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Filipino Times
4 days ago
- Politics
- Filipino Times
‘Tapat na serbisyo, sapat na benepisyo,' UAE-based OFWs ask of new senators
With the official proclamation of the 12 newly elected senators from the May 2025 midterm polls by the Commission on Elections (Comelec), millions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) across the globe are once again placing their hopes on the country's new leaders. Migrant workers, particularly those in the UAE, have voiced their long-standing calls for better governance and stronger protection of their rights, as well as support for the families they've left behind in the Philippines. Now, as the 20th Congress prepares to convene, all eyes are on this new batch of lawmakers, a mix of returning and first-time senators, who bring with them a range of promises and advocacies. OFWs and their families are watching closely, hoping these will soon be transformed into concrete policies and meaningful reforms. What OFWs really want Amid all the promises and platforms raised during the campaign period, many OFWs share a common plea: for elected officials to lead with transparency and genuine public service. In a recent Tanong ng Bayan post, the prevailing sentiments highlighted a strong desire for a cleaner government, streamlined systems, and more efficient public services. Key concerns included simplifying the process for returning workers, especially concerning the overseas employment certificate (OEC), which serves as an exit clearance for departing OFWs, as well as ensuring that government agencies uphold integrity and compassion in serving the Filipino people. 'Sana magtrabaho sila nang tama para sa mga mamamayang Pilipino,' an Abu Dhabi-based OFW said. 'Maging honest sila sa kanilang serbisyo,' another commenter wrote. Ahmad Taurac, an admin clerk and Dubai-based OFW, also captured what many others have been echoing for years. First on the list: scrap the OEC, a document many view as an outdated burden. He also called for easier access to government assistance, discounted airfare for migrant workers, and livelihood support for those returning home. 'Bigyan ng kabuhayan ang mga OFW na umuwing walang ipon upang hindi na bumalik pa sa abroad,' he said, adding that the newly elected leaders should also push for their families welfare, such as providing health insurance coverage and free education for their children. Ahmad Taurac, OFW for 13 years in the UAE As the 2025 midterm elections end, let's look back on how several senatorial candidates, now officially proclaimed senators, placed the rights and welfare of OFWs at the center of their platforms—commitments that were largely highlighted in public forums, media interviews, and campaign rallies. Expanding health and social benefits Erwin Tulfo/FB Senator-elect Erwin Tulfo wants to ensure that OFWs retire with dignity. He proposes a dedicated pension fund, separate from the Social Security System, where both the government and workers contribute. Tulfo highlighted the reality that many OFWs return home without savings and often depend on their children, underscoring the urgent need for long-term financial support. Kiko Pangilinan/FB Meanwhile, Senator-elect Francis 'Kiko' Pangilinan is pushing for stronger healthcare and social protection. He aims to expand PhilHealth insurance coverage for the migrant workers and improve government assistance for their urgent medical concerns through strategic partnerships with various host countries. Pangilinan also advocates for a comprehensive reintegration program to ease their transition back home after years abroad. Strengthening support, policies Camille Villar/FB Millennial Senator-elect Camille Villar also promised a more responsive government for Filipino workers abroad. She plans to establish a dedicated hotline for legal aid and repatriation, while also pushing financial literacy programs for OFWs and their families. Building on her father Manny Villar's legacy, she vows to continue initiatives like the 'Sagip-OFW Helpline,' which she deemed helpful in repatriating thousands of distressed Filipinos abroad. Ping Lacson/FB Sea-based OFWs were also given attention as Senator-elect Panfilo 'Ping' Lacson has pledged to ensure better protection for seafarers. He noted that Filipino seafarers deserve access to affordable education and training, suggesting that the government should provide subsidies similar to those offered under the Free Tertiary Education Act. Other newly elected senators have also voiced support for broader advocacies that could benefit not only OFWs but also their families, including affordable education, youth empowerment, law enforcement, government transparency, agriculture, and women's rights. Shared hopes Now that these senators have been officially elected, OFWs from different parts of the world are hopeful that their promises won't remain mere words. With millions of Filipino workers continuing to sacrifice and contribute to the nation's economy from abroad, they look to the new Senate to take real, lasting action that reflects the value of every modern-day hero.
