1 
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 2712 
Introduced by Representatives Bryan B. Revilla, Lani Mercado-Revilla, and Ramon 
Jolo B. Revilla III 
AN ACT  
TO FURTHER ASSIST FILIPINO MIGRANT WORKERS, AMENDING FOR THE 
PURPOSE SECTION 10 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8042, AS AMENDED 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Filipino migrant workers have long been considered the backbone of the country's 
overseas employment sector, contributing significantly to the national economy 
through their remittances. However, despite their economic contributions, migrant 
workers face numerous challenges abroad, including exploitation, abuse, and the lack 
of proper protection and support from both host countries and the Philippine 
government. 
Republic Act (RA) No. 8042, otherwise known as the "Migrant Workers and Overseas 
Filipinos Act of 1995," was enacted to ensure the welfare and protection of Filipino 
migrant workers. It established policies for the protection of workers, their families, and 
those who are engaged in overseas employment. However, there remain gaps in the 
law, especially in providing timely and adequate assistance to Filipino migrant workers 
in distress and ensuring that they receive adequate legal and social support. 
Section 10 of Republic Act No. 8042, as amended, deals with the establishment of a 
welfare fund for migrant workers. While it aims to help in addressing the immediate 
needs of migrant workers, the evolving nature of migration patterns, emerging 
concerns about the safety of Filipino workers, and the need to strengthen the support 
mechanisms demand that further adjustments and improvements be made in the 
existing framework. 
This measure seeks to amend Section 10 of RA 8042 to provide a more 
comprehensive and accessible welfare assistance program for Filipino migrant 
workers, especially those in difficult or stressful situations. This is a crucial step toward 
fulfilling the government's commitment to improving the lives of Filipino migrant 
workers and their families as it aims to ensure that they receive the protection, support, 
and resources they deserve, helping them achieve better living and working conditions 
while safeguarding their rights and dignity.  
In view of the foregoing, the early passage of this bill is urgently sought. 
July 30, 2025
5:00 pm


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        REP. BRYAN B. REVILLA  
    REP. LANI MERCADO-REVILLA 
    Representative, AGIMAT Partylist  
 Representative, 2nd District of Cavite  
REP. RAMON JOLO B. REVILLA III 
Representative, 1st District of Cavite 


1 
Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
TWENTIETH CONGRESS 
First Regular Session 
HOUSE BILL NO. 2712 
Introduced by Representatives Bryan B. Revilla, Lani Mercado-Revilla, and Ramon 
Jolo B. Revilla III 
AN ACT  
TO FURTHER ASSIST FILIPINO MIGRANT WORKERS, AMENDING FOR THE 
PURPOSE SECTION 10 OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8042, AS AMENDED 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled: 
Section 1. The fifth paragraph of Section 10 of Republic Act No. 8042, otherwise 
known as the "Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipino Act" as amended by Republic 
Act. No. 10022, is hereby amended by repealing the clause" or for Three (3) months 
every year of the unexpired term, whichever is less", to read as follows: 
"Section 10. Money Claims. - Notwithstanding any provision of law to the 
contrary, the Labor Arbiters of the National Labor Relations Commission 
(NLRC) shall have the original and exclusive jurisdiction to hear and 
decide, within ninety (90) calendar days after filing of the complaint, the 
claims arising out of an employer-employee relationship or by virtue of 
any law or contract involving Filipino workers for overseas deployment 
including claims for actual, moral, exemplary and other forms of 
damages.  
The liability of the principal/employer and the recruitment/placement 
agency for any and all claims under this section shall be joint and 
several. These provisions shall be incorporated in the contract for 
overseas employment and shall be a condition precedent for its 
approval. 
The 
performance 
bond 
to 
be 
filed 
by 
the 
recruitment/placement agency, as provided by law, shall be answerable 
for all money claims or damages that may be awarded to the workers. If 
the recruitment/placement agency Is a juridical being, the corporate 
officers and directors and partners as the case may be, shall themselves 
be jointly and solidarily liable with the corporation or partnership for the 
aforesaid claims and damages. 
Such liabilities shall continue during the entire period or duration of the 
employment contract and shall not be affected by any substitution, 
amendment or modification made locally or in a foreign country of the 
said contract.  


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Any compromise/amicable settlement or voluntary agreement on money 
claims inclusive of damages under this section shall be paid within four 
(4) months from the approval of the settlement by the appropriate 
authority. In case of termination of overseas employment without just, 
valid or authorized cause as defined by law or contract, the workers shall 
be entitled to the full reimbursement of his placement fee with interest of 
twelve percent (12%) per annum, plus his salaries for the unexpired 
portion of his employment contract [or for three (3) months for every year 
of the unexpired term, whichever is less.] PROVIDED THAT THE 
DEPARTMENT 
OF 
LABOR 
AND 
EMPLOYMENT 
AND 
ITS 
ATTACHED AGENCIES SHALL PROVIDE NEW SKILL TRAININGS, 
RE-TRAINING PROGRAMS, LIVELIHOOD AND TECHNOLOGY 
ASSISTANCE, SEMINARS FOR MICRO-FINANCE ASSISTANCE, 
AND SIMILAR OPPORTUNITIES FOR RETURNING OVERSEAS 
FILIPINO WORKERS. 
 
Non-compliance with the mandatory periods for resolutions of cases 
provided under this section shall subject the responsible officials to any 
or all of the following penalties; 
(a) The salary of any such official who fails to render his decision or 
resolutions within the prescribed period shall be, or caused to be, 
withheld until the said official complies therewith; 
(b) Suspension for not more than ninety (90) days; or 
(c) Dismissal from the service with disqualifications to hold any 
appointive public office for five (5) years. 
 
Provided, however, That the penalties herein provided shall be without 
prejudice to any liability which any such official may have incurred under 
other existing laws or rules and regulations as a consequence of 
violating the provisions of this paragraph. 
  
Sec. 2. Repealing Clause. - All laws, rules and regulation, orders, circulars and 
memoranda inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
  
Sec. 3. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a 
newspaper of general circulation. 
  
Approved,