Creation of Migrant Workers Relation Commission sought

Senator Raffy Tulfo is pushing to create a separate claims court for Filipino migrant workers to address growing concerns over delayed, protracted, and burdensome processes in resolving labor disputes.

Tulfo filed Senate Bill No. 1480, or the Migrant Workers Relations Commission (MWRC) Act, which seeks to establish a separate quasi-judicial body dedicated to resolving labor disputes arising from overseas Filipino workers’ (OFW) employment contracts, including violations of labor laws in hiring, processing, and termination. The measure aims to strengthen government protection for OFWs — often referred to as the country’s modern-day heroes.

The senator explained that the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) processes over 30,000 cases annually, making OFW cases particularly vulnerable to delays and large case backlogs.

The NLRC currently handles disputes involving illegal termination, unpaid wages, contract violations, and other OFW-related complaints.

“Although the NLRC is a well-established and vital organization, its responsibility extends to both local and overseas workers, resulting in a substantial increase in caseloads,” Tulfo said.

"Reports indicate that this large volume of cases has caused considerable delays, adversely affecting OFWs in their pursuit of justice,” he added.

Under the proposed measure, the MWRC will have jurisdiction over all cases involving Filipino migrant workers — both land-based and sea-based — to the exclusion of all other courts, tribunals, and quasi-judicial bodies, regardless of whether the workers are covered by a collective bargaining agreement.

Tulfo said the creation of the MWRC will help ensure faster resolution of OFW complaints by eliminating the lengthy procedures often associated with the NLRC.

He explained that the Commission will function as a specialized quasi-judicial body linked to the Department of Migrant Workers, which he said would promote a more “coherent, cohesive, and consistent” government policy on overseas employment.

He emphasized that establishing the MWRC is not just an administrative reform but also a moral duty.

“It strives to institutionalize a more effective and responsive justice mechanism, thereby enhancing the protection of Filipino migrant workers and their families,” he added.