FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
S. No. 2515 
) 
) 
) 
..... 
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Lito" M. Lapid 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The ,tradition of having close Family ties among Filipinos makes 
separation of Overseas Contract Workers (OCWs) with their families, hard 
to sustain. 
This could probably explain why the bulk of outgoing mails from the 
country goes to Filipino DCW-rich countries like Riyadh and Jeddah. As 
per official records of the Central Mail Exchange Center of the Philippine 
Postal Corporation (Philpost), the total volume of outgoing mails bound for 
Middle East alone reached to an average of at least 5 million mails a year. 
The government has always supported the deployment of OCWs in 
recognition of their contribution to the country as major dollar earners. 
DCWs Dollar remittances have practically served as the country's 
remaining hope in keeping our economy from falling apart in spite of the 
recurring fiscal crisis. 
Hence, the grant of postal discount privilege to the immediate family 
members of DCWs can be an effective tool in inspiring the remaining 
Filipino DCWs to keep going. The privilege will also serve as a way of 
showing our gratitude for their heroism, and such, is a small price to pay 
compared to what they have contributed to the Philippine economy. 
The immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
.... (~ 
MA~: 
M."LAPID 
Senator 


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC 
OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
s. No. 2515 
) 
) 
) 
Introduced by Senator Manuel "Uto" M. Lapid 
AN ACT 
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EXTENDING POSTAL DISCOUNT PRIVILEGE TO THE IMMEDIATE 
FAMILY MEMBERS OF OVERSEAS CONTRACT WORKERS 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Republic of 
thE! Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. 
Postal Discount Privilege. - The immediate family members of 
Overseas Contract Workers (OCWs) are hereby granted fifty percent (50%) discount for 
postal services; Provided, that such mail shall be exclusively addressed to the name of 
their OCW-relative and at the country of destination where their relative IS currently 
employed; Provided further, that this privilege shall cease immediately upon the return 
to the country of the OCW. 
SEC. 2. 
Coverage. - The privilege provided by this Act shall be extended to 
immediate family members of OCWs whose names are registered with or recognized by 
the Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA). 
SEC. 3. 
OCWs Envelopes. - Envelopes to be used for mails availing of this 
privilege shall contain a distinct marking of "FILIPINO oews" and a penalty clause 
printed on the upper right-hand Gomer, to be devised by the Philippine Postal 
Corporation (Philpost). 
SEC. 4. 
Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Philpost together 
with the POEA shall issue the necessary rules and regulations within thirty (30) days 
upon the effectivity of this Act. 
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SEC. 5. 
Penalty Clause . • Unauthorized use of this privilege as provided in 
this Act, shall be penalized by a fine of Five thousand pesos (Php5,OOO.OO). 
SEC. 6. 
Repealing Clause. - All laws, rules or orders inconsistent with the 
provision of this Act are hereby repealed. 
SEC. 7. 
Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
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