Senatorial candidate Francis Pangilinan has called for stronger protections for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are vulnerable to exploitation and abuses in the place of work.
Pangilinan, a former senator himself, issued the call following the recent rescue and repatriation of 176 Filipinos from Myanmar, many of whom were victims of human trafficking and illegal recruitment.
Pangilinan expressed deep concern over the continued exploitation of Filipino workers abroad, emphasizing that many take extreme risks due to worsening economic conditions in the Philippines.
Pangilinan strongly condemned the traffickers and illegal recruiters who take advantage of vulnerable Filipinos seeking better livelihoods. He called on the government to intensify crackdowns on these criminal syndicates and ensure stricter enforcement of labor protections.