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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1403

HOUSE BILL

Introduced by Representative Harlin Cast, Abayon

EXPLANATORY NOTE
We brand our Oversens Filipino Workers as modern day heroes. We should at least help

them in supporting their loved ones here in the country during their times of sickness or

incapacity to support, This measure was previously filed by Senator Manny Villar in the 1s

Congress, Passage of this Bill is eamestly sought now in the 16 Congress

——

HARLIN CAST, ABAYON
Representative
First District of Northem Samar


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1403

HOUSE BILLNO.

Introduced by Representative Harlin Cast. Abayon

ANACT
TO PROVIDE A SYSTEM OF ASSISTANCE AND INCENTIVES TO FAMILIES
OF OVERSEAS FILIPINO IN TIMES OF NEED AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Title, This Act shall be known as "Assistance to OFW Family Act of 2013, :

SECTION 2, Declaration of Policies, It is the policy of the State to protect the families of OFWs
whenever for any of the reasons stated herein below, assistance may be required by them.

SECTION 3. Instances when assistance may be given. ‘The following instances, which are not
exclusive in character, shall be the instances when assistance may be given to families of OFWs
or to the OFW:

1) Whenever the OFW has deprived the legitimate family oF the common-law wife of any Form
of financial assistance for any reason;

b) Whenever the OFW has left the legitimate family or the common-law wife without any form
of financial assistance for any reason;

) Whenever the OFW has deprived the legitimate children of any form of financial assistance
for any reason;

4) In the absence of any of the following, the illegitimate children shall be entitled to avail of the
assistance granted by the provisions of this Act.

SECTION 4, Qualifications for assistance to be given. The following qualifications shall be
imposed upon the applicants for assistance granted by this Act:

a) Families - for the legitimate family or the common-law wife of the OFW, there shall be


required the following:

i. Status as legitimate family or common-law wife without any impediment to marry;

ii The total household income shall not exceed sixty thousand pesos (P60,000.00) per annum,
subject to verification from the Bureau of Intemal Revenue of such fact and the appropriate
clearances from the employer;

b) Children -for the legitimate or illegitimate child, the assistance shall be limited to the
following qualified individuals:

i. The child shall not exceed the age of majority provided for by law;
ii, no sufficient means of income to support himself’,

SECTION 5. Form of assistance. The assistance shall be in the following:

1) livelihood opportunities for the families;

2) scholarship grants to the children;

3) such other forms of assistance as may be provided for by law, Provided, that the number of
children entitled to tine assistance herein shall not exceed four (4).

SECTION 6, Livelihood assistance, The livelihood assistance as defined herein shall mean such
assistance as may be sufficient to support the basic needs of the family herein, such assistance to
be extended primarily to the family in most need of support. The livelihood assistance shall be
provided for by the Department of Trade and Industry through the creation of a new division, the
OFW Livelihood Assistance Division, Provided, that the implementing rules and regulations of
this act shall be formulated by the Department of Trade and Industry.

SECTION 7. Scholarship grants, The scholarship grants shall be extended to children qualified
according, to the provisions of this Act. Provided, that the scholarship grant shall extend to the
tertiary level of education but not to post-graduate studies; Provided, further, that the Department
Of Education, shall be responsible for the grant of such benefits accordingly; Provided, finally,
that even upon reaching the age of majority, the child previously entitled to the benefits of this
‘Act shall be extended assistance until the completion of the education, subject 10 the
Implementing Rules and Regulations to be formulated by the Department ‘of Education

SECTION 8. Appropriations, - The sum of fifty million pesos (P50,000,000.00) necessary
for the initial operating expenses of the assistance is hereby charged to the appropriations
authorized for the OFW Assistance Fund. Thereafter, the sum necessary for the continued
Operation and maintenaiice shall be included in the annual budget of the Office of the President

SECTION 9, Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act or any part hereof be declared
‘unconstitutional or invalid the remainder of this Act or any provision not affected thereby shall
remain in force and effect.

2 SECTION 10. Repealing Clause. - All laws, orders, proclamations, rules and regulations, or
part thereof, which are inconsistent with any provision of this Act are hereby repealed or
modified accordingly.


effect after fifteen (15) days following its

SECTION 11. Effectivity. - This Act shall tak
circulation.

publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two newspapers of general

Approved,