.. . . 
FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENATE 
r. 
S.B. No. 3160 
INTRODUCED BY SEN. MANNY VillAR 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The Filipino presence in the labor force of almost all nations around the globe is not 
minute. In fact, the 2009 Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) Overseas 
Employment Statistics (OES) report reveals that the Philippines is a main exporter of labor to 
other countries with the Philippines sending at least 3,000 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) 
daily. These OFWs have been a consistent dol/ar earner for the country as it has brought in at 
least $17.3 Billion in the local economy as reported by POEA-OES in the year 2009 alone. This is 
equivalent to some 11-12% ofthe country's gross domestic product. 
To address the growing emigration of Filipinos to work abroad, it is embodied in the 
1987 Constitution, Article XIII Section 3 that "[tlhe State shall afford full protection to labor, 
local and overseas, organized and unorganized, and promote full employment and equality of 
employment opportunities for al!." 
In keeping with this declaration, the State has created the Philippine Overseas 
Employment Administration (POEA) and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to 
support our "modern day" heroes. 
Despite the presence of the above mentioned two main government institutions that 
caters to the OFWs and with the assistance of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the 
Department of labor and Employment, according to real life battles of these OFWs abroad, 
these OFWs still feel neglected and unsupported by the government. There are reports of 
numerous complaints and resentment from Filipinos against the government for the latter's 
apparent inadequate support (or lack thereof given) to them while they were facing tough 
times abroad -
particularly, OFWs who were in Libya, incarcerated OFWs in the middle east 
and even families of those OFWs sentenced to die in China, Singapore etc. 
Considering the significant value they bring in to the economy and the specialized 
problems they face abroad, it is but appropriate that a separate Department -
the Department 
of Overseas Employment -be created to cater to the special needs of the OFWs. Hence, this 
measure will transfer POEA and OWWA as an attached agency, and other related agencies that 
deals with OFW affairs, to the newly created Department thereby empowering this Department 
to adequately support and give assistance to the OFWs. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session 
'1 ') 
flilR 2(j ,),:? \1 
SENATE 
S,B, No, 3165 
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INTRODUCED BY SEN, MANNY VILLAR 
AN ACT ESTABLISHING DEPARTMENT OF OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT (DOOE), DEFINING ITS 
POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFORE AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House af Representatives af the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. 
Short Title. This Act shall be known as the "Department of OVerseas 
Employment Act." 
SECTION 2. Declaration Of Policies. -
A, To ensure the protection of the rights of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), promotion 
of their welfare, safety, and support; 
B, To ensure a policy of the government of orderly flow of OFW movements under 
favorable condition; 
C. To ensure that the government reaches out and cooperates with other states where 
there are OFWs; 
D. To ensure the provision of information and communication services to countries 
without such adequate services or provision of the same in times of calamities or 
emergencies; 
E. To develop a database for OFWs to ensure assistance in times of distress; 
F. To establish a strong and effective regulatory system that will ensure only fit Filipinos 
are allowed to work outside of the country; 
G. To promote the human capital development of OFWs to enable them to better compete 
in other countries; 
H. To extend deployment and repatriation assistance and support to OFWs; and 
I. 
To promote the reintegration of returning OFWs. 
SECTION 3. Creation Of A Department Of Overseas Employment. There is hereby 
created a Department of Overseas Employment (DOOE), hereinafter referred to as the 
Department, which shall, among others, recommend and implement the government's policies, 
plans, and programs for the promotion of protection, safety, development, support, 
deployment and repatriation of OFWs, 
SECTION 4. Mandate. The Department shall be the primary policy, planning, 
coordinating, implementing, regulating and administrative entity of the executive branch of the 
Government that protects and provides assistance to OFWs who are holders of Philippine 
passports. 
SECTION 5. Powers And Functions Of The Department. The Department shall have the 
following powers and responsibilities which shall be exercised by its offices: 


A. Formulate and recommend national policies and guidelines and conduct in-depth 
studies on all policy areas and options that will ensure protection of OFW and address 
perennial issues OFWs face abroad, in consultation with the relevant stake holders; 
B. Assess, review, harmonize and coordinate all OFW-related local policies and procedures 
and international agreements to ensure overall consistency and implementation of the 
national policies; 
C. Promote, advance and implement general and specific government objectives regarding 
OFW activities, programs, welfare and interests; 
D. Build a strong and harmonious partnership with foreign countries and the private 
sectors to formulate strategies and implement the same; 
E. 
