Senator Raffy Tulfo, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, conducted a surprise inspection of several Metro Manila accommodation houses for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) awaiting deployment. His visit on March 10 followed numerous complaints about poor living conditions. 

Tulfo was accompanied by Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) officials, led by Mylette Andres, officer-in-charge of the Licensing and Regulations Bureau.

He first visited Mondial Overseas Corporation’s facility in Quezon City, where he was shocked to find over 40 OFWs crammed into a small four-bedroom house. Rooms lacked double-deck beds, and the restroom had no shower, no flush on the toilet, and no door for privacy. He asked owner Roland Collado if he would allow his daughter to live in such conditions. He also noted the absence of fire extinguishers, fire exits, and a stocked first-aid kit.

At another accommodation in Zamboanga, Quezon City, also owned by Collado, the senator found similar issues—overcrowding, poor ventilation, and no emergency exits. The water dispenser was empty, and a posted notice forbade OFWs from storing food or cooling water in the refrigerator.

Tulfo urged Collado to provide at least three water dispensers and a prayer room for both Catholic and non-Catholic OFWs, a suggestion supported by a Muslim worker. He also questioned a sari-sari store owned by Collado’s family, stressing that OFWs should be free to shop elsewhere.

While he did not seek to shut down the facilities, the lawmaker gave Collado one month to meet DMW guidelines. Collado vowed to take immediate action.

Tulfo was also outraged by the dire conditions in four MEJA International Manpower Agency accommodation houses in Paco, Manila, where OFWs were crammed like sardines. Worse, only one was registered with the DMW, according to Andres.

The rooms were overcrowded, poorly ventilated, and lacked electric fans. One OFW said they had to buy their own. The stairs had no handrails, which Tulfo insisted must be fixed immediately to prevent accidents. Even more appalling, there were no tables or chairs, forcing OFWs to eat on the floor. 

Tulfo reprimanded caretaker Melanie Cabangon for mistreating the workers, reminding her that they are the reason she has a job. He tasked the DMW with ensuring the owner complies with all guidelines to keep operating.IMT