Republic of the Philippines COMMISSION ON HUMAN RIGHTS Diliman, Quezon City MESSAGE The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is pleased to present this research publication on the human rights of Filipino migrant workers. Labor migration has conventionally been viewed as a development tool. Invariably, the policies of labor-exporting countries such as the Philippines has focused on maximizing inflow of remittances while turning a blind eye on the severe conditions experienced by migrant workers, and the resulting harm on the families they leave behind. Factoring in the social costs of just one side of the human rights equation. Too often insufficient attention is paid on the duty of governments to recognize, protect ana fuIfi[ the fundamental rights of workers as theymove across borders and jurisdictions. A human rights perspective reinvigorates, transforms and fortifies a pro-worker Philippine labor export policy. migration, as this research shows, is Our sincere appreciation to Migrante International for pursuing this study, in coordination with IBON Foundation, under the auspices of CHR's European Commission-funded project, Enhancing the Role ofNational Human Rights Institutions in the Development of anASEAN Human Rights Mechanism. It is our vision that this publication and similar initiatives would contribute significantly in the forging of a new ASEAN consciousness of governance, trade and security firmly anchored on human rights. Mabuhay tayong lahat! &-t**le_ Ll,-"P,&*x, LORETTAANN P. ROSALES Chairperson