Represent and negotiate for Philippine interest on matters pertaining to OFW affairs in 
international bodies; 
F. 
Develop, implement and improve coordination with other countries with OFW presence 
and monitor foreign developments to ensure the most reasonable working conditions 
for the OFWs and create a proactive approach in providing assistance to them especially 
in times of war and civil unrest, whether potential or apparent; 
G. Promote knowledge, information and resource sharing, and develop a database to assist 
OFW anywhere in the world; 
H. Coordinate and support the generation and build up of resources or funds for use of 
OFWs; 
I. 
Conduct symposia, consultations and seminars on effective OFW related programs and 
plans; 
J. 
Assist and provide technical expertise in the troubleshooting of OFWs in distress and tap 
the services of personnel, foreign and local, with expertise on the formulation of 
strategies and plans concerning OFW activities if needed; 
K. 
Promote, develop and monitor the continuing education, training and qualification, 
availability and deployment of OFWs and coordinate with concerned agencies in the 
training of OFWs to improve their competitiveness globally; 
L. 
Coordinate with concerned government agencies in the training and support of Filipinos 
who have worked abroad and are returning to the country; 
M. Regulate and guide the business activities relative to the deployment of Filipino workers 
and other related activities; 
N. Promulgate rules and regulations for the implementation of its guidelines and policies 
and related laws; 
O. Administer, accept, hold and utilize property, both personal and real, subject to 
constraints by existing laws, for the purpose of assisting of expediting the work of the 
Department; and 
P. To perform such other functions as maybe needed to achieve its goals and objectives to 
the fullest and as may be provided by this Act. 
SECTION 6. Composition. The Department shall be headed by a Secretary. The 
Department proper shall be composed of the Office of the Secretary, the Offices of 
Undersecretaries, and Assistant Secretaries and Regional and Assistant Regional Directors. 
Section 7. Secretary 0/ Overseas Employment. The secretary shall be appointed by the 
President of the Republic of the Philippines with confirmation of the Commission on 
Appointments. 
The Secretary shall have the follOWing functions: 
A. Provide executive direction and supervision over the entire operations of the 
Department and its attached agencies; 
B. Establish policies and standards for the effective, efficient and economical operation of 
the Department, in accordance with the programs of the government; 
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C. Review and approve request for financial and manpower resources of all operating 
offices of the Department; 
D. Designate and appoint officers and employees of the Department, excluding the 
Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretaries, in accordance with the Civil Service laws, 
rules and regulations; 
E. Coordinate with other government agencies and public and private interest groups, 
including non-government organizations (NGOs) and people's organizations on 
Department policies and initiatives; 
F. Undertake consultations with other members of the Cabinet and officers of the 
government relating to OFW concerns; 
G. Advice the President on the promulgation of executive and administrative orders and 
regulatory and legislative proposals on matters pertaining to OFW development; 
H. AdVise the President of the activities, programs, plans and all information necessary or 
relevant to OFWs; 
I. Coordinate all policies and programs relating to OFW affairs; 
J. Formulate such rules and regulations and exercise such other powers as may be 
required to implement the objectives of this Act; and 
K. Perform such other tasks as may be provided by law or assigned by the president from 
time to time. 
Section 8. Undersecretaries. The 
Secretary 
shall 
be 
assisted 
by 
three 
(3) 
Undersecretaries who shall be appointed by the President upon recommendation of the 
Secretary: Provided, That one (1) of the undersecretaries shall be a career officer coming from 
ranks of existing government labor agencies. The undersecretaries shall aid the Secretary in 
the performance of his/her operational duties, and shall perform such other functions as may 
be directed by the Secretary. 
Section 9. Assistant Secretaries. The Secretary shall be assisted by three (3) assistant 
secretaries who shall be career officers aPPOinted by the President upon the recommendation 
of the Secretary. 
Section 10. Qualifications. No personal shall be appointed Secretary, Undersecretary or 
Assistant Secretary of the Department unless he is a citizen and resident of the Philippines of 
good moral character and of proven integrity. 
