Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2422

House Bill No.

Introduced by Honorable Rex Gatchalian

Explanatory Note

Our Constitution provides that “The State affirms labor as a primary
social economic force. It shall protect the rights of workers and promote their
welfare.” Whereas, the Migrant Workers and Welfare Act of 1995, as amended,
declares in its policies that “The State shall afford full protection to labor, local
and overseas, organized and unorganized, and promote full employment and
equality of employment opportunities for all. Towards this end, the State shall
provide adequate and timely social, economic and legal services to Filipino
Migrant Workers, in particular.” In recognition of this mandate, it is intended
that the services will be more responsive, interests amply protected and the
welfare best promoted if a comprehensive organizational structure is accorded
the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, hence this legislative proposal

Since its inception, through Letter of Instruction No. 537, issued in
May 1, 1997 creating the Welfare and Training Fund for Overseas Workers, an
attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment, to Presidential
Decree No. 1694 issued in May 1, 1980 formalizing LOI 537 establishing the
organization and administration of the Welfare Fund for Overseas Workers
(Welfund), and then Presidential Decree No. 1809 which was issued in
January 16, 1981 amending PD 1694, to expand the Welfund Board of
Trustees and establishing a Secretariat to administer the Welfund until
Executive Order No. 126 was issued in January 30, 1987 which reorganized
the Ministry of Labor and Employment, renaming Welfund into the Overseas
Workers Welfare Administration - a clear, unequivocal concept of its
obligations, duties and the scope of its administrative functions have not so far
been established. Its collection and receipt of membership fees in recent years
have drawn serious concerns on fund management and lenient disbursements
without clear-cut guidelines. Thus, congressional inquiries on how the agency


judiciously keep and manage these hard-earned contributions have cropped up
time and again.

One clear realization that has emerged which is of paramount
importance from these legislative investigations is the creation of a charter that
shall govern the operation and administration of OWWA - clarify the mission of
its creation, define the membership base and coverage of benefits, identify the
programs for availment of its members, fund management and public
accountability of its administrators and officials.

This legislative initiative seeks to fulfill this crucial policy demand and
imperative. The passage of an OWWA Charter will certainly contribute to a
more effective and efficient delivery of services to accord a greater mantle of
protection for our OFW's as well as the advancement of their rights and
welfare.

The support for the passage and approval of this landmark legislation is
earnestly prayed.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

242

House Bill No. __

Introduced by Honorable Rex Gatchalian

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

AN ACT TO CREATE THE OVERSEAS WORKERS WELFARE
ADMINISTRATION CHARTER

CHAPTER I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the ‘Overseas
Workers Welfare Administration Charter of 2010

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to afford
full protection to labor, local and overseas, organized and unorganized, and
promote full employment opportunities for all. Towards this end, it shall be the
State's responsibility to protect the Overseas Filipino Workers. The Overseas
Workers Welfare Administration will be the primary instrumentality of the State
to serve and promote the interest and welfare of OFWs and their beneficiaries,

Section 3. Nature. - The OWWA is a government instrumentality. It is
an agency of the Government vested with the special function of developing and
implementing welfare programs and services that are responsive to the OFWs
needs, protect their interests and promote their welfare. It is endowed with
corporate powers and administers a special fund

Section 4. Purposes and Objectives. In order to reaffirm the mandate
espoused in Article I] Section 18 and Article XIII Section 3, of the 1987
Constitution, OWWA shall


a.) To facilitate the implementation of the provisions of the Labor Code
concerning the responsibility of the government to promote the well-
being of OFWs;

b.) To provide social and welfare services to OFWs, including, but not
limited to, insurance, social work assistance, and cultural services;

c.) To ensure the efficiency of collections and the viability and
sustainability of the Fund through sound, judicious, and wansparent
investment and management policies;

d.)To undertake studies and research for the enhancement of OFW
social, economic and cultural well-being; and

¢.) To develop, support and finance specific projects for the welfare of
OFWs.

