The House Committee on Government Reorganization is currently conducting consultations with overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) abroad to draft a proposal for the establishment of the Migrant Workers Relations Commission (MWRC).

According to Committee Chair and Bukidnon Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores, a legislative delegation from the House recently traveled to The Hague, Netherlands, to meet with migrant organizations, Philippine Overseas Labor Officers (POLO), and embassy officials.

“I believe that many of the issues undocumented OFWs face abroad can be resolved by changing their status from undocumented to documented upon arrival in a foreign country. This change allows them access to the services of POLO and Philippine embassies and consulates,” he stated.

Flores emphasized the importance of open communication among OFWs, POLO officials, and labor arbiters.

The delegation to the Netherlands included Tingog Partylist Rep. Jude Acidre, Chairman of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, along with General Santos City Rep. Loreto Acharon, Kabayan Partylist Rep. Ron Salo, and Coop-Natcco Partylist Rep. Felimon Espares.

Flores mentioned that additional overseas consultations will be conducted. “We will travel to more countries with many OFWs to hear their concerns and suggestions through face-to-face meetings,” he stressed.

The aim of establishing the MWRC, outlined in House Bill 8805, is to serve as the overseas counterpart of the National Labor Relations Commission, which operates under the Department of Labor and Employment.

“The proposed commission will focus on handling labor disputes involving OFWs and will function as a quasi-judicial body, with decisions appealable to the Court of Appeals. The commission will also be attached to the Department of Migrant Workers,” he concluded.