Senator Raffy Tulfo condemned the poor living conditions in some recruitment agency accommodation houses during a Senate Committee on Migrant Workers hearing on Monday.
Tulfo shared findings from a surprise inspection he recently conducted, revealing that up to 20 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) or aspiring OFWs were being packed into small, cramped rooms—comparing the setup to sardines in a can. He also raised serious fire safety concerns, saying gates were locked at night with keys held by agency owners living elsewhere, potentially trapping residents in case of fire.
Photos shown by Tulfo highlighted overcrowded sleeping areas, rundown restrooms, and empty first aid kits. Some of the facilities also reportedly lacked fire extinguishers and emergency exits.
In response, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said they have already delisted 27 substandard accommodation facilities, leaving only six currently registered. He added that the department is conducting a nationwide audit, especially of agencies recruiting domestic workers, and any unregistered accommodations would face penalties.
DMW Undersecretary Bernard Olalia said inspections are required before accommodations are approved. Of the 807 active land-based recruitment agencies, about half cater to domestic work.
Cacdac noted that they are reviewing Singapore’s accommodation standards and plan to require isolation rooms as well.
Meanwhile, Tulfo criticized the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) for not inspecting these accommodation houses. Fire Chief Superintendent Alma Abacahin explained that inspections are limited to properties that apply for permits—something Tulfo rejected, instructing the BFP to proactively check for uninspected living quarters tied to recruitment agencies.
