Migrant workers demand accountability over Marcos ‘incompetence’ amid crisis

By Nash Villena, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
March 31, 2026

(Photo courtesy: Migrante International)

MANDALUYONG CITY — Migrante International trooped outside the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) headquarters on Monday to demand accountability for the Philippine government’s incompetence and blatant disregard for ensuring the full protection of Filipino migrants in the Middle East.

The group said that the escalating tensions in the region not only threatened the safety and welfare of more than 2 million Filipino migrants but also their livelihood and job security.

According to Migrante, they denounce the Marcos administration for its dismal record in the past month in seriously addressing the worsening economic impacts of the war on Filipino migrant workers and neglecting to uphold their rights and welfare, especially among the most vulnerable, including the undocumented, women, and seafarers.

They also cited reports of certain undocumented Filipinos in Bahrain who were reportedly denied assistance from Philippine agencies, adding to the burden of the need to actively call out the officials before these migrant workers receive their assistance.

The Monday protest, said Migrante, marks the beginning of a series of protest actions which will be held in various countries by its chapters and Filipino migrant organizations throughout the Holy Week.