TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
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25 AUG-7 P6 *08
RECEIVED BY;
Senate Bill No. 1146
Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA
AN ACT
PROVIDING FREE INSURANCE FOR COVERED APPLICANTS OF 
OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT CERTIFICATES, APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
From January to September 2024, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) 
reported the deployment of over 2.05 million Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) across 
the globe. Preliminary data by the DMW indicate that of this number, approximately 
1.59 million are land-based workers, while 455,077 were sea-based. This reflects a 
10.37% increase compared to the same period in 2023, highlighting that there are 
growing employment opportunities and a continued demand for Filipino workers 
abroad.
However, it is a grim reality that many of our countrymen proceed to leave the 
country as undocumented workers or without valid visas or legal work permits. This 
makes them highly vulnerable to abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. In 2016 
alone, the Department of Justice (DOJ) identified 1600 illegal recruitment cases, not 
even accounting for cases that were unreported and those that were dismissed before 
reaching the courts.1 The former Philippine Overseas Employment Administration 
(POEA) noted that out of 725 illegal recruitment cases that were brought to the 
attention of DOJ, only 16 successfully resulted in convictions by the court—a dismal 
conviction rate that highlights serious gaps in enforcement and protection for our 
workers.2
Despite the government's effort to steadily deploy OFWs through legal channels, 
some of our countrymen continue to find ways to circumvent the procedures of legally
1 
Recruitment Advisor. Common Problems in the Recruitment Process in the Philippines. Available at 
https://wvw.reauitmentadvlsor.ora/law/ph/kr/58/18496/58 (Accessed on 9 July 2025).
2 
Ibid.


seeking employment abroad. In 2022, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) uncovered a 
scheme in which OFWs would bring their families overseas under the guise of a 
vacation, when in reality, their true intent was to remain in the country they were 
traveling to and seek employment without proper documentation.3
Under Republic Act No. 8042, as amended by Republic Act No. 10022, and its 
implementing rules and regulations, an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) issued 
by the POEA exempts OFWs from the payment of travel tax and airport terminal fees 
and serves as proof that an OFW is covered by government protection.4 However, the 
OEC is often perceived as an added bureaucratic burden, with some OFWs finding the 
process of securing it cumbersome and, at times, a deterrent to pursuing legal 
overseas employment.
As a result, there are instances when OFWs fail or neglect to renew their 
membership with the OWWA after their initial deployment, while others move to 
another country through third-country recruitment without registering with Philippine 
authorities.
In view of the foregoing, this measure proposes to establish a mechanism that 
incentivizes OFWs to comply with the proper procedure of securing an OEC. This will 
not only promote adherence to legal processes but strengthen the government's ability 
to monitor OFWs and safeguard them against human trafficking, exploitation, and 
other abuses. More importantly, this bill seeks to give free insurance coverage to 
qualified OFWs who apply for an OEC. This ensures that utmost protection is afforded 
to every Filipino who chooses to work abroad for a better future for themselves and 
their loved ones.
Thus, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought.
JOE^LLANUEVA
Manila Bulletin. BI uncovers new ploy by undocumented OFWs to go abroad. Published on 24 March 2022. 
Available at https:/Aiitcomjih/20.22/3/;M/bJ:Uiicpvers:nwiE!Qy;:by;undoqirnented-ofws;tO:go~abroa_d 
(Accessed on 9 July 2025).
Department of Migrant Workers. Omnibus Rules and Regulations Implementing the Migrant Workers and 
Overseas Filipinos Act of1995, as amended by Republic Act No. 10022. Published on 8 July 2010. Available at 
httDs://dmw.Qov.ph/archives/mandates/files/ornnibus%20lrr ral0022.Ddf (Accessed on 9 July 2025).


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
Senate Bill No. 1^46
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25 AUG-7 P6 -08
RECEIVED
Introduced by Senator JOEL VILLANUEVA
AN ACT
PROVIDING FREE INSURANCE FOR COVERED APPLICANTS OF 
OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT CERTIFICATES, APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Protektadong
2 
OFWAct"
3 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State shall afford full protection to
4 
labor, local and overseas, organized, and unorganized. Towards this end, the State
5 
shall provide adequate and timely social, legal, and economic services to Overseas
6 
Filipino Workers (OFWs). Pursuant to this, the State shall ensure that all OFWs are
7 
properly monitored and accounted for with due regard for their protection and
8 
welfare and that they are incentivized to make themselves known to Philippine
9 
authorities abroad.
10 
SEC. 3. Coverage. - The benefits under this Act shall apply to applicants of
11 
an overseas employment certificates (OEC): Provided, That the applicant-migrant
12 
worker is abroad: Provided, further, That they have no prior record with the
13 
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), or if they have a prior record, is working
14 
in a vulnerable sector, as may be determined by the DMW.


1 
SEC. 4. Benefits. - Covered migrant workers, upon securing an OEC from
2 
the DMW, the Philippine Embassy, or consular offices abroad, shall be given a free
3 
one-year insurance with the same or similar coverage as required under Republic
4 
Act No. 8042, as amended, otherwise known as the "Migrant Workers and
5 
Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995," and Section 6(n) of Republic Act No. 11641,
6 
otherwise known as the "Department of Migrant Workers Act."
7 
SEC. 5. Appropriations. - The payment for the premium of the insurance
8 
provided under this Act shall be funded partly by the budget of the DMW
9 
earmarked for the Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo Para sa mga OFW na
10 
Nangangailangan (AKSYON) Fund, budget of the Department of Foreign of Affairs
11 
(DFA) earmarked for Assistance to Nationals, and partly by the appropriations in
12 
the General Appropriations Act (GAA), as included in the budget of the DMW. For
13 
the first year of the implementation of this Act, an initial amount of Thirty Million
14 
Pesos (P30,000,000) is hereby appropriated. Thereafter, such amount necessary
15 
for its continued implementation shall be included in the annual GAA.
16 
SEC. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days
17 
from the effectivity of this Act, the DMW, DFA, and Overseas Workers Welfare
18 
Administration (OWWA) shall, in consultation with relevant government agencies
19 
and stakeholders, promulgate the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) to
20 
carry out the provisions of this Act.
21 
Failure of the relevant government agencies to promulgate the IRR within
22 
the specified period shall subject the heads of these government agencies to
23 
administrative penalties under applicable civil service laws.
24 
Should the IRR contain provisions that are contrary to this Act, the heads of
25 
the government agencies responsible for such provision, when done in bad faith
26 
or with gross negligence, shall be held administratively liable.
27 
SEC. 7. Separability Clause. - If any portion or provision of this Act is
28 
declared unconstitutional, the remainder hereof or any provisions not affected
29 
thereby shall remain in force and effect.
30 
SEC. 8. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance,
31 
executive order, letter of instruction, rule, or regulation inconsistent with the
32 
provisions of this Act is hereby repealed or modified accordingly.


1 
SEC. 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
2 
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general
3 
circulation.
Approved,