Interrogating Reluctance: Residual Colonial Ideologies and Filipino Migrant Worker Vulnerability

Flor Contemplacion, a Filipina domestic worker based in Singapore, tragically faced execution after being falsely accused of a double murder. Her case epitomizes the systemic neglect and exploitation experienced by many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) because of their own government's inaction. Despite substantial remittances flowing back to the Philippines, the government has failed to address the grievances of maltreatment and safeguard the rights of its overseas citizens. This paper investigates the root causes behind the neglect of Filipino migrant workers by the Philippine government, answering the question: how is it possible that Filipino migrant workers are neglected and therefore exploited by the Philippine government? While existing literature highlights the country's dependency on remittances, it often overlooks the profound influence of colonial legacies on labor migration policies and governance gaps. Through an analysis of Flor's case and other anecdotal evidence, I argue that coloniality perpetuates conditions conducive to the neglect and exploitation of Filipino migrants. By neglecting the welfare of OFWs in receiving countries, the Philippine government perpetuates the logic of race, labor, and gender birthed during colonialism. This failure not only perpetuates the dehumanization of labor and cultural identity of Filipinos but also prevents the nation's efforts towards decolonization. This research aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the structural forces shaping the treatment of Filipino migrant workers and to promote existing advocacy for policy reforms that prioritize overseas Filipino workers' welfare and rights.