CHAPTER II. THE ORGANIZATION

Section 5. The Organization. - To carry out the purposes of this Act,
OWWA shall be directed and controlled by a Board of Trustees as the policy
making body, and the Secretariat as its implementing arm

Section 6. Board of Trustees. - The Board of Trustees of OWWA is a
tripartite body with fifteen (15) members representing government,
management, labor-OFW, and the women’s sector, to wit;

(a) Secretary of Labor and Employment - Chairperson

(b) OWWA Administrator - Vice-Chairperson

(c) Secretary of Foreign Affairs - Member

(d) Secretary of Finance - Member

(e) Secretary of Budget and Management - Member

() Undersecretary of Labor and Employment - Member
(g) POEA Administrator - Member

(h) Representative, Recruitment Sector - Member

(i) Representative, Labor Sector - Member

(j) Representatives, Sea-based OFWs ~ Two (2) Members
(k) Representative, Land-based OFWs - Two (2) Members
() Representative, Migrant Women Sector - Member

(m) Representative, Commission on Human Rights - Member


Section 7. Procedure of Appointments to the Board of Trustees. -
‘The Representatives from the Sea-based, Land-based, Migrant Women Sectors
shall be appointed after an information campaign and a system of consultative
sessions shall have been launched for the selection of nominees. Only non-
governmental organizations that protect and promote the rights and welfare of
OFWs, duly registered with the appropriate Philippine government agency and
in good standing, shall be qualified to nominate a representative for each sector
to the Board.

A final list of the nominees shall be submitted to the President consisting
of three (3) names for each sector to be represented. The names shall be
published in a newspaper of general circulation and posted in all government
agencies and offices concerned.

Within thirty (30) days from the submission of the list, the President
shall appoint the representatives to the OWWA Board.

‘The members shall have a term of three (3) years and shall be eligible for
reappointment for another term. In case of vacancy, the President shall in
accordance with this provision, appoint a replacement who shall serve only the
unexpired term of his/her predecessor.

Section 8. Powers and Duties of the Board of Trustees. - For the
attainment of its main objectives, the Board is vested with the following
responsibilities and powers:

a.) To promulgate rules and regulations to implement the objectives and
purposes of OWWA as enumerated under Section 4 of this Charter;

b.) To approve programs, projects, and the organizational structure of
the OWWA Secretariat;

¢.) To formulate rules and regulations governing financial transactions
and fix the yearly appropriations of the Secretariat; and

d.) To ensure the efficiency of collection and the viability and
sustainability of the fund through sound and judicious investment
and fiscal management policies.

Section 9. Schedule of Board Meetings. - The regular meetings of the
OWWA Board of Trustees shall be held every last Friday of the month. If a
change of date becomes necessary, the same shall be held at the most

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convenient time set by the Board of Trustees, provided that the Board meets at
least 12 times a year. Special Board meetings may be called upon by the
Chairperson or by any five (5) members of the Board.

Section 10. Board Proceedings. - The Board proceedings shall be
guided by the following rules:

a.) Notice of Meetings - The Board Secretary shall distribute to all
Members of the Board, the Notice of Meeting together with the
discussion materials at least three (3) working days prior to the
scheduled meeting.

b.) Quorum - In determining the existence of a quorum, the Board shall
adopt the simple majority rule of one half plus one of the total filled
Board seats.

¢.) Attendance in Board Meetings - Board members are responsible for
attending all board meetings. The Ex-Officio members of the Board of
Trustees may designate in writing their permanent alternate who shall
have voting power. The Board shall install teleconferencing facilities in
order to muster quorum during Board Meetings.

d.) Presiding Officer - The Chairperson shall preside over meetings of the
Board. In the absence of the Chair, a duly designated representative,
with a rank of an Undersecretary, shall preside. The Administrator
acts as the Vice Chairperson.

¢.) Board Resolution- All decisions of the Board shall be expressed in the
form of Resolutions signed by all the members present.

Resolutions may be modified or superseded by another resolution.

Resolutions shall take effect upon adoption and signing by the
Members present, subject to requisite publication.

f,) Executive Sessions - The Board may decide to declare a meeting as an
Executive Session

g.) Records Management and Archiving of Board Documents - The Board
Secretary shall ensure a complete and thorough recording of all
proceedings during a Board meeting. The minutes of the previous
meeting shall be made available for approval during the succeeding

scheduled Board Meeting.
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The Minutes of the meeting shall contain the attendance, business
arising from the minutes, major agreements reached, corresponding
resolutions, and other items noted or discussed, and instructions
issued by the Board.

