PARIS, France – Senator Raffy Tulfo, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, met with overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in France during his visit to the Philippine Embassy in Paris, where he unveiled three legislative measures aimed at improving the welfare of Filipino migrant workers and their families.

In his address, Tulfo described the three proposed bills as his “pasalubong” to the Filipino community in France, each designed to address specific needs of OFWs across the globe.

The first proposal seeks to establish the Migrant Workers Relations Commission (MWRC) within the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). The MWRC will serve as a special court for OFWs to expedite the resolution of their complaints without having to go through the lengthy processes of the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC).

The second bill proposes the creation of One-Stop Shops for OFWs in every municipality nationwide. These centers will consolidate essential government services—from pre-deployment to reintegration, including family benefits—into a single accessible location to reduce long queues and bureaucratic hurdles.

Tulfo’s third measure aims to expand the OFW Dependent Scholarship Program from 5,000 to 10,000 slots and extend its coverage from elementary to college education assistance to support more children of OFWs.

“I believe every Filipino abroad deserves access to public service. That is why I will be filing several bills that directly respond to the needs of our OFWs and their families,” Tulfo said.

Beyond legislation, the senator also proposed the establishment of a social hall for Filipinos in France, a dedicated space where OFWs can gather during their days off and special occasions.

Tulfo said he has already discussed the plan with DMW Secretary Hans Cacdac and that both are working to realize the initiative in countries with large Filipino communities. He also committed to supporting the funding for the project during the upcoming Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) budget deliberations—an announcement that drew applause from attendees.