THE DEPARTMENT of Migrant Workers (DMW) may avail itself of insurance for government-hired overseas Filipino workers (OFW) from private companies, according to the Department of Justice (DoJ).
In a legal opinion addressed to Migrant Workers Undersecretary Bernard P. Olalia dated July 19, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla said the practice is allowed by the Constitution.
“It is a constitutional mandate to afford full protection to labor, local and overseas, organized and unorganized, and promote full employment and equality of employment opportunities for all,” he said.
Mr. Olalia earlier sought the DoJ’s opinion after the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, which is under DMW, drafted the rules for insurance policies for migrant workers hired under a government-to-government arrangement.
“The dignity and fundamental rights of OFWs in general, whether agency-hired or hired on a government-to-government arrangement, should at all times be protected by securing the best possible terms and conditions of employment,” Mr. Remulla said. — John Victor D. Ordoñez