All minutes of meetings and Board Resolutions, tape recordings, and
other documents pertaining to the business of the Board shall be kept
and archived pursuant to standard records management systems and
procedures.

‘The OWWA Board will operate with full transparency and public
disclosure, in accordance to the constitutionally protected right of the
people to information of matters of public concern

Section 11. Board Entitlements. - Board Members shall be provided
with honoraria, per diem, and other emoluments as may be allowed by
accounting and auditing rules and procedures.

The sum total of the salary honoraria, per diem, and other emoluments
received by any Board Member is subject to the salary standardization law
Records of any or all Board compensation shall be subject to full public
disclosure.

Section 12. The OWWA Secretariat. - The Secretariat is the
implementing arm of the OWWA.

Section 13. Functions and Responsibilities of the Secretariat. - The
Secretariat shall perform and assume the following functions and
responsibilities:

a.) To manage programs and the delivery of welfare services locally and
overseas to its members, supported by advocacy and information
programs;

b.) To implement Board policies on investment and fund management;

¢.) To formulate medium term development plans responsive to the
welfare, needs and demands of OFWs;

d.) To submit work and financial plans for Board consideration;

€.) To provide policy analysis and recommendations for Board
consideration;


{.) To conduct continuing researches and studies, including impact
evaluation, in aid of policy and program development;

g.) To monitor regularly and conduct assessment and evaluation of
organizational performance;

h.)To establish and maintain an on-line management information
system;

i.) To establish and maintain linkages and networks with local and
international social and institutional partners;

j.) To render annual reports to the Board and the President; and
k.) To perform other functions as may be instructed by the Board.

Section 14. The Administrator. - The Administrator is the Chief
Executive Officer of the Secretariat. He administers the overall operations of the
Secretariat and exercises general supervision and control of all its personnel
and resources. He assumes full responsibility and accountability thereof.

Section 15. The Deputy Administrator. - The Deputy Administrator
shall assist the Administrator in the supervision of the OWWA operations. The
Board may assign specific functional responsibilities to the Deputy
Administrator.

Section 16. Regional and On-Site Officers. - OWWA shall maintain
regional offices and on-site Welfare Officers under the Philippine Overseas
Labor Office of the Department of Labor. The salaries of Welfare Officers are
subject to the Salary Standardization Law.

Section 17. Corporate Planning. - OWWA shall conduct planning,
budgeting, actuarial studies and calculation concerning its financial condition,
and an organizational performance assessment annually. A comprehensive
report on these corporate assessments shall be submitted to the Board within
thirty (30) days upon conclusion of these planning sessions.

Section 18. Reportorial Requirements. - The Secretariat shall submit
written quarterly reports on the assessment, and evaluation of programs,
projects and services and such other reports as may be required by the Board.


CHAPTER III. COVERAGE OF BENEFITS/SERVICES

Section 19. Coverage. - Coverage of the OWWA benefits and services
shall be effective upon enrollment for membership by the OFW. Membership in
OWWA may be obtained in two (2) ways:

a) Compulsory /Mandatory — by enrollment upon processing of contract
at the POEA; and

b) Voluntary ~ by voluntary registration on-site.

Enrollment for membership shall be the responsibility of the employers
or recruitment agencies and made an integral part of the employment contract.
An OFW will not be denied the benefits and services due him/her by the
inability of the employer or recruitment agency to make the contribution.

Section 20. Effectivity of Membership. - OWWA membership shall be
effective upon payment of the contribution until the expiration of the
employment contract.

In case of voluntary members who register on-site, membership coverage
shall not exceed two (2) years.

‘There shall be a grace period of two (2) months in both instances.

Section 21. Guiding Principles. - Pursuant to its mandate, OWWA shall
deliver to all documented OF W's, loan assistance, education and skills training,
social services, family welfare assistance, and other appropriate programs that
provide timely social, and economic services.

