Our migrant workers deserve more than gratitude

We call our overseas Filipino workers modern-day heroes, and rightly so. Their sacrifices sustain families, educate children and help keep our economy moving. But when a worker faces an abusive employer, an immigration problem or a criminal accusation in a foreign country, praise offers little protection. What that person needs is competent legal counsel, available promptly and able to act where the case is being heard.

This is why I believe the budget of the Department of Migrant Workers must be increased to strengthen access to experienced, reputable lawyers in countries and localities where our workers live and work. Legal protection should be a dependable government service, with resources commensurate with responsibilities we have assumed toward our citizens overseas.

I have been in touch with Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who I hope will champion this advocacy. My hope is that she and her colleagues will help translate this concern into a practical budgetary commitment. Protecting Filipino workers abroad should command support across political lines. Their families deserve to know the government takes their security seriously, regardless of political affiliation.

There is already a foundation on which to build. Republic Act 11641, which created the Department of Migrant Workers, established the AKSYON Fund for legal and other assistance to OFWs. The department’s assistance framework includes engaging lawyers and paying attorney’s fees and litigation expenses for employment disputes, immigration matters, criminal cases, illegal recruitment and trafficking. The challenge is to make this protection accessible and effective when needed.

A legal assistance program must be judged by what happens to the worker who asks for help. How quickly is the request assessed? Is a qualified lawyer available nearby? Can counsel intervene before an important deadline passes? Does the worker understand the advice being given? These questions should guide decisions about funding and the delivery of services.

Consider a domestic worker seeking unpaid wages, a seafarer unjustly deported and blacklisted or contesting an employment claim, or a caregiver threatened after reporting abuse. Each situation requires its own assessment. A worker may hesitate to complain because losing a job could mean losing accommodation or facing uncertainty about immigration status. Early consultation can help identify lawful options before fear forces an uninformed decision.

Experienced local counsel matters because legal systems differ. A Filipino lawyer can provide valuable guidance, but representation before a foreign court or tribunal may require a lawyer licensed in that jurisdiction. Familiarity with local labor laws, procedures and available remedies can be decisive. We should engage counsel with the relevant expertise and a demonstrated commitment to serving vulnerable clients.

The United States illustrates the importance of matching expertise to location. Employment and immigration concerns can involve different authorities and procedures, and appropriate legal responses depend on the facts. From Washington, my conviction is that diplomatic support works best when it can connect a Filipino facing difficulty with the professional assistance the situation requires. Good intentions need practical support behind them.

Our embassies, consulates and migrant workers offices have essential roles in assisting citizens and coordinating with host authorities. They should be supported by a dependable network of vetted lawyers, with clear arrangements for referrals and urgent cases. Where appropriate, partnerships with legal aid organizations, bar associations and community groups can extend that network. Volunteer assistance is valuable, but sustained government funding must carry the responsibility.

An increased allocation should therefore come with a credible plan. The DMW should assess demand by country, identify gaps in legal coverage and establish reasonable arrangements for consultations and representation. Funding should recognize that complex proceedings can continue beyond a single budget cycle. A worker should not be left wondering whether an ongoing case will lose support before it reaches a conclusion.

Accountability is equally necessary. Lawyers must be selected transparently, checked for conflicts of interest and evaluated for their quality of service. Fees and expenses should be documented. Congress should receive meaningful reports on response times, access to counsel and case progress while safeguarding confidential information. Success cannot be measured by favorable judgments alone; fair representation and informed decisions also matter.

When workers receive sound advice early, they can preserve evidence, understand contracts and avoid actions that could weaken their position. Employers and recruiters should understand that Filipino workers have access to professional help when a legitimate grievance needs attention.

Workers must also know how to seek help. Information should be understandable and available through channels they actually use. Procedures should allow urgent concerns to be assessed quickly, with safe communication for those who fear retaliation. Legal assistance should connect with shelter, interpretation and other support when necessary. A person in distress cannot always navigate several offices or assemble documents without guidance.

We must respect the laws and judicial processes of host countries. Providing counsel does not guarantee a particular outcome, nor does it excuse wrongdoing. It helps ensure that a Filipino understands the process, can present a defense or pursue a legitimate claim, and receives the protections available under applicable law. That is a responsible exercise of our duty to our citizens.

For the families waiting at home, a legal crisis abroad is deeply personal. School fees, household expenses and hopes for the future may depend on the person suddenly facing that crisis. We should remember those families when deciding what protection deserves in the national budget.

I hope Senator Hontiveros will help bring this advocacy forward. Our migrant workers carry enormous responsibilities for their families and our country. When their rights are threatened far from home, they should be able to count on their government to stand beside them, with a capable lawyer ready to help.

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