• 
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
) 
) 
) 
S.B. No. 679 
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'13 
JUL -9 A 9 :25 
Introduced by Senator LOREN LEGARDA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Pursuant to the Philippine Constitution's provision mandating that "The State shall 
afford full protection to labor, local and overseas, organized and unorganized, and promote full 
employment and equality of employment opportunities for all," the state shall be responsible for the 
protection of the overseas Filipino workers (OFW). 
In recognition of the past management and disbursement concerns with regards the 
OWW A operative budget and disbursements not supported and based on definite standards, 
an organizational structure to govern the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration 
(OWW A)' s operation and administration shall be created with improved standards of 
protection and promotion of the welfare of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), our 
considered modern day heroes. 
This legislative measure seeks to define the functions of OWW A as a national 
government agency vested with a special function of developing and implementing welfare 
programs that respond to the needs of member-OFWs and their families. This bill also 
establishes clear-cut guidelines for the procedure for membership registration and its 
renewal; ensures sufficiency of the operative budget of the OWW A to support full protection 
of the OFW welfare; and creates the OWW A Fund as a private fund held in trust by OWW A. 
In view of the foregoing, the immediate passage of this measure is earnestly sought. 
~~3? 
~~---
LOREN LEGARDA 
Senator 


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 679 
Introduced by Senator Loren Legarda 
AN ACT 
'13 
JUl -9 A 9 :25 
TO GOVERN THE OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE 
OVERSEAS WORKERS WELFARE ADMINISTRATION 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled: 
CHAPTER I 
TITLE, POLICY AND OBJECTIVES 
SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "OWWAAct 0/2013". 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to afford full protection to labor, local 
and overseas, organized and unorganized, and promote full employment opportunities for 
all. Towards this end, it shall be the State's responsibility to protect the overseas Filipino 
workers (OFWs). The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) shall be one of the 
principal agencies of the State to serve and promote the interest and welfare of the OFWs and 
their families. 
SEC. 3. Objectives. - This Act is enacted to provide gUidelines on matters concerning OWW A, 
its mandate, purposes and objectives, membership, collection of contributions, and availment 
of benefits and services. This Act also embodies the poliCies on fund management, programs 
and services administration. 
CHAPTER II 
NATURE, SCOPE AND FUNCTIONS OF OWWA 
SEC. 4. Nature of OWWA. - The OWW A is a national government agency vested with a 
special fUnction of developing and implementing welfare programs and services I that 
respond to the needs of its member-OFWs and their families. It shall have the powers to 
administer a trust fund. Being a national government agency, the OWW A shall not fall under 
the category of any of the following: Government Instrumentalities with Corporate Powers, 
Government Corporate Entities, Government Financial Institutions and/ or Government-
Owned or -Controlled Corporations. 
The OWW A shall be an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment 
(DOLE). Its officials and employees are covered by the Salary Standardization Law. 
SEC. 5. Scope. - This Act shall apply to all OFWs who are duly registered with the Philippine 
Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and those who will avail of the voluntary 
membership program of OWW A. 
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SEC. 6. Functions. - The main functions of OWW A are: 
a) To protect the interest and promote the welfare of member-OFWs in all phases of 
overseas employment in recognition of their valuable contribution to the overall 
development effort; 
b) To facilitate the implementation of the provisions of the Labor Code and Republic 
Act No. 8042, as amended, concerning the responsibility of the government to 
promote the well-being of OFWs. Pursuant thereto, and in furtherance thereof, it 
shall provide legal assistance to its members; 
c) To provide social and welfare programs and services to member-OFWs, including, 
but not limited to, social assistance, education and training, cultural services, 
financial management, reintegration and entrepreneurial development services; 
d) To provide prompt and appropriate response to global emergency or crisis 
situations; 
e) To ensure the efficiency of collections and the viability and sustainability of the 
Fund through sound, judicious and transparent investment and managen;ent 
policies; 
f) To undertake studies and research for the enhancement of social, economic and 
cultural well-being of member-OFWs; and 
g) To develop, support and finance specific projects for the welfare of member-OFWs. 
CHAPTER III 
DEFINITIONS 
SEC. 7. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall mean: 
a) Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) - refers to a person who is to be engaged, is 
engaged, or has been engaged in a remunerated activity in a state of which he or 
she is not a citizen, or on board a vessel navigating the foreign seas other than a 
government ship used for military or non-commercial purposes, or on an 
installation located offshore or on the high seas. 
b) Dependent - refers to any of the following: (a) the legal spouse dependent for 
support upon the member or pensioner; (b) the legitimate, legitimated, legally 
adopted child, including the illegitimate child, who is unmarried, not gainfully 
employed, not over the age of majority, or is over the age of majority but 
incapacitated and incapable of self-support due to a mental or physical defect 
acquired prior to age of majority; and (c) the parents dependent upon the member 
for support; 
c) Compensation - refers to the basic payor salary received by an employee, pursuant 
to his appointment, excluding per diems, bonuses, overtime pay, honoraria, 
allowances and any other emoluments received in addition to the basic pay which 
are not integrated into the basic pay under existing laws; 
d) Contribution or Membership Fee - refers to the amount payable to OWW A by an 
OFW or the employer in accordance with the provisions of this Act; 
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e) OWWA Member - refers to an OFW with a paid contribution or membership fee; I 
f) Non-Active OWWA member - refers to an OFW whose OWW A membership has 
expired; 
g) Non-Member OFW - refers to an undocumented OFW and who has not availed of 
the voluntary membership of OWW A on-site. 
