Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session

’

House Bill No, 792 _

Introduced by HON. ROZZANO RUFINO B. BIAZON

SE EEE

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to establish an Overseas Filipino Workers Office in every province of the
Philippines.

According to the 2015 Survey on Overseas Filipinos, there are around 2.4 Million Overseas
Filipino Workers (OFWs) all over the world, These modern day heroes remitted an estimated
P180.3 Billion to the country. Among the regions, CALABARZON had the most OFWs estimated
at around 170,000 workers followed by Central Luzon and the National Capital Region wih
around 150,000 and 10,000 workers respectively. it would be safe to assume that almost all, if no
all cities and municipalities in the country, have at least one (1) OFW. Even assuming that not all
cities and municipalities do not have at least a single OFW, this does not mean that not anyone
among its labor force wants to be employed abroad.

While the country tries to find solutions to address the dearth of jobs that pay decent wages
in the country, efforts must also be exerted to protect and promote the welfare and interests of
OFWs or those planning to be OFWs. There is no better place to start than at the provinces. After
all, aside froma the families of OFWs who benefit from their remittances, these provinces also
benefit as most of these remittances are either spent or invested where these OFWs and their
families reside,

It is therefore but fitting that every provincial government should establish an OFW Office
where all the concerns of OF Ws or those planning to be OF Ws, may be addressed.

In view of the foregoing, early passage of this bill is earnestly sought,

ROZZANO RUFIQO B. BN t

‘epresentative
Lone District, Muntinlupa City


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

House Bil! No. 792

Introduced by HON. ROZZANO RUFINO B. BIAZON

AN ACT
ESTABLISHING AN OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS OFFICE IN EVERY
PROVINCE IN THE PHILIPPINES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

Section |. Short Title. ~ This Act shall be known as the “Provincial Overseas Filipino
Workers Office Act”. n

See. 2, Declaration of Policy. ~ It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote the
welfare of all Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families. Towards this end, the state
shall come up with programs and mechanisms that shall promote and protect the interests of OF Ws
and their families,

See. 3. Creation of OFW Office in All Provinces. ~ There is hereby established an OF W
Office in all provinces in the country. It shall serve as a one-stop-shop to address concerns or
problems of Overseas Filipino Workers and their families who are residing within their respective
territorial jurisdictions.

Allprovincial governments, through these OFW Offices, in partnership with the Department
of Foreign Affairs (DPA), Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POBA), Overseas Workers
Welfare Administration (OWWA) and other relevant government agencies advocating the rights
and welfare of OFWs, shall take a proactive stance in the dissemination of information to their
constituents on all aspects of overseas employment. Such OF W Offices herein established shall be
linked to the database of all relevant government agencies particularly the POEA and the OWWA.
for its updated list of overseas job orders and licensed recruitment agencies in good standing.



See. 4. Implementing Rules and Regulations. ~The Secretary of the Department of Interior
and Local Government in consultation with the local government units, the DFA, POEA the
OWWA and all other relevant government agencies, shall, within sixty (60) days upon the
effectivity of this Act, formulate the necessary implementing rules and regulations for its effective
implementation,

Sec. 5. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, issuances, rules and
regulations which may be inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Act are hereby deemed
repealed or amended accordingly.

Sec. 6. Separability Clause, ~ If any section or provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or provisions not affected thereby shall remain in
full force and effect. :

Sec. 7, Effeetivity. — T Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in the
Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation

Approved,