SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES 
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS 
F'irst Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. ~_1_2_3---,,-5 __ 
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Introduced by SENATOR JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The 1987 Philippine Constitution provides under Article II, Section 
18, that" The State affirms labor as primary social economic force. It 
shall protect the rights of workers and promote their welfare. 
Furthermore, this constitutional provision on the promotion of the 
rights and welfare of the workers has further enshrined in the Migrant 
Workers Act of 1995, which provides, "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, 
and economic legal services to Filipino migrant workers in particular." 
In recognition of this mandate, it is intended that the services 
would be more responsive, interests amply protected, and the welfare be 
most promoted if a comprehensive organizational structure is accorded 
the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration. 
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 to the Department of Labor and 
Management, to Presidential Decree No. 1694, issued in May 1, 1980, 
formalizing Lor 537, establishing the organization and administration of 
Welfare Fund for Overseas Workers and then the Presidential Decree No. 
1809 -.a clear, unequivocal concept of its obligations, duties, and scope 
of its administrative functions have not so far been established yet. Its 
collections and receipt of membership fees have drawn serious concerns 
on fund management and lenient disbursements without clear-cut 
guidelines. Thus, legislative inquiries and investigations on how the 
agency judiciously keen 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 inquiries and investigation 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 bill seeks to fulfill this crucial policy demand and imperative. 
The passage of the OWWA Charter will certainly contribute to a more 
effective and efficient delivery of services to accord a greater mantle of 
protection to Overseas Filipino Workers as well as the advancement of 
their rights and welfare. 
Thus, the support and approval of this landmark legislation IS 
equally prayed for. 
.. <5 <.::J =.. 
JOSEPH VICTOR G. EJERCITO 


SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES 
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENATE 
1235 
Senate Bill No. _----'=-c.'-----__ 
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'13 
AUG -6 P 5 :04 
Introduced by SENATOR JOSEPH VICTOR G. ~ER.CITO 
AN ACT TO GOVERN THE OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION OF 
THE OVERSEAS WORKERS WELFARE ADMINISTRATION 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
Philippines in Congress assembled: 
CHAPTER 1 
TITLE, POLICY AND OBJECTIVES 
SECTION 1. Sort Title. - This Act shall be known as the "OWWA 
Act of 2013". 
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 (OFWs). The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration 
(OWW A) shall be one of the principal agencies of the State to serve and 
promote the interest and welfare of the OFWs and their families. 
SECTION 3. Objectives. - This Act is enacted to provide guidelines 
on matters concerning the OWWA, its mandate, purposes and objectives, 
membership, collection of contributions, and availment of benefits and 
services. This Act also embodies the policies on fund management, 
programs and services administration. 
CHAPTER II 
NATURE, SCOPE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE OWWA 
SECTION 4. Nature of the OWWA. - The OWWA is a national 
government agency vested with a special function of developing and 
implementing welfare programs and services that respond to the needs of 
its member-OFWs and their families. It shall have the powers to 
administer a trust fund. Being a national government agency, the OWWA 
shall not fall under the category of any of the following: (a) government 
instrumentalities with corporate powers; (b) government corporate 
entities; (c) government financial institutions; and/ or (d) government-
owned or -controlled corporations. 