Nothing in this Act shall be construed as a limitation or denial of the
right of the OFW to avail of any benefit plan which maybe adopted in the
employment contract, or offered voluntarily by employers, or by the laws of the
receiving country which are over and above those provided under this Act

Section 22. In addition to the benefits provided in Section 21,
documented workers shall be entitled to social insurance and repatriation
benefits.

Section 23. Commitment to Remain Responsive to OFW
requirements. - Pursuant to its mandate, OWWA shall deliver to all OF W's,
documented or undocumented, loan assistance, education and skills training,

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social services, family welfare assistance, and other appropriate programs to
the changing nature of OFW needs and requirements. OWWA shall continue to
seek new ways to serve OFW welfare, to meet new OFW needs and
requirements as they arise, and to assess the effectiveness of existing services
and benefits in serving OFW welfare.

OWWA will maintain an interactive website to collect OFW feedback on
existing services, comments, suggestions, and complaints. The comment box
will be prominently displayed on the main page of the official OWWA website
and the comments will be collected and recorded on a bi-monthly basis
Comments relayed through phone calls to the OWWA OP Center shall be
recorded with the internet feedback in a consolidated “OFW Suggestions”
archive, New comments will be distributed at the beginning of every Board
meeting, and the Board will make use the comments in assessing existing
benefits and services and in designing new benefits and services.

Section 24. Benefits and Services to OFWs.

a.) All OFWs in distress shall be ensured of repatriation assistance from
OWWA where needed, subject to reimbursement by the foreign
employer/principal/agency concerned, or borne by the OWWA if the
persons mentioned herein are not identified, as the case may be.

b.) In case of emergency mass repatriations, the OWWA and the DFA,
with full support from the national government, shall undertake mass
repatriations/evacuations as may be necessary. The cost shall be
shouldered in accordance with the foregoing classification

c.) The repatriation of remains of deceased Filipinos abroad shall apply
the same attendant circumstances.

d,) OWWA shall concentrate the use of its funds on its core services.

Section 25. Loan Assistance. - In compliance with Article III, Section 21
of RA 8042, OWWA shall coordinate with government financing institutions
(GFis) to provide low-collateral loans to OFWs. The loans shall be granted
through designated national banks adopting a special low-collateral rate. The
OFW shall provide 2/3 of the collateral requirement while OWWA shall borne
the remaining 1/3 of the collateral.

a.) Pre-Departure Loans (PDL) shall service ready-to-leave, newly hired
OFWs whose employers or agents have already paid the compulsory
8


OWWA fee. The loan is designed to assist OFWs in their pre-departure
needs, such as payment of placement fees, clothing requirements,
pocket money, and other pre-departure expenses.

b,) Family Assistance Loans (FAL) is available for emergency and other
family needs as endorsed by the OFW.

¢.) Retumee Loans (RL) shall be available for returning OFWs to assist in
reintegration, settlement, and and other needs.

.) Entrepreneurial Loans (EL) shall be available to OFWs on-site or to
returned to assist in establishing new businesses and other
entrepreneurial ventures.

Section 26. Workers Assistance and On-Site Services.

a.) Continuing Education and Counseling about OFW Services and
Resources. OWWA shall continue to disseminate information to on-
site and returned OFWs regarding all available OWWA services and
resources, including but not limited to those enumerated in Article III,
Section 4 of this Act.

b.) Continued Assistance Obtaining OFW Services and Accessing OFW
Resources, OWWA will assist any interested OFW to avail of the
benefits and services enumerated in Article III, Section 4 of this Act.

c.) On-site Services. OWWA shall sustain and maintain assistance
to OFWs in all its regional and overseas offices. Services shall
include information regarding the names, occupation/job
category and addresses of OFW, providing guidance, developing
materials for the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminars,
conducting psycho-social counseling, conciliation services, and
outreach missions, among others. On behalf of the OFW,
OWWA may provide appropriate representation with employers,
agents and host government authorities, including, but not
limited to assisting OF Ws to regain unpaid wages.

