Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
‘Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS:

First Regular Session

497
H.B.No,__

Introduced by HONORABLE JUAN EDGARDO “SONNY” M. ANGARA

EXPLANATORY NOTE

It can be acknowledged that a drawn-out global recession could result in unforeseen
responses by OFW-receiving countries and their foreign employers, such as the inability to
adjust their acceptance of OFWs that could cause their possible repatriation due to employment
termination or decrease in salary and other employment benefits.

Millions of Filipino families dependent on the OFWs' remittances could face a socio-
economic catastrophe that would in turn direly affect the country.

Our concern for the overseas employment sector should be foremost as we share a
social responsibility of ensuring the country's economic stability in times of crisis and
strengthening the ability of our OFWs to cope with the effects of such a crisis.

Henceforth, in times of uncertainties, such as what we are facing in the overseas
employment market, the best strategic approach is to increase and strengthen OFW protection.

“SONNY” M. ANGARA

Lone District, Province of Aurora


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINE! )
First Regular Session )

Introduced by Honorable JUAN EDGARDO “SONNY” M. ANGARA

AN ACT
TO PROVIDE A MANDATORY EMPLOYERS' INSURANCE FOR ALL LEGALLY
EMPLOYED OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS, PROVIDING MECHANISMS
THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Title. This act shall be known as "The Mandatory Employers’ Insurance
for Overseas Filipino Workers Act of 2010.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of policies. it is hereby declared the policy of the State to protect
the families of OFWs by giving them mandatory coverage for all their repatriation and other

concerns and claims resulting directly from employer-employee relationships, or by virtue of any
law or contract involving OFWs.

SEC. 3. Mandatory insurance coverage. An insurance coverage shall be provided for
Overseas Filipino Workers at the time of their assumption of their duties, which shall cover all
necessary incidents of their employment and their repatriation therein. Provided, that the
insurance coverage shall be provided at no expense to the Overseas Filipino Worker as such,
or the national government but shall be provided at the expense of the foreign employer.
Provided, further, that within six (6) months after the effectivity of this act, the Labor Attache or
employees/officials in diplomatic/consular posts, shall make the necessary representations with
various or equivalent offices in other countries. Provided, further, that the POEA shall consult
with stakeholders in the recruitment industry and labor groups for the purpose of issuing an

effective and feasible rules and regulations that will implement the provisions of this Act.

SEC. 4. Employers covered. The employers covered by this Act shall include all
‘employers who have contracted Filipinos for overseas employment.

SEC. 5. Employees covered. The employees covered by this Act shall include all
Filipino employees who have been contracted for work abroad.

SEC. 6. Benefits allowed. The benefits to be extended to OFWs by virtue of this Act
shall include, but not be limited to the following:


1) Death;

2) Personal Accident;

3) Repatriation;

4) Unjust termination;

5) Just termination that is not the fault of the employee;
6) Others

Provided, that the insurance coverage shall be over and above existing OFW welfare
and protection measures, public or private, such as the OWWA membership insurance program
and the escrow deposit that OESPs are required to have.

SEC. 7. Repealing Clause. All laws, orders, decrees, rules and regulations, and other
parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or

modified accordingly.

SEC. 8. Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at
least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.

Approved,