The OWW A shall be an attached agency of the Department of 
Labor and Employment (DOLE). Its officials and employees are covered 
by the Salary Standardization Law. 
SECTION 5. Scope. - This Act shall apply to all OFWs who are duly 
registered with the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration 
(POEA) and those who will avail of the voluntary membership program of 
the OWWA. 
SECTION 6. Functions. - The main functions of the OWWA are: 
(a) To protect the interest and promote the welfare of member-
OFWs in all phases of overseas employment in recognition of their 
valuable contribution to the overall development effort; 
(b) To facilitate the implementation of the provisions of the Labor 
Code and Republic Act No. 
8042, as amended, concerning the 
responsibility of the government to promote the well-being of OFWs. 
Pursuant thereto, and in furtherance thereof, it shall provide legal 
assistance to its members; 
(c) To provide social and welfare programs and services tomember-
OFWs including, but not limited to, social assistance, education and 
training, cultural services, financial management, reintegration and 
entrepreneurial development services; 
(d) To provide prompt and appropriate response to global 
emergency or crisis situations; 
(e) To ensure the efficiency of collections and the viability and 
sustainability of the Fund through sound, judicious and transparent 
investment and management policies; 
(f) To undertake studies and research for the enhancement of 
social, economic and cultural well-being of member-OFWs; and 
(g) To develop, support and finance specific projects for the welfare 
of member-OFWs. 
CHAPTER III 
DEFINITIONS 
SECTION 7. Definition of Tenns. - For purposes of this Act, the 
following terms shall mean: 
(a) Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) refers to a person who is to be 
engaged, is engaged or has been engaged in a remunerated activity in a 
State of which he or she is not a citizen, or on bciard a vessel navigating 
the foreign seas other than a government ship used for military or 
noncommercial purposes, or on an installation located offshore or on the 
high seas. 
(b) Dependent refers to any of the following: (1) the legal spouse 
dependent for support upon the member or pensioner; (2) the legitimate, 
legitimated, legally adopted child, including the illegitimate child, who is 


unmarried, not gainfully employed, not over the age of majority, or is 
over the age of majority but incapacitated and incapable of self-
support due to a mental or physical defect acquired prior to age of 
majority; and (3) the parents dependent upon the member for support. 
(c) Compensation refers to the basic payor salary received by an 
employee, pursuant to his or her appointment, excluding per diems, 
bonuses, overtime pay, honoraria, allowances and any other emoluments 
received in addition to the basic pay which are not integrated into the 
basic pay under existing laws. 
(d) Contribution or membership fee refers to the amount payable to 
the OWWA by an OFW or the employer in accordance with the provisions 
of this Act. 
(e) OWWA member refers to an OFW with a paid contribution or 
membership fee. 
(f) Non-active OWWA member refers to an OFW whose OWWA 
membership has expired. 
(g) Non-member OFW refers to an undocumented OFW and who 
has not availed of the voluntary membership of the OWWA on-site. 
CHAPTER IV 
MEMBERSHIP, CONTRIBUTION AND COLLECTION 
SECTION 
8. Registration of Membership. 
Registration or 
enrolment of members shall be in accordance with the provisions of this 
Act. Membership in the OWWA may be obtained in two (2) ways: 
(a) By compulsory registration upon processing of employment 
contracts of OFWs at the POEA; and 
(b) By volUntary registration of OFWs at job-sites overseas or at the 
OWWA regional welfare offices. 
SECTION 9. Proof of Membership. - All members shall be issued 
official receipt upon payment of the required contribution. They shall 
likewise be issued an OWWA E-Card, identification card or other proof of 
OWWA membership. No additional or extra charges shall be levied on 
members. 
The OWWA is mandated to maintain an updated database of 
member-OFWs and to update this regularly. 
SECTION 10. Amount of Contribution and Effectivity of Membership. 
- Membership to the OWWA, either through the compulsory or voluntary 
coverage, shall be effective upon payment of membership contribution in 
the amount of Twenty-five U.S. dollars (US$2S.00) or its equivalent in the 
current foreign exchange rates. Such membership shall be considered 
active until the expiration of the OFW's existing employment contract. 


