Adequate funding for the operations of the Department of Migrant Workers will not be a problem that will face the newly-created agency if former Senator Jinggoy Estrada is re-elected to the Senate.
A staunch supporter of the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFW), Estrada said the DMW “deserves all-out support” to protect the rights and welfare of millions of OFWs and those aspiring to become one.
Estrada lauded President Rodrigo Duterte for ensuring that the DMW becomes a reality as he signed its creation into law before Christmas.
“Akmang akma ang pagkaka-lagda ni Pangulong Duterte ng Republic Act No. 11641 o ang batas na nagtatatag ng isang Kagawaran na tututok at mangangalaga sa kapakanan at kabutihan ng Filipino migrant workers (The signing of Republic Act No. 11641 by President Duterte is timely as it creates a department that caters exclusively to the needs and welfare of Filipino migrant workers),” Estrada said.
The former senator said the new department plays a critical role in regulating recruitment, employment and deployment of OFWs. The agency is also empowered to investigate and file cases related to illegal recruitment and human trafficking of OFWs.
Estrada’s return to the Senate received strong endorsement from the UniTeam of presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his running mate, Mayor Sara Duterte.
In fact, Estrada was the first senatorial aspirant to be included in the Senate slate supported by Marcos and Duterte.
A champion OFW workers’ rights, Estrada stressed that the creation of the Department of Migrant Workers is a realization of a longtime dream to strengthen and enhance OFW protection.
“Tinaguriang makabagong bayani ang ating mga OFWs dahil sa patuloy nilang pagpapakita ng katatagan, kagalingan, lakas ng loob, pagmamahal sa pamilya at pagtulong sa pagpapaunlad ng bansa sa gitna ng mga pagsubok na kanilang kinakaharap sa ibayong dagat (Our OFWs are considered modern heroes for their grit, excellence, courage, love of family and valuable contributions to nation-building amidst the many challenges they face abroad),” he stressed.
Estrada, president of the Partido ng Masang Pilipino is a known advocate of workers’ rights. He served 12 years as chairman of the Senate Labor Committee and was credited for the passage of numerous bills pushing for the welfare of the labor sector.
He was principal author of the ‘Kasambahay Law’, or the law promoting the interests and welfare of domestic helpers in the Philippines. Republic Act 10361, or simply "Kasambahay Law", prescribed standards, privileges and rights of domestic workers.