Senatorial candidate and former senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan is calling for urgent reforms to protect Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) amid recent incidents involving human trafficking victims in Myanmar and detained Filipino nationals in Qatar.

Following the repatriation of 176 Filipinos from Myanmar — many of whom were victims of human trafficking and illegal recruitment — Pangilinan urged the government to intensify its crackdown on criminal syndicates.

“We must strengthen international cooperation to go after traffickers and ensure the safe return of every Filipino in distress," he said.

Pangilinan lamented that economic hardship at home continues to drive many Filipinos to take dangerous jobs overseas.

“What’s painful is that many of our fellow Filipinos are forced to gamble on illegal and risky work abroad because of hunger and lack of opportunity in the Philippines,” he said in Filipino. “If income were sufficient and food were affordable, our OFWs wouldn’t need to risk their lives.”

He proposed a multi-pronged approach to prevent such cases, including stricter regulation of recruitment agencies, faster legal assistance through embassies and labor offices, expanded reintegration programs for returning OFWs, and long-term investment in food security and rural livelihoods.

Concern over Doha detainees

The former senator also reacted to reports of several Filipino nationals detained in Doha, Qatar, urging the Philippine government to act swiftly to ensure their safety and legal protection.

“These Filipinos left their families to work abroad out of necessity. They endure hardship and sacrifice just to provide for their loved ones,” he said. “That’s why we continue to call for urgent solutions to the food crisis and the rising cost of living.”

"A nation that values and protects its workers — both at home and abroad—is a nation that truly prospers. Our goal should be to create a Philippines where no Filipino is forced to leave just to survive," the former senator added.

Pangilinan emphasized that addressing hunger and economic insecurity at home is essential to reducing forced migration. As a long-time advocate for food security and rural development, Pangilinan vowed to push for policies that empower workers and make overseas employment a choice rather than a last resort.

“Our goal should be to create a Philippines where no Filipino is forced to leave just to survive. So there will be no more Mary Jane Veloso. No more Flor Contemplacion,” he said. “Hunger has no color, and neither should the solutions."