In case of voluntary members who register on-site, membership 
coverage shall not exceed two (2) years. 
Based on actuarial studies and taking into consideration the 
welfare and interest of the members, the Board may adjust or modify the 
amount of membership contribution. 
SECTION 11. Renewal of Membership. -
Membership shall be 
renewed upon payment of contribution on contract renewal or issuance 
of a new contract of employment. In the case of voluntary membership, 
coverage shall be renewed upon payment of contribution of Twenty-
five U.S. dollars (US $25.00) or its equivalent in the current foreign 
exchange rates. 
There shall be a grace period of two (2) months in both instances. 
SECTION 12. Separation of Sea-based and Land-based Workers' 
Contributions. - To effect a more efficient fund management between the 
two (2) subsectoral groups of land-based and sea-based workers, the 
collection of membership contributions shall be accounted for in two (2) 
separate books of account. 
SECTION 13. Authorized Collecting Officers. -
(a) Membership 
contributions shall be collected by duly authorized OWWA collecting 
officers, deputized collecting officers or accredited collecting agents. The 
collection of membership contributions shall be made at the POEA 
contract processing hub, the OWWA regional and overseas offices and 
other accredited collection centers. 
(b) In case of voluntary members who register on-site, membership 
contributions shall be made directly to the OWWA overseas offices 
located in the various diplomatic stations, embassies or consulate offices 
of the Philippines. 
SECTION 14. Reportorial Requirements and Handling of Collections. 
- The collecting officer, deputized collecting officer or the accredited 
collecting agent shall prepare and submit the required monthly reports to 
the OWWA Central Office in the Philippines. Handling of collections and 
deposits by collection officers shall be governed by the usual accounting 
and auditing rules. 
SECTION 
15. Sanctions for Erring Officers. -
Corresponding 
administrative sanctions and other disciplinary measures, including 
recall from post/ suspension or separation from service, shall be imposed 
upon any officer who violates the provision of the preceding section. 
SECTION 16. Prohibition Against Discrimination on Membership. -
No OFW shall be denied membership to the OWWA by reason of age, 
gender, nationality, religious belief, or political opinion or affiliation. The 
OWWA shall take affirmative steps to enhance the access of OFWs to its 
programs and services. 
SECTION 17. Payment of Contribution or OWWA Fee by Employer. -
Contributions 
to 
the 
OWWA 
Fund 
must 
be 
paid 
by 
the 
employers/principal, or in their default, the recruitment/manning 
agency in the case of new-hires. The POEA shall ensure that a provision 


to this effect shall be made an integral part of the overseas employment 
contract. 
SECTION 18. Penalty for Violation by Recruitment/Manning Agency. 
- Violation by a recruitment/manning agency of the preceding section 
shall constitute an offense punishable by revocation of its license 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 
regulations. 
SECTION 19. Deposit and Remittance of Collection. -
(a) OWWA Central Office and Regional Offices - The collecting 
officer shall, on a 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 (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 Account with the 
Land Bank of the Philippines not later than the fifth (5th) 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 or her 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 abovementioned bank 
accounts for collections. 
CHAPTER V 
THE OWWA BOARD OF TRUSTEES 
SECTION 20. The OWWA Board of Trustees. - To carry out the 
purposes of this Act, the OWWA shall be directed and controlled by a 
Board of Trustees as its policy-making body. It shall be composed of the 
following members: 
(a) Secretary of the DOLE, as Chairperson; 
(b) OWWA Administrator, as Vice Chairperson; 
(c) Secretary of the DFA; 
(d) Secretary of the Department of Finance; 


(e) Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM); 
(f) POEA Administrator; 
(g) Two (2) representatives of land-based OFWs who are nominated 
and appointed in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 
10022, which amended Republic Act No. 8042 or the Migrant Workers 
and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995; 
(h) 
One (1) 
representative of the sea-based OFWs who are 
nominated and appointed in accordance with the provisions of Republic 
Act No. 10022; 
(i) One (1) representative of the women sector who is nominated 
and appointed in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 
10022; 
(j) One (1) representative of the land-based recruitment sector who 
is selected from among the various associations of registered overseas 
placement and recruitment agencies based in the Philippines who shall 
be appointed by the President to serve a single term of three (3) years; 
and 
(k) One (1) representative of the sea-based manning sector who is 
selected from among the various associations of registered overseas 
placement and manning agencies based in the Philippines who shall be 
appointed by the President to serve a single term of three (3) years. 
The Trustees holding office as members of the OWW A Board at the 
time of the effectivity of this Act shall continue to serve until the 
expiration of their term of appointments. 
In case of vacancy in any of the appointive positions in the OWW A 
Board, the vacancy shall be filled by the subsequent nomination by the 
respective sector concerned in the same manner as the selection of the 
predecessor. Such successor shall hold office for the unexpired term 
only. 
SECTION 21. Per Diem. - The members of the OWWA Board shall 
not receive any compensation but shall be provided with per diem at 
rates allowed under existing rules and regulations. 
SECTION 22. Responsibilities and Powers of the Board of Trustees. 
- The OWW A Board shall exercise the following specific powers and 
duties: 
(a) To define the thrusts of the OWWA and adopt broad policy 
guidelines to ensure their implementation; 
(b) To preserve the integrity of the OWWA Trust Fund; 
(c) To approve programs, projects and the organizational structure 
of the OWWA Secretariat; 


