Philippines to push labor pact with Russia during Marcos-Putin meeting

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines will seek to strengthen labor cooperation with Russia as President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s visit to Moscow may open discussions on improving protections and opportunities for Filipinos working in Russia.

In an interview aired by state media RTVM on Wednesday, Philippine Ambassador to Russia Igor Bailen said Manila has been pursuing a labor agreement with the Russian Federation to further protect and provide services to the growing community of Filipinos in different parts of the transcontinental country.

“And hopefully, with the visit of the president, we would be able to work further with the Russian side in pursuing labor cooperation because it is really very important,” Bailen said.

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According to the ambassador, the Philippine government is working toward establishing stronger institutional support for Filipinos in Russia, including the possible future establishment of a Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Moscow.

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At present, Filipino workers in Russia are covered by the MWO in Berlin, Germany.

“Maybe in the future, we’re going to have an MWO in Moscow also to take care of the Filipino community here in Russia,” Bailen said.

READ: Marcos arrives in Kazan for Asean-Russia summit

The more than 15,000 Filipinos in Russia come from various sectors and backgrounds, with many employed in household services as nannies and caregivers, while others work as professionals, pursue studies, or are married to Russian nationals.

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“It’s a complex community, also composed of many Filipinos from different walks of life,” he said.

Bailen noted that Filipino workers have become valued members of Russian households, particularly in caregiving and domestic work, where Russian families have developed trust in them.

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He said many Russian families depend on Filipino workers, whose assistance enables parents to continue working while ensuring care for their children and homes.

The ambassador also highlighted the significant presence of Filipinos in key areas across Russia, particularly in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Vladivostok.

President Marcos arrived in Kazan on Wednesday to co-chair the commemorative summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) and Russia.

He will also hold a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the margins of the summit to further strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest, particularly energy security and food security.

READ: Marcos-Putin meeting in Russia to center on food and energy security

Aside from this, Bailen said Marcos is also expected to discuss the welfare and rights of Filipinos living and working in Russia, including efforts to ensure fair working conditions and safeguard their interests.

He added that the President would convey appreciation to the Russian government for providing what he described as a “second home” for the Filipino community.

Bailen said the Philippines remains committed to maintaining broader diplomatic engagement with Russia under its foreign policy principle of being “friend to all, enemy to none.”

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“We are proving that the Philippines can be a reliable partner, not just with our traditional partners and allies, but with other countries as well,” he added. /mcm