Abalos seeks to expedite OEC, contract verification procedures for OFWs
Senatorial candidate and former DILG Secretary Abalos during a visit in Hongkong to meet OFWs
Senatorial candidate and former Interior Secretary Atty. Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. has vowed to push for the immediate streamlining of the Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) and contract verification procedures, long criticized by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) as inefficient, outdated, and overly burdensome.
In a recent consultation with OFWs in the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, Abalos listened to complaints about long queues and sluggish appointment systems that delay their return to work abroad.
According to many OFWs, the OEC, intended as a safeguard for documented workers, has become more of a hindrance than help.
Ralph, an OFW in the Gulf Region, shared his experience: “Sometimes, it’s easier to vacation in other countries than in the Philippines. Contract verification alone can take one week to a month just to get an appointment. Then you still have to queue for at least half a day. The OEC is a separate hurdle.”
“We receive countless suggestions from our modern-day heroes. It’s our duty to listen and to act,” Abalos said. “I promise you — kung ako po ay papalarin (If I am fortunate enough) — I will champion legislation that makes these processes faster.”
Senatorial candidate and former DILG Secretary Abalos during a visit in Hongkong to meet OFWs
“Nakakainis. Napakasimpleng bagay, pinapahirapan pa,” he added.
(It’s so frustrating. Such a simple thing, yet they’re making it so difficult)
Many OFWs echoed these sentiments, saying the system discourages them from returning home during breaks or spending time with their families, even at the cost of boosting local tourism.
“It’s disheartening that such a simple requirement is made so complicated,” Abalos said. “If given the opportunity to serve in the Senate, I will push for legislation to expedite the release of these documents.”
Abalos also lamented that OFWs are forced to spend their limited—and often unpaid—vacation days dealing with red tape instead of being with their families.
Despite the rollout of online platforms, many OFWs still report difficulty securing appointments, revealing what Abalos described as a “persistent gap in service delivery.”
Senatorial candidate and former DILG Secretary Abalos during a visit in Hongkong to meet OFWs
He called for improved coordination between the Department of Migrant Workers, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, the Anti-Red Tape Authority, and other concerned agencies.
A staunch advocate of government digitalization, Abalos said he would recommend a fully integrated, user-friendly digital system to simplify the process and eliminate repetitive steps across agencies.
He also emphasized the need for mandatory maximum processing periods for the OEC and contract verification.
“There will be strict accountability measures,” Abalos said.
“Through better coordination among agencies, we can make OFW departure and return smoother, removing another burden from their shoulders,” he added.
Abalos stressed that expediting these processes would save OFWs time and money and, more importantly, give them more meaningful time with their loved ones.
