Senator Robinhood C. Padilla warned against personalities, organizations or groups that have been opposing the passage of several bills that would give protection to the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

He issued the warning in today’s hybrid hearing of the newly-created Senate migrant workers committee on a bill protecting OFWs that were reported out in the previous 18th Congress.

Padilla said in Filipino: "I am going to appeal to those who are blocking these (bills) that maybe there are times when we should accept that we will lose and that time has come."

"Just accept that the happy days of your exploitation are over and let's give our seamen a chance to have the so-called protection against all kinds of abuses," he added.

He also pointed out that “it is very sad to say that we export nothing but the skills of our OFWs and one of those that we recognized is the seamen."

"In fact, they contributed (to the gross domestic product - GDP) $6-billion in 2021. Think about it, it was a huge amount, a huge help for our economy," he stressed

Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr., likewise, expressed his full support in crafting meaningful legislation that immensely contributes to promoting the rights, safety, protection and welfare of migrant workers.

Revilla said he filed Senate Bill 1104 to protect 217, 233 seafarers “who brave foreign shores and distant lands in search of greener pastures.”

He pointed out that the measure was reported out by the Senate committees on labor, employment and human resources development, and foreign relations during the previous Congress.

“It is my hope that this Congress will finally witness its enactment into law through our committee on migrant workers,” Revilla said.