CHAPTER IV. COLLECTION OF MEMBERSHIP FEES

Section 27. Basis for Collection of an OWWA Fee. - OWWA may collect
donations and contributions from the employers, not from the OFWs directly.
1]


Contributions to the OWWA Fund must be paid by the
employers/principal, or in their default, the recruitment agency under a joint
and solidarity liability. A provision to this effect shall be made an integral part
of the contract for overseas employment. Violation of this provision shall
constitute an offense and punishable by revocation of the license of the
recruitment/placement agency and all its officers and directors shall be
perpetually disqualified from engaging in the business of
recruitment/placement of overseas workers. Such penalty is without prejudice
to any other liability which such officers and directors may have incurred
under existing laws, rules and regulation.

Section 28. Authorized Collecting Officers. - The contribution shall be
collected by duly authorized OWWA Collecting Officers, deputized collecting
officers, or accredited agents.

Section 29. Collection Centers. - The OWWA fee shall be collected at
the Philippines Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) contract
processing hub, OWWA regional and overseas offices, and other accredited
collection centers.

Section 30. Issuance of Official Receipt. - Upon payment of the OWWA
fee, the designated Collecting Officers shall issue an Official Receipt.

Section 31. - Deposit and Remittance of Collection

a.) OWWA Central Office and Regional Offices - The Collecting Officer
shall, on @ daily basis, deposit all OWWA fee contributions to the
OWWA Capital Fund Account with the Land Bank of the Philippines
For reconciliation and record purposes bank validated deposit slips
shall be prepared in triplicate forms to be distributed to the
1.)servicing bank, 2.}OWWA together with the Report of Collections,
and to the, 3.)Collecting Officer.

b.) OWWA Overseas Officers - The Collecting Officer shall, on a daily
basis, deposit all OWWA fee contributions in the same currency
received, to a separate bank account for collections in the name of the
"Office of the Labor Attache - OWWA Collections,” in the depository
bank of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), or in the accredited
correspondent bank of the Land Bank of the Philippines. Accumulated
monthly collections shall be remitted to the OWWA Capital Fund

10


Account with the Land Bank of the Philippines not later than the Sth
day of the following month.

No withdrawals, except remittances of collections, can be made from the
bank accounts for collections without prior written approval of the
Administrator or his duly authorized representative, subject to the policies
approved by the Board.

Overseas Offices shall be authorized to retain the required amount for
the beginning and maintaining balance of the above-mentioned bank accounts
for collections.

Section 32. Reportorial Requirements. - The Collecting Officer,
deputized collecting officer, or the accredited collecting agent shall prepare and
submit reports in accordance with the generally accepted accounting
principles, in time for the monthly meetings.

Section 33. Sanctions. - Handling of collections and deposits by
Collection Officers shall be governed by the usual accounting and auditing
rules. Corresponding administrative sanctions and other disciplinary measures
shall be imposed, including recall from post, suspension, or separation from
service upon officers in-charge of these collections who may be remiss in their
duties.

CHAPTER V. ESTABLISHMENT OF THE OWWA FUND

Section 34. OWWA Fund. - The OWWA Fund is an Irrevocable and
Perpetual Public Trust Fund

The OWWA Fund, being a trust fund, is not government money. No
portion thereof or any of its income, dividends or earnings shall accrue to the
general fund of the National Government. Neither shall any amount or portion
thereof be conjoined with the government money, nor revert to the national
government. In the same manner, it is exempted from the “one fund doctrine”
of the government.

The OWWA Fund does not remit dividends and earnings to the national
government

Sey


Section 35. Purpose of the OWWA Trust. - The OWWA Fund can only
be used for the purposes for which it was created, that is, to exclusively serve
the welfare of OFWs and their beneficiaries.

The fund is to be used exclusively to finance the core programs and
services of the OWWA.

Section 36. Source of the OWWA Trust. - The OWWA Trust Fund is the
sum total of the amounts currently under the management and fiscal
administration of the Board of OWWA and the Secretariat, including the
US$25 contributions that shall accrue to the fund as fees, investment and
interest income, and income from other sources.

Section 37. Trustees of the Fund. - The OWWA Board of Directors is
designated as the Trustee of the OWWA Trust Fund. It is bound by a fiduciary
duty to manage the fund with the skill, care and diligence of a prudent person
necessary under the circumstances.

