House Speaker Martin Romualdez delivers his message during the meet and greet with the Filipino community at Grand Hyatt Hotel Sunday afternoon, Aug. 6 in Jakarta, Indonesia. (Speaker’s office)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez brought up before members of the Filipino community in Jakarta, Indonesia on Sunday, Aug. 6 a paradigm shift envisioned by the Marcos administration that would allow the migrant workers to come back to the Philippines. 

Romualdez was at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in the Indonesian capital to attend the 44th AIPA (ASEAN Interparliamentary Assembly) General Assembly. 

"Among the key issues we want to address here include the protection and welfare of our OFWs" said Romualdez, leader of the 312-strong House of Representatives, in his keynote speech. 

“Many of you (OFWs) are abroad working for multinational companies. Why don’t we open our economy to these multinational firms so you can have the choice of working for these companies in our country where you can still come home every day to your families,” the Leyte 1st district congressman said. 

He also recognized the vital role played by the Filipinos in Indonesia, pointing out how highly-regarded they are in the country as teachers, company executives, business consultants, engineers, accountants, lawyers, and investors. 

Romualdez vowed to support them by creating more opportunities in livelihood and investment, with the aim to stimulate the overall economic development of the Philippines, such as initiatives to attract more foreign investments into the country. 

Among others, he cited the passage of the amendment to the Public Service Act, which relaxed the restrictions on foreign investments in public services. 

“We are thinking every day of ways on how to serve you. All our energies are directed at how it (our work) will benefit the Filipino people because we are your representatives,” he added. 

As Romualdez proceeds to the general assembly, he committed to carry with him the aspirations of Filipinos globally. 

"I will bring with me all the cheers, kind intentions, and goodwill of the Filipinos who are present here today and from all over the world," he stated. 

His speech was seen as part of the wider effort to leverage international platforms to improve the welfare of Filipinos both domestically and overseas.