Senator Raffy Tulfo criticized the accommodations provided by some recruitment agencies to aspiring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) during a Senate Committee on Migrant Workers hearing on 24 March.

Tulfo said he conducted a surprise inspection and found cramped living spaces shared by around 40 people, with no fire extinguishers available.

“They’re packed like sardines—worse than those in city jails,” he said. “What’s worse is that every single night, the gate is locked, and the key is with the agency owner who lives elsewhere. If a fire breaks out, these would-be OFWs will burn to death."

According to Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Cacdac, recruitment agencies that provide accommodations are required to follow strict guidelines. Since the DMW took over regulation of agency accommodations in July 2023, 27 agencies have been delisted, and only six remain registered. He added that operating without registration is already a violation.

DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia also noted that the department has an inspection team that must personally visit and approve each agency’s accommodation site. They are now studying Singapore’s standard, which allows for accommodation spaces of 3.6 square meters per person, with up to 12 people in a room.

Fire Chief Superintendent Alma Abacahin of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) admitted that agencies typically apply for fire safety inspection certificates only for their offices, not for their accommodation facilities.

"If a business establishment does not apply for a permit with us, we cannot inspect them outright," she explained.

Tulfo, in turn, accused the BFP of focusing inspections on establishments where they can gain profit.

"I’ve heard reports that you’re thorough with inspections in establishments only to sell them your recommended fire extinguishers. That’s where you make money. Sorry for the word, but that’s the reality," the senator said.

He ordered the BFP to inspect all DMW-registered agencies and verify the living conditions of OFW accommodations.