Key issues involving overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were tackled during the recent visit of Saritpong Kiewkong, chairman of the Standing Committee on Labour of the House of Representatives of the Kingdom of Thailand, to the House of Representatives in Batasan, Quezon City.

Leading Philippine Congress in welcoming the dignitary were Cavite 1st district Rep. Jolo Revilla, House Committee on Labor and Employment chairman; and his Senate counterpart, Senator Raffy Tulfo.

The visit and official bilateral meeting, formally endorsed by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), aims to reinforce inter-parliamentary cooperation and deepen exchanges on labor protection and regional labor governance.

“Ang ating hangarin ay patuloy na itaas ang dignidad at kapakanan ng manggagawang Pilipino. Sa pamamagitan ng ganitong mga bilateral engagements, mas napapagtibay natin ang pundasyon ng ating labor governance at mas napapalalim ang ating ugnayan sa ating mga kapitbahay sa ASEAN,” Revilla said.

(Our aspiration is to continuously uplift the dignity and welfare of the Filipino worker. Through these kinds of bilateral engagements, we further strengthen the foundations of our labor governance and deepen our ties with our neighbors in Association of Southeast Asian Nations.)

"Ang pagpupulong na ito ay bahagi ng mas pinaigting na pakikipagtulungan natin sa mga karatig-bansa sa ASEAN upang pag-usapan ang mahahalagang usapin sa paggawa tulad ng mga kasalukuyang labor reforms, worker welfare and protection, minimum wage policies, labor relations systems, migrant labor management, OFW protection framework, at ASEAN cooperation sa future-of-work trends," said the House leader.

(This meeting is part of our intensified collaboration with neighboring ASEAN countries to discuss important labor issues such as ongoing labor reforms, worker welfare and protection, minimum wage policies, labor relations systems, migrant labor management, the OFW protection framework, and ASEAN cooperation on future-of-work trends.)

"Kasama rin dumalo ang ating Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) at ang Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) upang magbigay ng teknikal na perspektibo (Our DOLE and the DMW also participated to provide technical perspectives)," noted the Cavite solon.

The Thai delegation, composed of 20 members including committee officials, advisers, and representatives of the Royal Thai Embassy in Manila, participated in the exchange to learn more about the Philippines’ legislative and administrative systems.

"Sa pamamagitan ng palitan natin ng mga kaalaman at karanasan, mas lumalawak ang ating pananaw na magbibigay-daan sa pagpapahusay ng mga polisiya para sa kapakanan ng ating mga manggagawa sa loob at labas ng bansa," Revilla added.

(Through the exchange of knowledge and experiences, our outlook broadens, paving the way for the improvement of policies for the welfare of our workers both within and outside the country.)

Both the labor committees of the House and Senate presented an overview of the Philippines’ labor governance framework, with Revilla highlighting targeted amendments to the Labor Code, modernization of occupational safety and health standards, protection of platform and freelance workers, improvements in dispute resolution systems, and the strengthening of tripartite engagement between government, employers, and workers.

Revilla stressed that the strong participation of both legislative chambers and key labor agencies demonstrates the Philippines’ commitment to building a more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready labor environment.

Revilla underscored that the insights shared during the dialogue will help shape policy reforms that uplift Filipino workers and enhance cooperation with ASEAN neighbors.

He reaffirmed that Congress remains fully committed to advancing reforms that promote decent work, strengthen social protection, and ensure that both present and future generations of Filipino workers are equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing global labor landscape.