NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
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Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE
s. No. 241
of Ujp
23 AUG 17r P12 43
RtCEiViiD BY
Introduced by Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" T. Go
AN ACT
ESTABLISHING HOSPITAL WARDS DEDICATED TO OVERSEAS FILIPINO 
WORKERS AND THEIR DEPENDENTS TO BE KNOWN AS THE "OFW WARD" 
IN EVERY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH-RETAIN ED HOSPITAL, 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are hailed as "modern-day heroes" not only 
for their invaluable contribution to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but 
also for their unparalleled dedication and selflessness of having to leave their families 
behind just to uplift the quality of lives of their loved ones.
They toil away in distant lands to become not only providers but also beacons 
of inspiration for every hardworking Filipino. Worthy to note, the Bangko Sentral ng 
Pilipinas (BPS) reported that the personal remittances from OFWs grew by 3.8 percent 
in April 2023. The increase In personal remittances was due to higher remittances sent 
by land-based workers with work contracts of one year or more and sea- and land- 
based workers with work contracts of less than one year.
However, despite being the huge contributor to the country's economy, their 
journey often entails enduring countless challenges and personal sacrifices. The 
COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc not only to their profession, livelihood, health 
and safety, but also to their family. Hence, the cost of hospitalization, access to health 
care services, and immediate treatment remain an integral issue.


In light of these unpleasant circumstances faced by our OFWs and their 
families, we must take necessary steps to ensure their safety and well-being. This bill 
seeks to establish an OFW ward in every Department of Flealth-retained hospital. This 
OFW Ward shall be for the exclusive use of OFWs and their dependents who are in 
need of hospital confinement by reason of their health conditions. Through the 
establishment of wards dedicated to OFWs, they will be guaranteed of immediate and 
efficient health care services.
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is most earnestly sought.
SENATOR CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE
ER LAWRENCE "BONG" T. GO


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session
)
SENATE
S No. 2414
^ennfi
of file 
i’lanj
23 AUG 17 PI2 :43
Ui;CEI\/E0 ov.
Introduced By Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" T. Go
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AN ACT
ESTABLISHING HOSPITAL WARDS DEDICATED TO OVERSEAS FILIPINO 
WORKERS AND THEIR DEPENDENTS TO BE KNOWN AS THE "OFW WARD" 
IN EVERY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH-RETAIN ED HOSPITAL, 
APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as "OFW Ward Act'.
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to 
protect and promote the health of the people. Furthermore, the health of the Overseas 
Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are considered as our nation's modern-day heroes shall 
be protected, upheld and promoted. Undeniably contributing much to our country, the 
State shall endeavor to maintain their good health and well-being.
Sec. 3. Establishment - Throughout the country, there shall be established an 
OFW ward in every Department of Health-retained hospital. The OFW Ward shall be 
for the exclusive use of OFWs and their dependents who are in need of hospital 
confinement by reason of their health conditions. However, when urgency of public 
necessity purposes so requires, such OFW Ward may be used for emergency purposes, 
after which, it shall be reverted to its nature as OFW ward.
The DOH shall determine the number of beds in these OFW Wards based on 
the distribution of OFWs in their respective catchment areas. The DOH-retained
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Hospitals shall establish their patient flow and shall identify their respective units or 
focal persons to ensure positive patient experience.
Sec. 4. Eligibility. - This Act shall cover all OFWs and their dependents, 
including, but not limited to the following: land-based OFWs, seafarers and other sea- 
based workers: Provided, That dependents shall refer to their parents, legal spouse, 
legitimate, illegitimate, legitimated, and legally adopted child, who is unmarried, not 
gainfully employed, and not over 18 years old, or is over 18 years old but incapacitated 
and incapable of self-support due to a mental or physical defect.
Sec. 5. Impiementing Rules and Regulations. - Within six (6) months from the 
effectivity of this Act, the Department of Health (DOH) shall, in coordination with the 
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and other concerned government 
departments and agencies, with the participation of the Local Government Units 
(LGUs), promulgate rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act.
Sec. 6. Appropriations. The amount necessary for the immediate 
implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
Sec. 7. Separability Cause. - If for any reason, any provision of this Act is 
declared unconstitutional or invalid, parts of provisions of this Act that are not affected 
shall continue to be in full force and effect.
Sec. 8. Repealing Cause. - All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees. 
Implementing Rules and Regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are 
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
Sec. 9. Effectivity Cause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved,.