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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Migrant Workers Day a reminder of OFWs' continued fight vs human trafficking, abuse — solons

Migrant Workers Day a reminder of OFWs' continued fight vs human trafficking, abuse — solons

Published Jun 7, 2025 12:56 pm  |  Updated Jun 7, 2025 01:23 pm

At A Glance

  • Congressmen have renewed their calls for a strengthened government intervention against illegal recruitment and human trafficking as they honor overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) on Migrant Workers Day.
Congressmen have renewed their calls for a strengthened government intervention against illegal recruitment and human trafficking as they honor overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) on Migrant Workers Day.
OFW Party-list Rep. Marissa “del Mar”Magsino emphasized the “sad reality” being faced by OFWs in relation to these issues.
On top of these, she said, are cases of abuse, delayed repatriation, and problems in their reintegration to the society as they return to the country.
Magsino said that while the government has already taken steps to address these issues, such as bilateral labor agreements and the expansion of welfare services through the creation of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), thousands of Filipinos who want to work abroad still get deceived.
“Nitong mga nakaraang buwan, ilang OFWs ang humingi ng saklolo sa atin dahil sila’y nabiktima ng sindikato sa area na tinatawag na Golden Triangle. Pinangakuan ng trabaho bilang call center pero napunta sa mga nagpapatakbo ng scam operations (These past months, several OFWs had sought help from our office after becoming victims of the Golden Triangle. They were promised jobs as call centers, but ended up running scam operations),” she said.
“Gutom at bugbog ang sumasalubong sa kanila bawat araw (They experienced hunger and physical abuse every day),” she added.
Magsino said that while the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and DMW extended assistance, it was still “disappointing” that illegal recruitment and human trafficking remain rampant.
“Ngayong Migrant Workers Day, hindi kami magdiriwang nang basta-basta. Sa halip, ito ay isang paalala sa ating lahat—lalo na sa gobyerno na hindi pa tapos ang laban ng mga OFW (This Migrants Workers Day, we do not celebrate easily. Instead, it is a reminder, especially to our government, that the fight of OFWs is not yet done),” she said.
Meanwhile, Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre, chairman of House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, honored the resilience, courage, and sacrifice of millions of OFWs, “who have brought pride to our country and hope to their families through their unwavering service and hard work abroad".
“This occasion is deeply personal,” Acidre, whose father was also an OFW, said. “I have seen firsthand the quiet struggles behind every remittance, every balikbayan box, and every tearful airport goodbye. Our OFWs are more than economic contributors.”
According to Acidre, the House of Representatives this year reaffirmed its commitment to building a future for our migrant workers—one that ensures their rights are protected not just while they are overseas, but especially when they return home.
But as the country looks back on the milestones it has achieved in the issues around, he said, the work is far from over.
“But this day reminds us why we continue to fight. Every legislation we pass, every hearing we conduct, and every reform we pursue is for our bagong bayani,” he said.
“Migrant Workers Day is not just a celebration. It is a solemn reminder of our duty—to protect, to empower, and to stand with every Filipino worker, wherever they may be in the world,” Acidre added.
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