Salo's bill creating Migrant Worker Relations Commission hurdles House panel
At A Glance
- A bill that seeks to establish a commission that shall have jurisdiction over claims and disputes involving Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) has been approved by a joint House panel.
- The Migrant Worker Relations Commission (MWRC) shall be a quasi-judicial body attached to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
(MANILA BULLETIN)
A bill that seeks to establish a commission that shall have jurisdiction over claims and disputes involving Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) has been approved by a joint House panel.
The Committees on Government Reorganization and on Overseas Workers Affairs unanimously approved House Bill (HB) No. 8805, which sough to establish the Migrant Worker Relations Commission (MWRC).
Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo, principal sponsor of the bill, said this measure stands as a testament to his party’s dedication to “fortifying the rights and protections of Filipino migrant workers”.
“The approval of H.B. No. 8805 signifies our unwavering commitment to safeguarding the interests of our migrant workers. Together, we are paving the way for a more just and equitable environment for our migrant workers,” Salo said in a statement.
“The establishment of the MWRC is poised to streamline the resolution process of money claims and disputes concerning OFWs, marking a significant stride towards upholding their welfare and rights,” the lawmaker noted.
The MWRC shall be a quasi-judicial body attached to the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).
Once enacted, all pending OFW cases before the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) and the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) will be transferred to the new commission.
“The measure institutes a coherent, cohesive and consistent government policy on overseas employment by ensuring that all the concerns of OFWs are lodged within the DMW, and its attached agencies,” said Salo.
Salo expressed gratitude to various government agencies, OFW groups, labor unions, manning agencies, and fellow House members for the bill’s success.