(d) To modify or adjust the membership fee and other necessary 
charges based on actuarial studies; 
(e) 
To formulate rules and regulations governing financial 
transactions and fix the yearly appropriations of the Secretariat; 
(f) To ensure the efficiency of collection and the viability and 
sustainability of the fund through sound and judicious investment and 
fund management policies; 
(g) To receive and appropriate all sums as may be provided by law 
for the support of the OWWA to the ends specified by law, and all other 
sums in the manner it may, in its discretion, determine to carry out the 
purposes and functions of the OWW A; 
(h) To authorize the construction or repair of its buildings, 
machinery, equipment and other facilities, and the purchase and 
acquisition of real and personal properties, including the necessary 
supplies, materials and equipment; 
(i) To receive in trust legacies, gifts and donations of real and 
personal property of all kinds and to administer and dispose the same 
when necessary for the benefit of the OWWA general membership and 
subject to the instructions of the donor, if any; 
(j) To delegate any of its powers to the Chairperson of the OWWA 
Board or any other officials or officers as it may deem necessary; 
(k) To prescribe such general policies, rules and regulations not 
contrary to law, as are consistent with the purposes of the OWWA; and 
(1) To exercise such powers as may be proper and necessary to 
carry out the objectives of this Act. 
CHAPTER VI 
BOARD MEETINGS, PROXIES AND RECORDS MANAGEMENT 
SECTION 23. Schedule of Meetings and Quorum of the Board. - The 
regular meetings of the OWWA Board shall be held every last Friday of 
the month. If a change of date becomes necessary, the same shall be held 
at the most convenient time set by the Board. 
Special Board meetings and executive meetings may be scheduled 
as the need arises Special Board meetings may be called upon by the 
Chairperson or by five (5) members of the Board. 
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. 
SECTION 24. 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. 
(c) Voting -
For the approval of any policy requmng the 
disbursement of the OWWA Fund, an affirmative vote of a majority of all 
the members shall be required. For the approval of all other policies, an 
affirmative vote of a majority of the members present constituting a 
quorum shall be necessary. 
(d) Attendance in Board Meetings - Board members are responsible 
for attending all Board meetings. The ex officiomembers 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. 
(e) Presiding Officer - The Chairperson shall preside over meetings 
of the Board. In the absence of the Chair, the Vice Chairperson shall 
preside. 
(I) 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. 
(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. 
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. 
CHAPTER VII 
OWWA SECRETARIAT 
SECTION 25. The OWWA Secretariat. - The OWWA Secretariat is 
the implementing arm of the OWWA. 


