Bilateral agreements with Europe, US, Canada, Australia eyed to protect OFWs

With the increasing number of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) abused and maltreated abroad, the House Committee on Migrant Workers' Affairs is calling for the forging of more bilateral agreements with Europe, United States, and other countries that accord highest protection and job opportunities for Filipinos.

ANGKLA Party-list Rep. Jesulito Manalo, panel chairman, said the bilateral pacts would help ensure that the rights and welfare of Filipino workers are promoted and safeguarded.

"We will first target the country that gives highest protection and employment opportunities. We are looking at Europe, America, Canada, Australia, Japan and South Korea and maybe China. But, we have to produce quality workers," he said.

"Bilateral agreements will show you, whether you are in conformity with the rest of the world. If not, magreview tayo. Are we going to send people to places we feel they are in danger?" Manalo explained.

He also pressed on the need for Congress to seriously take a second look at the policies and laws of countries hosting OFWs, citing the Middle East's "kafala" or the sponsorship system in which a worker can be moved from one employer to another.

"When you look at our laws, it is not supposed to be that way, so how can we reconcile it? Kaya nga I am pushing for more bilateral agreements, government to government," he said.

He said the congressional oversight panel should be immediately convened to look into plight of OFWs, especially those in the Middle East.

"Ayaw na natin na naririnig ang babae nare-rape, naaabuso. Ayaw natin na bigyan ng image ang Philippines as domestic workers' source tayo. Ang kababaihan natin should have dignity," Manalo said.

Manalo expressed hope that President Duterte would sign a bill seeking the creation of the Office for Social Welfare Attaché to assist overseas Filipinos, especially those who are maltreated, abandoned, and abused. House Bill 8908 was transmitted to the Malacañang on March 20, 2019 for President Duterte's signature.

Manalo said they will also push for the passage of the following measures for the benefit of OFWs: HB 7244, which establishes a national reverse migration policy to be crafted by an inter-agency Commission; HB 8672 which grants protection and benefits to seafarers who suffer death and injury and their families; and HB 8842, which seeks to facilitate the global employment of Filipinos by reducing processing time and regulatory requirements for OFWs.

Believing that Filipinos can be the workforce of the world, he said the government should flex its muscles to ensure that the country's workforce is the "best and brightest."

"Part of the job is not only sending people abroad. Part of the job is maintaining the quality, education and training and competency of our people so when they leave they will be much honored," he said.

"We have to take care of them, make them proud as Filipinos so that they can really serve the country well," Manalo said.