Section 38. Transparency. - The OWWA Trust must be managed with
full transparency and it shall make available all records of how the funds are
invested and distributed.

CHAPTER VI. FUND MANAGEMENT AND INVESTMENT POLICY

Section 39, Safeguarding the Trust Fund. - The OWWA Fund shall be
managed and expended in accordance with the purposes stated in this Act. The
trust fund shall be safeguarded against any possible misuse.

Section 40. General Investment Policy. - All OWWA investments shall
be placed only in government securities and bonds which provide optimum
earnings, liquidity and protection of the Fund. No loans or investments shall be
made upon private corporate or personal enterprise. The Board of Trustees
shall provide the policies and approve all investment decisions.

Portfolio management of investible funds shall be outsourced to
government financial institutions (GFIs).

Section 41. Determination of Investment of Fund. - The net amount
after deducting the projected monthly operating expenses for programs to carry
out this Act, and for contingency fund allocations, shall be made available for
investment.

12


Section 42. Investment Plan and Strategy. - OWWA shall formulate a
medium-term investment and asset management plan that shall include
projected yields sufficient to sustain program and service delivery, and
programmed growth for capital formation. An annual plan shall be developed to
support the investment plan and strategy. Any change in the approved annual
plan shall require a Board resolution.

Section 43. Inventory and Safekeeping of Investment Instruments. -
OWWA shall ensure that all investment instruments are periodically
inventoried and properly kept at a government bank under a custodian
agreement.

Section 44. Regular Report. - Monthly reports on all investment
schedules showing the interest rates, yields, discount rates, and other relevant
data, shall be submitted to the Board.

Section 45. Acquired Assets, - OWWA shall administer all properties,
acquired or foreclosed. To ensure that the properties are safeguarded and
preserved, the same must be properly accounted for and documented,
reinspected, reappraised and insured with taxes paid.

An asset development and disposal plan shall be submitted by the
Administrator for the consideration of the Board

Foreclosed properties shall be registered as OWWA assets within one (1)
month after foreclosure.

Section 46. Unredeemed Investments and Other Receivables. -
Unredeemed investments and other receivables shall be inventoried semi-
annually and a corresponding redemption plan shall be submitted to the
Board. All receivable shall be supported by documents appropriately
acknowledged by the accountable party.

CHAPTER VII. FISCAL AND BUDGET POLICY

Section 47. Fiscal and Budget Policy. - The Board shall set the annual
budget at a level sufficient to meet the needs of OFW obligations while
supporting the targeted growth rate of the capital fund

Section 48. Operative Budget. - The operative budget must be
sufficient to support full protection of the OFW welfare. The budget shall be
3B


reviewed annually with emphasis on adequate funding for services and agency
efficiency

The members of the Board shall approve by a unanimous vote the
operating budget which shall support the planned work programs and
administrative costs to include but shall not be limited to salaries, emoluments
and transportation expenses for OWWA personnel, office rentals, office
supplies, equipment, technological support, communications and utilitie
requirements for personal services, and maintenance.

The approved operating budget shall be drawn from the OWWA Trust
Fund.

Section 49. Benefits and Services Budget. - The annual budget shall
include all benefits and services to OFWs. The budget shall prioritize
protecting OFW welfare.

The amount necessary to defray the cost of these benefits and services
shall be drawn from the OWWA Trust Fund.

Section 50. Budget Preparation and Approval. - In preparing both
annual budgets, OWWA shall follow the national government budget system,
format and cycle.

Section 51. Automatic Appropriation. - In case the proposed annual
budget has not been approved by the Board at the start of the year, OWWA
shall operate within the budget level of the previous year allocated on a month
to month basis. All savings realized within a previous year shall be deducted
from a current year's budget.

Section 52. Work and Financial Plans. - All cost centers, offices, and
units of OWWA shall submit their annual work and financial plans (WFP). The
WFP must be compatible with the approved annual budget. The Directors shall
endorse the WFP of their respective units for approval of the Administrator. The
consolidated OWWA-WEP shall be reported to the Board.

