The implementation of Singapore's labor management framework for migrant workers could be best replicated in some countries where overseas Filipino workers are being employed, Senator Raffy Tulfo said on Tuesday.

Tulfo commended Singapore's recognition of the migrant workers' "great contributions" to their economy, citing that the implementation of policies addressing maltreatment, abuses, and other human rights violations against migrant workers has been effective in urging OFWs to do their jobs better. 

This came after Singaporean Ambassador to the Philippines, Constance See, met with Tulfo at the Senate premises on 11 December to discuss the plight of OFWs in Singapore.

During her visit, See praised the Filipino workers' diligence and perseverance to complete their jobs.

Under the Labor Management Framework, Singaporean labor officers regularly visit and check the conditions of each migrant worker employed in their country to make sure they are safe from abusive employers. 

See shared that Singaporean law requires migrant workers' employers to undergo seminars and training before they are allowed to employ overseas workers. 

Tulfo, who chairs the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, seeks a similar policy to be implemented in other countries, particularly in the Middle East—where many Filipinos are currently being employed.

"Singapore can be considered a model country for other countries to emulate," the senator said. 

"If such laws and policies are implemented in Singapore, it is not impossible to implement them in other places where there are OFWs such as countries in the Middle East," he added.

Based on the 2022 survey of the Philippine Statistic Authority released on 11 October 2023,  the number of OFWs or Filipino workers who worked abroad during the period April to September 2022 was estimated at 1.96 million. 

This indicates an increase of 7.6 percent from 1.83 million OFWs in the same period of 2021. 

Of the total OFWs, the number of Overseas Contract Workers or those with existing work contracts was posted at 1.94 million. 

On the other hand, other OFWs who worked abroad without working visas or work permits such as tourists, visitors, students, medical, and other types of non-immigrant visas but were employed and working full time in other countries were estimated at 26,000.