SENATOR Raffy Tulfo has called on the Department of Migrant Workers and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration to urgently address the alarming rise in suicide cases among overseas Filipino workers in Hong Kong.

During a Senate Committee on Migrant Workers hearing held on Wednesday, Tulfo revealed that the DMW recorded six suicide cases in 2023, five in 2024, and one already in the first quarter of 2025. “That is very alarming for me,” he said during the session. “Has this been monitored by the OWWA and DMW, and if we have monitored this, what are we doing to prevent this kind of issue from happening again?”

In response, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac explained that many of the affected workers had been burdened with significant financial debt. He said the agency is now ramping up financial literacy programs for OFWs and their families to help them better manage their finances and avoid financial traps that can lead to mental health crises.

OWWA also confirmed ongoing efforts to educate OFWs on money management and is reviewing additional support mechanisms. Tulfo further suggested that the government explore establishing a pension program for retiring OFWs, saying it could offer long-term financial stability and peace of mind for workers returning home after years abroad.

The hearing also tackled other persistent concerns in the OFW sector, including the implementation of Republic Act 12021 or the Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers, designed to safeguard the rights and welfare of Filipino maritime workers.

Lawmakers also expressed concern over growing incidents of illegal recruitment and human trafficking. A key point of discussion involved fraudulent job offers circulated via social media, often linked to syndicates operating under Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

AUTHOR PROFILE

Camille P. Balagtas