#OFWRights: Duterte’s migration policy

MANILA, Philippines – It has been said that in the Philippines, everyone knows at least one person who is working abroad. This supposedly speaks so much about the pervasive culture of migration in the Philippines.

From doctors to seafarers to domestic workers, the Philippines has been a major source of labor migrants for many countries from across the globe. (READ: Getting to know the OFWs)

The country has a number of laws and policies protecting the rights of the millions of overseas Filipino workers abroad (OFWs). For example, RA 10022 or the amended Magna Carta of Migrant Workers of 2010 is aimed at broadening the definition of illegal recruitment and similar acts, and providing stiffer penalities for it.

However, the proper implementation of the law, coupled with the allocation of adequate human and financial resources to support it, has been among the persistent problems facing migrants and their families.

Duterte’s migration policy

More than a year since he sat in the highest public seat of the land, what has President Rodrigo Duterte done to stay true to the promises he made before OFWs? (READ: How Duterte government cared for OFWs in first 100 days) 

Rappler, together with the Center for Migrant Advocacy and the Working Group on Migration from the Department of Political Science, Ateneo de Manila University, hopes to address this question.

To jumpstart the discussion, a roundtable discussion will be held on Friday, September 1, to assess Duterte’s migration policy. Topics include the streamlining of relevant government offices, expansion of OFW welfare and benefits, onsite protection of OFWs, and long-term solutions that drive labor migration. 

Do you have questions for our speakers? Share a video of yourself asking your question and post it on social media using #OFWRights! – Rappler.com