3 House measures on legal, financial aid for OFWs OKd on 2nd reading

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives on Wednesday approved on second reading three bills seeking to provide further legal and financial protection to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

During Wednesday’s session, lawmakers in a voice vote approved House Bill (HB) 9462, HB 9805, and HB 9806, all sponsored by Agimat party-list Rep. Bryan Revilla, chairperson of the House committee on overseas workers affairs. 

READ: CHR: Veloso case underscores need for stronger OFW safeguards

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Revilla said HB 9462, which expands the use of legal assistance funds (LAF), will ensure funding is available to OFWs facing legal issues.

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“An overseas Filipino worker can use the fund from the moment they are investigated, detained, arrested, or charged. The support continues all throughout the trial and during any appeals,” Revilla said in his sponsorship speech.

Revilla also said the fund can help OFWs appeal their cases or file complaints against abusive employers.

He noted that the bill will ensure that OFWs can still be protected even in countries without a migrant’s office. 

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“The rules of using the LAF will also apply to the DMW’s [Department of Migrant Workers] action fund. This ensures that the government’s fund for legal aid is used in a standard, efficient, and careful way,” he added. 

Meanwhile, HB 9805 seeks to redefine the crime of illegal recruitment committed by a syndicate. 

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Revilla said that if the measure is passed into law, it will dissuade illegal recruiters from pursuing their illegal activities “as amendments will facilitate their convictions.”

Lastly, HB 9806 is aimed at providing free financial education programs to OFWs and their families.

Revilla underscored the importance of proper financial management among OFWs and teaching them how to grow their hard-earned money. 

“This bill aims to guide both land-based and sea-based OFWs whether documented or otherwise from fraud and debt traps from saving their money for a secure future,” Revilla said in a separate sponsorship speech.

He noted that financial education will become a mandatory component of pre-departure orientation and post-arrival training seminars conducted in embassies or job sites.

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He added that sea-based OFWs will be entitled to flexible arrangements.  /gsg