Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo (Rep. Salo's office)

A solon who works closely with overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) is pursuing the passage of the proposed Magna Carta of Filipino Migrant Workers.

Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo, chairman of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, filed last Aug. 22 House Bill (HB) No.8951.

“It is with a deep sense of empathy and duty, driven by the recognition of the sacrifices and invaluable contributions made by our Filipino Migrant Workers that I propose this Magna Carta, which seeks to address the multifaceted challenges they face, providing them with the protection they deserve and recognizing their role in enriching nations and communities,” Salo said.

He said the magna carta, which covers both land-based and sea-based Filipino Migrant Workers (FMWs), would have four pivotal aspects. These are the codification of the rights of the Filipino Migrant Workers and outlining their obligations, delineation of the roles of government agencies, defining the role of recruitment and manning agencies, and emphasis on the tripartite relationship of the migrant worker, the employer, and the government.

“By codifying these rights and responsibilities, the law shall define clear duties for the state and responsibilities for the Filipino Migrant Workers to adhere to. This empowers them with crucial information and awareness that will elevate their dignity and encourage them to become proactive contributors to their families, communities, and the nation,” Salo said.

“Delineating and clarifying the roles of government agencies shall also improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their service delivery while also holding them accountable to fulfill their mandates,” the veteran solon explained.

Meanwhile, he said that defining the role of recruitment and manning agencies is vital "in order to hold them accountable and for them to realize that they are not merely managing a business or livelihood, but rather entrusted with the lives of individuals with a future, as well as their families".

“Further, the magna carta shall foster collaboration among all stakeholders – FMWs, the government, and employers. By clarifying their roles and accountabilities, the legislation would create a harmonious environment that ensures the well-being of FMWs and the prosperity of the industry,” Salo added.

He shared his hope that this legislation would not only transform the lives of FMWs within the Philippines but also inspire other countries to consider similar frameworks for their migrant workers.

We are one with our Filipino Migrant Workers and their families in their pursuit of a brighter future,” Salo concluded.