OFW Party List Rep. Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino took the floor in Congress Monday (Jan. 27), urging the immediate repatriation and reintegration of all 220 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) recently pardoned by the United Arab Emirates (UAE). She stressed the need for robust support systems for incarcerated Filipinos abroad to rebuild their lives and regain dignity.
The pardon, granted by UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan in honor of the UAE’s 53rd National Day on December 2, 2024, involved OFWs convicted of various offenses, including drug-related cases, theft, and immigration violations like absconding and overstaying.
Rep. Magsino credited the strong diplomatic ties between the Philippines and the UAE, led by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) through its close coordination with UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The strong ties between the two countries was also bolstered by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s official visit to the country last November.
According to updates from the through the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai, the UAE government is covering the cost of deportation, including airfare. However, only 67 of the pardoned OFWs have received travel documents thus far. Others are still facing unresolved civil cases that impose travel bans according to the Department of Migrant Workers.
Rep. Magsino, representing the OFW Party List, underscored the urgent need for a holistic reintegration program for the pardoned workers. She emphasized that the government’s responsibility does not end with their return but extends to rebuilding their lives and ensuring they can reintegrate into society.
“Pinakamahalaga sa lahat ay ang pag-ayuda sa ating pardoned OFWs sa hamong makabangon at makapagsimulang muli,” she declared, calling for concrete measures such as livelihood opportunities, skills training, counseling for families, and educational support for their children.
As part of the OFW Party List’s legislative efforts, Rep. Magsino filed House Bill No. 11130, which seeks to establish an Integrated Reintegration Program for OFWs returning under any circumstance, regardless of their status or situation.
Rep. Magsino also backed Senate President Chiz Escudero’s call to negotiate Treaties on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons (TTSP) with countries hosting large OFW populations. Such treaties would allow incarcerated OFWs to serve their sentences in the Philippines, closer to their families, fostering both rehabilitation and emotional support.
“We already have TTSPs with Spain, Thailand, and Hong Kong, but not yet with countries in the Middle East where the majority of OFWs are imprisoned,” Rep. Magsino noted. She called on the DFA, DMW, and Justice (DOJ) to fast-track negotiations.
The solon also highlighted the recent return of Mary Jane Veloso, an OFW formerly on death row in Indonesia, as a beacon of hope for OFWs facing legal battles abroad.
Rep. Magsino reiterated her appeal to President Marcos to grant Veloso executive clemency, allowing her to fully enjoy freedom and reunite with her family.
“Kung nakakapagpatawad ang mga dayuhan sa mga Pilipinong nagkakamali sa kanilang bansa, lalo’t higit tayong may kapasidad na ibigay ang biyaya ng kapatawaran sa mga kapwa nating Pilipino,” Magsino emphasized.
While acknowledging that some OFWs committed offenses, Rep. Magsino stressed that many were also victims of scams and human trafficking. She called for a balanced approach, combining justice and compassion to ensure every OFW has a fair chance at rehabilitation and reintegration.
Through diplomatic advocacy, legislative reform, and a commitment to humanitarian principles, the OFW Party List upholds its mission to champion the welfare and dignity of overseas workers.
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