GMA Network
23-05-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Erwin Tulfo takes oath as senator before barangay captain in Quiapo
Senator-elect Erwin Tulfo on Friday took his oath of office in Quiapo, Manila. Tulfo was sworn in by his good friend Barangay Chairperson Johnny Dela Cruz at around 9:00 a.m. in Barangay 307, Zone 30, Quiapo, Manila. In an interview with reporters, Tulfo said he chose to take his oath before a barangay captain in Quiapo, Manila because he is a devotee of the Black Nazarene. 'Mas pinili ko dito sa barangay, dahil barangay is the first line na nakikita ng tao…ibig sabihin mas malapit ang mga tao sa barangay. So I chose to swear in dito sa aming kaibigan na barangay captain kasi 'yun din 'yung purpose natin, gusto natin na medyo mas mapalapit sa tao, mas mabilis nating maririnig ang kanilang mga reklamo,' Tulfo said. The incoming senator also said this decision to take oath in a barangay hall is in line with his promise to push for a salary standardization law for barangay officials. Apart from this, Tulfo reiterated his commitment to review the Rice Tariffication Law, file bills on national land use and PhilHealth benefits reform. Asked about his preparations for the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte, Tulfo said he wants to see the pieces of evidence first. 'Maraming sinasabi na guilty si VP Sara, gusto ko makita…kailangan makita 'yung ebidensya,' he said. 'Pag judge ka, dapat neutral ka hanggang sa mabasa mo na lahat, makita mo na lahat,' he added. Tulfo will be joining his brother Senator Raffy Tulfo in the upper chamber in the 20th Congress after landing fourth in the 2025 senatorial race with over 17 million votes.—AOL, GMA Integrated News
GMA Network
23-05-2025
- Politics
- GMA Network
Comelec junks DQ case vs Erwin Tulfo
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has dismissed a petition to disqualify Senator-elect Erwin Tulfo in the May 2025 midterm elections. In a 25-page decision dated Thursday, the Second Division said the disqualification case filed by Toto Causing and Graft-Free Philippines Foundation Inc. (GFPFI) against Tulfo was junked over petitioners' failure to observe certain requirements. 'The Petition is DISMISSED,' it said. 'At the onset, it is imperative to settle the procedural issues raised by Respondent alleging Petitioners' failure to observe certain requirements under the rules, and such failure warrants the outright dismissal of the Petition for insufficiency in form,' it added. The certificate of candidacy (COC) submitted by the petitioners has no affidavit of authentication. There is also no secretary's certificate. 'Respondent pointed out that Petitioners attached an electronic copy of Respondent's COC downloaded from the COMELEC website sans an Affidavit of Authentication in accordance with Section 4 (2) of COMELEC Resolution No. 11046,' the Second Division said. 'Additionally, Respondent also pointed out that there is no Secretary Certificate showing that Petitioner Calonge was duly authorized by Petitioner GFPFI, a juridical entity, to sign on its behalf the Verification and Certification of Non-Forum Shopping, in accordance with Section 5 of Rule 7 of the Rules of Court,' it added. Causing's group called for Tulfo's disqualification in the 2025 senatorial race for having been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude and not being a Filipino citizen. The petitioners cited alleged violation of the Section 26 of Article II of the 1987 Constitution on equal access to opportunities to public service, the political dynasty provisions, and nepotism. Also, they said Section 1 of Article XI of the 1987 Constitution was violated for failing to prove his academic qualification or ability to serve the People of the Philippines with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty and efficiency. 'In view of the multiple grounds already established for the dismissal of the Petition, the other matters and issues raised by the parties no longer merit any consideration,' the Second Division said. —VAL, GMA Integrated News For more Eleksyon 2025 related content and updates, visit GMA News Online's Eleksyon 2025 microsite.
Filipino Times
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Alyansa bets cast votes as 2025 midterm polls get underway
Candidates from the administration-backed Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas coalition cast their votes across the country on Monday, May 12, as the 2025 midterm elections officially began. Re-electionist Senator Lito Lapid was the earliest among the Alyansa slate to vote, taking advantage of early voting for seniors, which began at 5 a.m. ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo, the coalition's top Senate contender based on pre-election surveys, cast his vote at Kamuning Elementary School in Quezon City when general voting opened at 7 a.m. Senate hopeful and former presidential candidate Ping Lacson returned to his hometown in Imus, Cavite to vote. His former running mate, former Senate President Tito Sotto—also eyeing a Senate comeback—voted in Quezon City, accompanied by wife Helen Gamboa and son, Vice Mayor Gian Sotto, who is seeking re-election. Former Senator and boxing icon Manny Pacquiao also traveled to Sarangani to cast his vote. Incumbent senators Bong Revilla and Francis Tolentino, who are both running for re-election, are scheduled to vote later in the day, along with outgoing Makati Mayor Abby Binay, re-electionist Senator Pia Cayetano, and outgoing Las Piñas Rep. Camille Villar. A final pre-election survey by OCTA Research, conducted from April 20 to 24, showed that 10 out of 11 Alyansa senatorial bets are projected to secure seats. Tulfo led the coalition with a 52.7% voter preference, placing him in the 1st to 2nd rank. Tolentino was the only candidate outside the top 12, with 25.2% support, placing him between 13th and 22nd. More than 68.6 million Filipinos are registered to vote in this year's elections. According to the Commission on Elections (Comelec), polling precincts opened at 5 a.m. for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women, while general voting began at 7 a.m. and will continue until 7 p.m.
South China Morning Post
07-05-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Duterte's ‘political son' Bong Go gains ground in Philippines senate race: survey
A new survey has placed Senator Christopher 'Bong' Go – a long-time aide to Rodrigo Duterte – near the top of the Senate race, with analysts saying the former Philippine president's arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC) has galvanised his supporters to back candidates allied with his coalition in next week's midterm election. Advertisement The senator came in second at 45 per cent, close behind popular broadcaster and incumbent party-list representative Erwin Tulfo at 49 per cent, in the list of Senate preferences, according to independent opinion firm WR Numero. Some 2,500 Filipinos nationwide were polled from April 23 to 30, with the survey aimed at recording public sentiment on pre-election preferences just over two weeks before Filipinos are set to head to the ballot on May 12. The latest report showed the top two spots were a 'toss-up' between Go and Tulfo, according to Julio Teehankee, a professor of political science and international studies at the De La Salle University. However, while Tulfo has maintained steady ratings from 46.5 per cent in February to 49 per cent in the fourth week of April, Go has climbed the rankings from 30 per cent in February to 42 per cent in the first week of April, until reaching 45 per cent last week. Christopher Bong Go has steadily climbed the rankings in the past months, according to a WR Numero survey. Photo: Facebook/Christopher Bong Go Go's popularity is also reflected in other surveys, registering a rating of 62.2 per cent in voter preferences in an April survey by Pulse Asia.
