someone to talk to, not just a link.)

Revilla vowed to coordinate with concerned agencies to review current practices and propose legislation that would ensure more accessible and responsive consular services for OFWs worldwide.