NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 2077
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23 APR 19 PI :28
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Introduced by: Senator Raffy T. Tulfo
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE BALIKBAYAN HUB, 
AN OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS (OFWs) RESTING LOUNGE,
IN ALL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS WHICH CATER FLIGHTS TO AND OUT 
OF THE PHILIPPINES, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Explanatory Note
Hailed as "modern-day heroes" Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) play a 
crucial role in the Philippine economy. First, OFWs send a significant amount of money 
to their families in the form of remittances. In 2022, the central bank revealed that 
personal remittances by OFWs reached a record high of 36.14 billion US dollars which 
accounted for 8.9% of the Philippines, gross domestic product (GDP), In addition, 
OFWs also serve as ambassadors of the country and help strengthen diplomatic 
relations with their respective host countries. With that said, the invaluable 
contributions of OFWs are integral to the overall economic growth and development 
of the Philippines, and their continued support and protection must be one of the top 
priorities of the government.
Despite their Importance to the country, there are many OFWs who have 
experienced several Issues within various international airports in the world. Numerous 
OFWs are forced to sleep on benches of airports, while others forego their meals in 
order to have enough money to arrive at their intended destination. With this being 
said, this proposed measure aims to provide a resting lounge, called the Balikbayan 
Hub, within every international airport which cater flights to and out of the Philippines. 
The purpose of these resting lounges is to cater to the welfare of OFWs through the


provision of necessary facilities and amenities that would make them comfortable until 
their departure.
In view of the foregoing, the Immediate approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
Raffy T. Tulfo
Senara


NINETEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S.B. No. 2077
23 ^PR 19 PI 28
ftucay!:D3';.___
Introduced by: Senator Raffy T. Tulfo
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AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE BALIKBAYAN HUBf
AN OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS (OFWs) RESTING LOUNGE,
IN ALL INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS WHICH CATER FLIGHTS TO AND OUT
OF THE PHILIPPINES, AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR
Be It enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress Assembled:
Section 1. Short Title. -This Act shall be known as the "Baiikbayan Hub Act".
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. -It is hereby declared the policy of the State 
to recognize the importance of Overseas Filipino Workers as the driving force of the 
country's economic growth. As such, the State shall adopt measures that will promote 
their overall welfare, one of which is providing a resting lounge in all international 
airports which cater flights to and out of the Philippines.
Sec. 3. Estabiishmentof the Baiikbayan Hub. -The National Government 
through the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare 
Administration (OWWA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and the 
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) shall establish the Baiikbayan Hub, an OFW 
Resting Lounge, in all international airports which cater flights to and out of the 
Philippines which caters to the welfare of all active Overseas Filipino Workers with 
existing contracts.


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Sec. 4, Purpose and Objectives. —This Act shall have the following 
purpose and objectives:
a. Establish, operate, and maintain the Balikbayan Hub situated in every 
international airport which cater flights to and out of the Philippines, 
which are equipped with the necessary amenities and facilities that could 
be used by all active OFWs with existing contracts; and
b. These Balikbayan Hubs shall serve as the primary resting area for all 
active OFWs with existing contracts flying to or out of the country where 
they can relax while waiting for their respective flights.
Sec. 5. Facilities and Amenities. -For the purpose of this Act, all Balikbayan 
Hubs in every international airport which cater flights to and out of the Philippines 
shall have the following facilities and amenities, including but not limited to:
a. Sleeping quarters;
b. Free internet stations/high-speed internet;
c. Complimentary charging stations;
d. Showers and restrooms;
e. Complimentary snacks and drinks; and
f. Monitors and/or speakers to track flight information and 
announcements.
Sec. 6. Appropriations. - The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), 
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Department of Labor and 
Employment (DOLE), and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) shall cover the 
necessary appropriations for the Implementation of this Act through a cost-sharing 
scheme. The said funds for the construction and maintenance of the Balikbayan Hubs 
shall be included in the Annual General Appropriations Act.
Sec. 7. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — The Department of 
Migrant Workers (DMW), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), 
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of Foreign Affairs


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(DFA), and other stakeholders shall promulgate the implementing rules and 
regulations (IRR) to carry out the provisions of this Act.
Sec. 8. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is held invalid or 
unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity and effectivity of the other 
provisions hereof.
Sec. 9. Repealing Clause. — All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and 
regulations, and other issuances or parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of 
this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
Sec. 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,