SECTION 26. Duties and Responsibilities of the OWWA Secretariat. 
-The OWWA Secretariat shall perform and assume the following duties 
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; 
(c) To formulate medium-term development plans responsive to the 
welfare, needs and demands of member-OFWs; 
(d) To submit work and financial plans for Board consideration; 
(e) To provide policy analyses and recommendations for Board 
consideration; 
(f) To conduct continuing researches and studies, including impact 
evaluation, in aid of policy and program development; 
(g) To regularly monitor and conduct assessment and evaluation of 
organizational performance; 
(h) To establish and maintain an on-line management information 
system, to include database on membership; 
(i) To establish and maintain linkages and networks with local and 
international social and institutional partners; 
(j) To conduct annual planning, budgeting and organizational 
performance assessment and render the report to the Board; 
(k) To submit annual reports to the Board, Congress and the 
President; 
(I) To 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; 
(m) To undertake the periodic reVIeW of programs, standards, 
thrusts and policies; 
(n) To perform other functions as may be instructed by the Board; 
and 
(0) To adopt internal rules of procedure consistent with the 
provisions of this Act. 
. 
SECTION 27. The OWWA Administrator. - The administration of 
the OWWA is vested in the Administrator. As the Chief Executive Officer 
of the Secretariat, the Administrator shall exercise general supervision 
and control of all OWWA personnel and resources, and assume full 
responsibility and accountability thereof. 


The Administrator must possess good leadership and managerial 
skills. The Administrator shall be appointed by the President. The 
Administrator shall report to the President through the Secretary of the 
DOLE, and shall perform the duties and functions elsewhere stated in 
this Act and all the usual, necessary and related functions of the Office 
of the Administrator, subject to the policies and rules prescribed by the 
OWWABoard. 
SECTION 28. The Deputy Administrators. -
Two (2) 
Deputy 
Administrators shall assist the Administrator in the administration and 
supervision of operations of the OWW A. They shall be appointed by the 
Board upon the recommendation of the Administrator. They must also 
possess good leadership and managerial skills. The Board may assign 
specific functional responsibilities to the Deputy Administrators. 
SECTION 29. Regional and On-Site Welfare Officers. - The OWWA 
shall maintain regional offices and on-site welfare offices under the 
Philippine Overseas Labor Offices of the Department of Labor and 
Employment. 
CHAPTER VIII 
PERSONNEL AND STAFFING PATTERN 
SECTION 30. New Structure and Staffing Pattern -
Upon the 
effectivity of this Act, the officers and employees of the OWW A shall, in a 
holdover capacity, continue to perform their respective duties and 
responsibilities and receive the corresponding salaries and benefits 
unless in the meantime they are separated from the service. The new 
structure and staffing pattern for the OWWA shall be prescribed by the 
OWWA Board and approved by the President of the Philippines. The 
salaries and benefits of all personnel shall be in accordance with existing 
compensation laws. 
Those incumbents whose positions are not included therein or who 
are not reappointed shall be deemed separated from the service. Those 
separated from the service shall receive the retirement benefits to which 
they may be entitled under existing laws, rules and regulations. 
SECTION 31. Qualifications Upgrading Program. - Pursuant to the 
provision of paragraph (1) of the immediately preceding section, the 
OWWA Board shall design and establish a qualifications upgrading 
program for the staffing of the OWW A, in coordination with the DOLE 
and the Civil Service Commission (CSC), within one hundred twenty 
(120) days from the effectivity of this Act: Provided, That those who are 
already in the service from the effectivity of this Act shall have, not later 
than five (5) years, to obtain the required academic degree and/or 
qualification counted from the implementation of the qualifications 
upgrading program: Provided, further, That those who are already in the 
service from the effectivity of this Act shall have, not later than one (1) 
year, to obtain the necessary CSC qualification required for the position 
they are currently holding. 
SECTION 
32. Authority 
of the 
Board 
to 
Reorganize 
the 
Administration. - Notwithstanding the provisions of existing laws, the 


