Raffy Tulfo seeks dedicated commission to resolve OFW labor disputes

Senator Raffy Tulfo has filed a measure seeking the creation of a dedicated body to resolve labor disputes involving Filipino migrant workers, citing growing concerns over delays and backlogs in the current system.

As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, Tulfo filed Senate Bill (SB) No. 1480, or the “Migrant Workers Relations Commission (MWRC) Act.”

The proposed commission aims to serve as a specialized quasi-judicial body to handle complaints from Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), including issues related to employment contracts, unpaid wages, illegal termination, and violations of labor laws.

“The National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) processes over 30,000 cases annually, making OFW cases particularly vulnerable to delays,” Tulfo said.

While the NLRC is a vital institution, Tulfo lamented that its workload covers both local and overseas workers, resulting in significant backlogs that affect OFWs seeking justice.

“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,” he said.

He further noted that “reports indicate that this large volume of cases has caused considerable delays, adversely affecting OFWs in their pursuit of justice.”

Under the proposed law, the MWRC would have exclusive jurisdiction over all cases involving Filipino migrant workers, both land-based and sea-based, regardless of whether a collective bargaining agreement exists.

Tulfo emphasized that the new body would expedite the resolution of complaints, sparing OFWs the protracted procedures often experienced under the NLRC.

The commission is expected to be closely linked with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), ensuring a more coherent and consistent government policy on overseas employment.

Tulfo described the measure as not only a structural reform but also a moral imperative to honor the sacrifices of the country’s modern-day heroes.

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

Tulfo hopes lawmakers will recognize the need for a more specialized system to protect the welfare and rights of OFWs.