Section 11. Regional Offices. The Department shall be authorized to establish, operate, 
and maintain Regional Office in each of the administrative regions of the country as the need 
arises. The regional office shall be headed by a Regional Director, who may be assisted by one 
(1) Assistant Regional Director. The regional offices shall have, within their respective 
administrative regions, the following functions: 
A. Implement laws, policies, plans, programs, projects, rules and regulations of the 
Department; 
B. Provide technical expertise and know-how and information to provide OFW-centered 
and efficient services; 
C. Coordinate with regional offices of other departments, offices, and agencies and local 
government units for the consolidation and integration of OFW programs; and 
D. Perform such other functions as may be provided by law or assigned by the Secretary. 
SECTION 12. Transfer Of Bureaus, Offices And Agencies. The following bureaus, offices and 
agencies are hereby transferred from their respective departments (as shown in parenthesis) to 
the Department of Overseas Employment: 
A. Office for the Overseas Filipino workers Affairs (Department of Foreign Affairs); 
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B. Office of the Legal Assistant for Migrant Worker's Affairs (Department of Foreign 
Affairs); 
C. Commission on Filipino Overseas (Office ofthe President); and 
D. All Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (Department of Labor and Employment). 
SECTION 13. Attached Agencies. The following agencies are hereby attached to the 
Department for policy and program coordination, and shall continue and function in 
accordance with the charters, laws or orders creating them, in so far as they are not 
inconsistent with this Act: 
A. The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA); and 
B. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). 
The laws and rules on government reorganization as provided for in Republic Act No. 
6656, otherwise known as the Reorganization Law, shall govern the reorganization process of 
the Department. 
Section 14. Sectoral and Industry Task Forces. - The Department may create sectoral 
and industry task forces, technical working groups, advisory bodies or committees for the 
furtherance of its objectives. Additional private sector representatives, such as from the OFWs, 
academe and private industries directly involved in deployment of OFWs, as well as other 
National Government Agencies (NGAs), LGUs, and GOCCs, that may be appointed to these 
working groups. 
Section 15. Structure and Staffing Pattern. - The Department shall determine its 
organization structure and create new divisions or units as it may deem necessary, and shall 
appoint officers and employees of the Department in accordance with the Civil Service law, 
rules, and regulations. 
Section 16. Separation from Service. - Employees separated from the service as a result 
of this reorganization shall, within ninety (90) days therefrom, receive the retirement benefits 
to which they may be entitled under existing laws, rules, and regulations. 
Section 17. Special Assistance Revolving Fund. A Special Assistance Revolving Fund for 
OFWs in distress, both documented and undocumented, in the amount of One Billion Pesos (P 
1,000,000,000.00) is hereby created. The fund shall be utilized for the following purposes: 
A. Repatriation; 
B. Medical expenses, hospitalization and purchase of medicine in the form of vouchers for 
six (6) months from arrival; 
C. Migration fees for overstaying Filipinos; 
D. Legal assistance including litigation expenses, legal fees, payment of translation fees, 
attendance in court hearings; 
E. Payment of blood money, when necessary; and 
F. 
Basic necessities of OFWs caught in emergencies or are detained. 
Provided, That thirty percent (30%) of the total fund shall be allotted to support a 
livelihood training program or re-training of returning OFWs in new skills and literacy. 
Section 18. Appropriation. The appropriation allotted for the Office for the Overseas 
Filipino workers Affairs, Office of the Legal Assistant for Migrant Worker's Affairs, Commission 
on Filipino Overseas, and all Philippine Overseas Labor Offices Shall be transferred to the 
Department of Overseas Employment. 
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Provided, That the amount needed for the initial implementation of the this Act shall be 
taken from the current fiscal year's appropriation of the transferred agencies to the 
Department of Overseas Employment. Thereafter, the amount needed for the operation and 
maintenance of the Department shall be included in the General Appropriations Act: Provided, 
That for the next fiscal year, following the approval of this Act, the appropriation for the 
Department shall not be lower than five billion pesos. Provided further, That 1 billion pesos 
(1,000,000,000.00) of the same appropriation shall be allotted for the Special Assistance 
Revolving Fund as stated in Section 17 hereof. 
SECTION 19. Separability Clause. - If any part or provIsion of this Act is held 
unconstitutional or invalid, the other parts or provisions hereof which are not affected thereby 
shall continue to be in full force and effect. 
SECTION 20. 
Repealing Clause. - All laws, orders, rules or regulations which are 
inconsistent with or contrary to the provisions of this Act are hereby amended or repealed 
accordingly. 
SECTION 21. 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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