OWWA Board shall conduct a management audit, prepare and submit to 
Congress a proposed reorganization plan of the OWWA not later than one 
(1) year, subject to the limitations provided under this Act and based on 
the following criteria: 
(a) Increased OWW A visibility from the head office to the various 
regional offices and by the appointment and assignment of 
personnel to positions which are purely administrative, technical, 
clerical or menial in nature and other positions which are not 
directly related to its operation and administration; and 
(b) Efficient and optimized delivery of OWWA services to the OFWs and 
their respective families. 
SECTION 33. General Qualifications for Appointment. - The general 
qualifications for appointment of OWWA personnel shall be in 
accordance with the minimum requirements set by the CSC. The OWWA 
may hire experts in actuarial studies, information technology, finance 
and investment, and such other fields as may be deemed necessary in 
the implementation of programs and services. 
CHAPTER IX 
OWWA BENEFITS AND SERVICES 
SECTION 34. Guiding Principles. - Pursuant to its mandate, the 
OWWA shall provide reintegration programs, repatriation assistance, 
loan and credit assistance, workers assistance on-site, death and 
disability benefits, health care benefits, 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 may be 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 35. Benefits and Services to OFWs. -
(a) Reintegration of OFWs - Reintegration of OFWs shall be one of 
the core programs of the OWW A. 
To be able to sustain the viability of this program, not less than ten 
percent (10%) of the OWWA's collection of contribution for the 
immediately preceding year shall be allocated annually for reintegration 
program. 
(b) Repatriation Assistance -
Consistent with the proVISIons of 
Republic Act No. 8042, as amended, members shall be provided with all 
the services necessary for repatriation. 
(c) Loan and Credit Assistance - The OWW A shall provide low-
interest loans to member-OFWs. It shall have the authority to hire 
experts in finance or banking to assist in implementing the said loan 
programs. 


(d) Workers Assistance and On-site Services - The OWWA shall 
sustain and maintain assistance to OFWs in all its overseas and regional 
offices. 
Services shall include information regarding the names, 
occupation/job category and addresses of OFWs, providing guidance, 
developing 
materials 
for 
the Pre-departure Orientation 
Seminars, 
conducting psycho-social counselling, conciliation services and outreach 
missions, among others. On behalf of the OFWs, the OWWA may provide 
appropriate representation with employers, agents and host government 
authorities including, but not limited to, assisting OFWs to regain unpaid 
wages. 
(e) Social Benefits -
A member-OFW shall be covered with the 
following social benefits: 
(1) Death and Disability Benefits: 
(i) Death Benefits - A member shall be covered with life 
insurance for the duration of one's employment contract. The 
coverage shall include One hundred thousand pesos (P100,OOO.OO) 
for natural death and Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,OOO.OO) 
for accidental death; 
(ii) Disability and Dismemberment Benefits - A member shall 
be entitled to disability/dismemberment benefits as a rider 
provision of one's life insurance as provided for in the impediment 
schedule contained in the Manual of Systems and Procedures. The 
coverage is within the range of Two thousand pesos (P2,OOO.OO) to 
Fifty thousand pesos (P50,OOO.OO); 
(iii) Total Disability Benefit - In case of total permanent 
disability, a member shall be entitled to One hundred thousand 
pesos (P100,OOO.OO); and 
(iv)Burial Benefit - A burial benefit of Twenty thousand pesos 
(P20,OOO.OO) shall be provided in case of the member's death. 
Based on actuarial studies, the Board may increase the amount of 
the abovementioned benefits. 
(2) Health Care Benefits - Within two (2) years from the effectivity 
of this Act, the OWWA is mandated to develop and implement health care 
programs for the benefit of member-OFWs and their families. 
(I) Education and Training Benefits - A member or a designated 
beneficiary may avail of the following scholarship programs, subject to a 
selection process and accreditation of participating institutions. Annual 
scholarship lists shall be submitted to the Board. 
(1) Skills-for-Employment Scholarship Program - For technical or 
vocational training scholarship. 
(2) 
Education for Development Scholarship Program -
For 
baccalaureate programs. 