Section 53. Budget Realignment. - Realignment of funds including
adjustments in targets shall be submitted to the Board for approval. Similarly,
in the event that extraordinary circumstances may occur which require
additional funds beyond the coverage of the approved budget, the same shall
be submitted to the Board.

4


Section 54. Delegation of Authority, - The Administrator may delegate
some of his authority to subordinate officers as may be deemed necessary.

Section 55. Chart of Accounts. - The OWWA shall adopt the
appropriate and standard chart of accounts as prescribed by the Commission
on Audit (COA).

Section 56. Branch Accounting System for Regional Operations. -
OWWA Regional Units shall maintain their respective books of accounts which
shall be consolidated by the central office.

Section 57. Financial Reports. - OWWA shall submit quarterly
prescribed Financial Statements to COA, including income statements, balance
sheets, and cash flow, A monthly fund utilization report shall be submitted to

the Board.

Section 58. Internal Audit. - Sound internal control systems shall be
installed, implemented, and monitored. An internal audit shall be conducted
every year before the annual budget is finalized.

Section 59. External Audit. - Al] OWWA transactions shall be subject to
post audit of the Commission On Audit.

Section 60. Annual Reports. - The OWWA shall render an Annual
Report on its overall performance for the previous year within the first sixty
(60) days of the following year. Copies of the Annual Report shall be submitted
to the Board by the Pre:

CHAPTER VIII.
HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

Section 61. Value for Workforce. - OWWA values its workforce as the
most vital resource. It thus compels itself to provide a dynamic and challenging
organizational environment conducive to the continuing growth and
productivity of its human capital towards the attainment of its vision, mission,
and core values.


It shall therefore sustain a continuous service improvement program for
its human resource management and development system consistent with
sound practices and the Civil Service Rules.

Section 62. Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards. - A!) officials and
employees shall discharge their duties and responsibilities in adherence with
RA 6713, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and
Employees

Section 63. Personnel Actions. - All personnel actions shall be
governed by the pertinent provisions of the Revised Administrative Code of
1997, Administrative Rules and Regulation of DOLE, and such other rules and
issuance of the Civil Service Commission.

Section 64. Capacity Building. - To sustain organizational ability to
respond to the continuing and changing demands of its clients, adequate
investment shall be allocated annually for information management,
technology, resource build-up, and staff development

Section 65. Job Enrichment Program. - OWWA shall adopt a system
for rotation, reassignment, cross-posting, and overseas and regional
deployment of key officers and staff of the Secretariat to ensure growth and
development of a highly specialized and multi-skilled manpower complement

Section 66. Performance Appraisal System. - A performance appraisal
system shall be adopted to measure individual employee performance bench-
marked on organizational goals, objectives, and standards.

Section 67. Incentives and Rewards System, - OWWA shall develop
and implement an incentive and reward system to recognize exemplary and
meritorious performance subject to Board and CSC approval.

Section 68. Employee Relations Program. - Employee associations
duly organized pursuant to laws shall be recognized as partners in
organizational development. Grievances and conflicts shall be resolved at the
lowest levels of the organization through consultative and conciliatory
mechanisms.

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CHAPTER IX. GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES

Section 69. Data-sharing and Information Management. - Real time
information shall be regarded as a critical resource. OWWA, being part of
DOLE, shall hyperlink and share data-base with the various systems of the
Department.

OWWA shall appropriate funds for the development and training of
competent information technology (IT) staff.

Section 70. Advocacy and Social Marketing. - OWWA shall pursue an
aggressive advocacy and social marketing program to draw in socio-political
support and influence for the welfare of OFWs.

Section 71. Procurement System. - The OWWA Procurement System
shall be governed by Republic Act No. 9184, the Government Procurement
Reform Act, which provides for an e-procurement system

CHAPTER X. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS

Section 72. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, administrative orders,
board resolutions, memoranda of instructions, special orders, and other
issuance, or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with this Charter are hereby
repealed or modified accordingly. Resolution No. 038 and the 2003 Omnibus
Policies are hereby repealed

Section 73. Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any section or
provision of this Act is held unconstitutional or invalid, the other sections or
provisions hereof shall not be affected thereby.

Section 74, Effectivity. - This charter shall become effective upon
approval from Congress.

Approved,

7