Senator Raffy Tulfo has vowed to recommend hiring additional staff for the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Dubai to improve efficiency and address long-standing complaints from Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) about slow and poor service.
During a surprise inspection at the Philippine Consulate in Dubai, which houses MWO and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Tulfo was met with numerous grievances from OFWs waiting for contract verification. Many reported experiencing long wait times, with some waiting for more than five hours, as well as unprofessional treatment from staff.
Tulfo confronted Assistant Labor Attaché Jeane Mendoza about these concerns and stressed the need to streamline processes. He also questioned why appointment scheduling for contract verification takes up to three months, calling for a faster system. The senator warned that if these issues persist, he would summon MWO staff to a Senate hearing and recommend their removal to Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Cacdac.
Frustration grew when Tulfo discovered that OFWs who had already waited for contract verification had to endure another delay just to receive their payment receipts. He ordered Mendoza to ensure that receipts are issued immediately upon payment, a move that was met with applause from the waiting crowd.
Additionally, Tulfo noted that MWO operates for only half a day on Fridays and immediately called Sec. Cacdac, who agreed to extend the office hours to a full day. He also inspected the office facilities and ordered immediate improvements, such as ensuring restrooms have toilet paper.
At OWWA, he found several empty desks and was told that some staff were on duty visiting jails and hospitals, while others had already returned to the Philippines after completing their contracts. Tulfo emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, urging that all staff submit daily accomplishment reports.
To support OFWs enduring long waits, he suggested providing free coffee and biscuits, as many arrive without eating. Mendoza assured him that this would be implemented.