(3) Seafarers' Upgrading Program -
To ensure the competitive 
advantage of Filipino seafarers in meeting International Maritime 
Organization (IMO) competency standards,sea-based members shall be 
entitled to one (1) upgrading program for every three (3) membership 
contributions. 
SECTION 36. Extension of Services to Non-members. - The OWWA 
may also extend appropriate programs or services to non-members, as 
may be determined by the Board. 
The OWWA shall continue to develop and implement new programs 
to meet new OFW needs and requirements as they arise, and to assess 
the effectiveness of existing services and benefits in serving OFW welfare. 
The OWWA shall also maintain an interactive website to collect OFW 
feedbacks, comments, suggestions and complaints on existing programs 
and services. 
CHAPTER X 
THE OWWA TRUST FUND 
SECTION 37. The OWWA Fund. - The OWWA Fund is a private 
fund held in trust by the OWWA. The OWWA Fund, being a trust fund, is 
not government's 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. 
SECTION 38. Purpose of the OWWA Fund. - The OWWA Fund can 
only be used for the purposes for which it was created; that is, to 
exclusively serve the welfare of member-OFWs and their families. The 
Fund is to be used exclusively to finance the core programs and services 
of the OWWA. 
SECTION 39. Reporting of the Fund. - Within fifteen (15) days after 
receipt of audited reports from the Commission on Audit (COA), the 
OWWA Board of Trustees shall submit to the President and Congress a 
report showing the total collections of, and the disbursements from, the 
OWWAFund. 
SECTION 40. Disbursement of the OWWA Fund. - Any provision of 
existing law to the contrary notwithstanding, all incomes generated by 
the OWWA shall, upon their collection, be retained by the OWWA and 
disbursed at the discretion of the Board for the general welfare and other 
benefits of the OWWA general membership and the OWWA Secretariat 
personnel; for the acquisition, construction, maintenance and repair of 
urgently needed auxiliary facilities, equipment, buildings and other 
infrastructure; and for expenses necessary for the attainment of its 
purposes under its approved program of expenditures. 
No fund shall be withdrawn from the OWWA Fund to respond, aid, 
supplement or in any manner augment any required expenditure by 
other government agencies. 


SECTION 41. Source of the OWWA Fund. - The OWWA Fund is the 
sum total of the amounts under the management and fiscal 
administration of the OWWA Board and the Secretariat, including 
the Twenty-five U.S. dollars (US $25) contributions that shall accrue to 
the Fund as fees, investment and interest income, and income from other 
sources. 
SECTION 42. Trustees of the Fund. -
The OWWA Board is 
designated as the trustee of the OWWA Fund. It shall be bound by a 
fiduciary duty to manage the Fund with extraordinary diligence and with 
utmost skill, care and judiciousness. 
SECTION 43. Transparency. - The OWWA Fund shall be managed 
with full transparency and full public disclosure. It shall make available 
all records of how the funds are utilized, disbursed and invested in 
accordance with existing laws. 
CHAPTER XI 
INVESTMENT ADMINISTRATION: SAFEGUARDS 
SECTION 44. Safeguards of the OWWA Fund; Acquired Assets; 
Unredeemed Investments. - (a) The OWWA Trust Fund shall be managed 
and expended in accordance with the purpose of the Fund and 
safeguarded against any possible loss and misuse. 
The OWWA shall ensure an appropriate growth rate in the fund 
sufficient to sustain the growing needs of OFW members. It shall ensure 
that all investment instruments are periodically inventoried and properly 
kept at a government bank under a custodianship agreement. 
A monthly report on all investment schedules showing the interest 
rates, yields, discount rates and other relevant data shall be submitted to 
the Board. 
(b) The 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; re-inspected, 
re-appraised and insured with taxes paid. 
An asset development/ 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. 
Unredeemed 
investments 
and 
other 
receivables 
shall 
be 
inventoried semi-annually and corresponding redemption plan shall be 
submitted to the Board. All receivables shall be supported by documents 
appropriately acknowledged by the accountable party. 
SECTION 45. General Investment Policy. - Upon approval of the 
Board, all OWW A investments shall be placed only in government 
securities and bonds which provide optimum earnings, liquidity and 
protection of the Fund. Portfolio management of investible funds shall be 
outsourced to government financial institutions (GFIs). 


