RP, CNMI labor pact sealed

Newly-hired Saipan-bound Filipino workers will not be allowed entry in the Commonwealth unless they are able to show a certificate issued by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration.

This came following last month’s signing of the amended version of the existing Philippines-CNMI Bilateral Labor Agreement in Manila.

Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio headed the Commonwealth delegation who met with Philippine officials led by Labor and Employment Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma and Undersecretary Felicisimo Joson.

The CNMI delegation was accompanied by Philippine Consul to the Northern Marianas Julia C. Heidemann, who also joined the governor when he received the prestigious Presidential Banaag Awards from President Estrada in Malacanang Palace.

Changes to the existing bilateral agreement was made to provide better protection to an estimated 20,000 Filipino workers in the Northern Marianas, as well as prevent the entry of illegal workers.

Philippine and CNMI labor officials have agreed to amend the existing Memorandum of Agreement during a consultative meeting between Labor Undersecretary Felicisimo Joson and Mr. Tenorio and other Commonwealth officials last year.

Philippine labor officials have lauded the reforms undertaken by the Tenorio Administration which, they said, reaffirms the Commonwealth’s commitment to provide migrant workers here with adequate means of protection against labor abuses.

During their meeting on Saipan, both the Philippines and CNMI delegations have agreed to amend certain provisions of the existing bilateral labor agreement. The amended agreement is expected to be signed in Manila by November.

A technical committee composed of labor officials from each government has been tasked to spell out the details of the agreement.

One of the amendments to the bilateral agreement is the guarantee that the issuance by the POEA of the Overseas Employment Certificate would ensure that the workers are fully covered by a contract endorsed and approved by the CNMI government.

Officials said this would also discourage illegal entry of Filipino workers into the Northern Marianas. This would stop plain tourists from coming in and working on the island without being processed by the POEA and the corresponding clearance from the Philippine government.

A permanent commission represented by officials from the CNMI and the Philippines had also been created and is set to meet each year alternately on Saipan and in Manila.