Philippine government reaffirms commitment to protect migrant workers rights at UN forum in Geneva

Geneva, Switzerland – The Philippine government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of migrant workers at the 14th United Nations Forum on Business and Human Rights in Geneva. Represented by Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Undersecretary Bernard P. Olalia, the Philippines participated in the panel session “Labour Migration, Business and Human Rights in Times of Transformation,” showcasing the country’s leadership in promoting a rights-based approach to labor migration.

Undersecretary Olalia highlighted the Philippines’ migrant-responsive human rights due diligence framework, which includes strict licensing and monitoring of recruitment agencies, accreditation of foreign employers, standardized employment contracts, and intensified efforts against illegal recruitment and trafficking. He also emphasized accessible remedies for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), such as money claims, administrative and criminal actions for recruitment violations, and legal, medical, and emergency support through the AKSYON Fund. He further noted the enactment of the Magna Carta for Seafarers, which institutionalizes comprehensive protection for Filipino seafarers.

Olalia emphasized the importance of the State’s role in protecting migrants’ rights through a solid legal framework, inter-agency cooperation, tripartite and multilateral partnerships, and comprehensive reintegration programs. “Migrant workers are not beneficiaries of pity, but partners in development,” he said, reiterating the directives of Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

He was accompanied by Director Maria Bernadine H. Madamba and OIC-Director Mary Sol D. Dela Cruz, highlighting the Philippines’ active participation in global efforts to enhance migrant worker protection.