SECTION 46. Examination and Valuation of the Funds. - The 
OWWA shall make a periodic actuarial examination and valuation of its 
funds in accordance with accepted actuarial principles. 
CHAPTER XII 
FISCAL AND BUDGET POLICY: MANAGEMENT 
SECTION 47. Operative Budget. - The operative budget must be 
sufficient to support full protection of the OFW welfare. The budget shall 
be reviewed annually by the Board with emphasis on adequate funding 
for services and agency efficiency. 
The Board shall approve, by a majority vote of all its members, 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 utilities, requirements for personal services and 
maintenance: Provided, That appropriations for personal services (PS) 
and its regular maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) shall 
not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the total member contributions 
realized in the immediately preceding year. 
The approved operating budget shall be drawn from the OWW A 
Trust Fund. 
SECTION 48. Benefits and Services Budget. - The annual budget 
shall include all benefits and services to OFWs. The budget shall 
prioritize protecting the OFW welfare. The amount necessary to defray 
the cost of these benefits and services shall be drawn from the OWW A 
Trust Fund. 
SECTION 49. Budget Preparation and Approval. - In preparing the 
annual budget, the OWWA shall follow the national government budget 
system, format and cycle. 
SECTION 50. Re-enacted Budget. - In case the proposed annual 
budget has not been approved by the Board at the start of the year, the 
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 
51. Work 
and 
Financial 
Plans. 
All 
cost 
centers/offices/units of the OWWA shall submit their annual work and 
financial plans (WFP), which should correspond to the approved budget. 
The Director shall endorse the WFP of their respective units for 
approval of the Administrator. The consolidated OWWA-WFP shall be 
reported to the Board. 
SECTION 
52. Budget Realignment. -
Realignment of funds 
including adjustments in targets shall be submitted to the Board for 
approval. Similarly, in the event that extra ordinary circumstances may 
occur which require additional funds beyond the coverage of the 
approved budget, the same shall be submitted for approval by the Board. 


SECTION 
53. Branch Accounting System; Financial Reports; 
Auditing Procedures; Annual Reports. - The OWWA regional units shall 
maintain their respective books of account which shall be consolidated 
by the central office. 
The OWWA shall install sound internal control and monitoring 
systems and submit quarterly prescribed financial statements to the 
eOA such as income statement, balance sheet and cash flow, as 
prescribed in post auditing reports by the COA. 
The OWWA Secretariat is mandated to submit a monthly fund 
utilization report to the Board, copies of which shall be made available to 
Congress. It is further mandated to submit an Annual Report on its 
overall performance for the previous year within the first sixty (60) days 
of the following year to the OWWA Board, Congress and the President, 
through the DBM. 
SECTION 54. Chart of Accounts. - The OWW A shall adopt the 
appropriate and standard chart of accounts as prescribed by the COA. 
SECTION 55. Appropriation from the National Government. -
Nothing in this Act shall prevent the national government from allocating 
funds for the operation or implementation of any of the programs or 
services stated herein, including the budget for MOOE. 
CHAPTER XIII 
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 
SECTION 56. Rebates for Long-time Members. - In recognition of 
the contribution of long-time members on the OWWA Trust Fund, the 
OWWA is mandated to develop and implement a program for the grant of 
rebates or some form of financial assistance to OFWs who have been 
members of the OWWA for at least five (5) years and who have not 
availed of any services or benefits, including their families, from the 
OWWA. 
SECTION 57. Procurement System. -
The OWWA procurement 
system shall be governed by Republic Act No. 9184, also known as the 
"Government Procurement Reform Act". 
SECTION 58. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The present 
OWW A Board, in consultation with the Senate Committee on Labor and 
Employment and the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, 
shall, within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, formulate the 
necessary rules and regulations for its effective implementation. 
SECTION 59. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this 
Act, or the application thereof, is held invalid, the remainder of this Act, 
or the application of such provision, shall not be affected thereby. 
SECTION 60. Repealing Clause. - All laws not adopted as part of 
this Act, either directly or indirectly, are hereby repealed. All provisions 
of existing laws, orders, rules and regulations inconsistent herewith are 
likewise repealed. 


SECTION 61. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen 
(15) days after its publication in two (2) newspapers of general 
circulation. 
Approved,