The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) convened the second day of its 2025 Migrant Workers Offices (MWOs) Command Conference on December 17, 2025, at the Conrad Manila. The high-level summit focused on a singular, vital mission: strengthening the legal and institutional safeguards provided to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) worldwide.
The sessions, led by DMW Undersecretaries Jainal T. Rasul Jr. and Bernard P. Olalia, provided a comprehensive and in-depth look into the government’s legal assistance framework. Central to the discussion was the strategic role of foreign legal retainers—local legal experts in host countries who work alongside Philippine officials to navigate foreign judicial systems.
Through intensive case-sharing sessions, Labor Attachés and legal retainers analyzed complex challenges, including:
-
High-Stakes Legal Advocacy: Management of death row cases and drug-related offenses.
-
Labor Rights: Resolution of employment disputes and contract violations.
-
General Welfare: Navigating immigration hurdles and security concerns in volatile regions.
Hon. Leonard Bryan B. Revilla, Chairperson of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, delivered a keynote address underscoring the importance of frontline personnel. “The MWOs are the first line of defense,” Revilla stated, emphasizing that legislative support remains steadfast in ensuring these offices have the resources to address the evolving needs of Filipinos abroad.
Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac closed the session by reaffirming the administration’s direct involvement, noting that all reports and strategic efforts from the legal teams have been communicated directly to the President. This highlights the “whole-of-government” approach to migrant protection.
The event served as a massive collaborative hub, bringing together a diverse group of experts to synchronize global strategies:
| Participant Group | Count |
| DMW Labor Attachés | 42 |
| OWWA Welfare Officers | 42 |
| Foreign Legal Retainers (Lawyers) | 22 |
| DMW-OWWA High-Ranking Officials | 35 |
The 2025 Command Conference reaffirms the Philippine government’s commitment to a responsive, humane, and proactive legal system that upholds the dignity of every Filipino worker, regardless of where they serve.