CHAPTER IV 
MEMBERSHIP, CONTRIBUTION AND COLLECTION 
SEC. 8. Registration of Membership. - Registration or enrolment of members shall be in 
accordance with the provisions of this Act. Membership in OWW A may be obtained in two 
(2) ways: 
a) By compulsory registration upon processing of employment contracts of OFWs at 
the POEA; and 
b) By voluntary registration of OFWs at job-sites overseas or at the OWW A Regional 
Welfare Offices. 
SEC. 9. Proof of Membership. - All members shall be issued Official Receipt upon payment of 
the required contribution. They shall likewise be issued an OWW A E-Card, identification 
card or other proof of OWW A membership. No additional or extra charges shall be levied on 
members. 
The OWWA is mandated to maintain an updated database of member-OFWs and to 
update this regularly. 
SEC. 10. Amount of Contribution and Effectivity of Membership. - Membership to the OWWA, 
either through the compulsory or voluntary coverage, shall be effective upon payment of 
membership contribution in the amount of Twenty Five US Dollars (US $ 25.00) or its 
equivalent in the current foreign exchange rates. Such membership shall be considered active 
until the expiration of the OFW's existing employment contract. 
In case of voluntary members who register on-site, membership coverage shall not 
exceed two (2) years. 
Based on actuarial studies and taking into consideration the welfare and interest of the 
members, the Board may adjust or modify the amount of membership contribution. 
SEC. 11. Renewal of Membership. - Membership shall be renewed upon payment of 
contribution on contract renewal or issuance of a new contract of employment. In the case of 
voluntary membership, coverage shall be renewed upon payment of contribution of Twenty 
Five US Dollars (US $25.00) or its equivalent in the current foreign exchange rates. 
There shall be a grace period of two (2) months in both instances. 
SEC. 12. Separation of Sea-based and Land-based Workers Contributions. - To effect a more 
efficient fund management between the two (2) sub-sectoral groups of Land-based and Sea-
. based workers, the collection of membership contribution shall be accounted for in two (2) 
separate books of account. 
SEC. 13. Authorized Collecting Officers. -
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a) Membership contributions shall be collected by duly authorized OWW A 
Collecting Officers, deputized collecting officers or accredited agents. The 
collection of membership contributions shall be made at the POEA contract 
processing hub, OWW A regional and overseas offices, and other accredited 
collection centers. 
b) In case of voluntary members who register on-site, membership contributions shall 
be made directly to the OWW A Overseas Offices located in the various diplomatic 
stations, embassies or consulate offices of the Philippines. 
SEC. 14. Reportorial Requirements and Handling of Collections. - The collecting officer, deputized 
collecting officer, or the accredited collecting agent shall prepare and submit the required 
monthly reports to the OWW A Central Office in the Philippines. Handling of collections and 
deposits by Collection Officers shall be governed by the usual accounting and auditing rules. 
I 
SEC. 15. Sanctions for Erring Officers. - Corresponding administrative sanctions and other 
disciplinary measures, including recall from post/ suspension/ or separation from service, 
shall be imposed upon any officer who violates the provision of the preceding section. 
SEC. 16. Prohibition Against Discrimination on Membership. - No OFW shall be denied 
membership to the OWWA by reason of age, gender, nationality, religious belief, or political 
opinion or affiliation. The OWW A shall take affirniative steps to enhance the access of OFWs 
to its programs and services. 
SEC. 17. Payment of Contribution or OWWA Fee by Employer. - Contributions to the OWW A 
Fund must be paid by the employers/principal, or in their default, the recruitment/manning 
agency in the case of new-hires. The POEA shall ensure that a prOVision to this effect shall be 
made an integral part of the overseas employment contract. 
SEC. 18. Penalty for Violation by RecruitmentjManning Agency. -
Violation by a 
recruitment/manning agency of the preceding section shall constitute an offense punishable 
by revocation of its license and all its officers and directors shall be perpetually disqualified 
from engaging in the business of recruitment/ placement of overseas workers. Such penalty is 
without prejudice to any other liability which such officers and directors may have incurred 
under existing laws, rules and regulations. 
SEC. 19. Deposit and Remittance of Collection. -
a) OWWA Central Office and Regional Offices - The Collecting Officer shall, on a daily 
basis, deposit all OWW A fee contributions to the OWW A Capital Fund Account 
with the Land Bank of the Philippines. For reconciliation and record purposes bank 
validated deposit slips shall be prepared in triplicate forms to be distributed to the 
1) servicing bank, 2) OWW A together with the Report of Collections, and to the, 3) 
Collecting Officer. 
b) OWWA Overseas Officers - The Collecting Officer shall, on a daily basis, deposit all 
OWW A fee contributions in the same currency received, to a separate bank account 
for collections in the name of the "Office of the Labor Attache - OWW A 
Collections," in the depository bank of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), or 
in the accredited correspondent bank of the Land Bank of the Philippines. 
Accumulated monthly collections shall be remitted to the OWW A Capital Fund 
Account with the Land Bank of the Philippines not later than the 5th day of the 
following month. 
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No withdrawals, except remittances of collections, can be made from the bank 
accounts for collections without prior written approval of the Administrator or his duly 
authorized representative, subject to the policies approved by the Board. 
Overseas Offices shall be authorized to retain the required amount for the beginning 
and maintaining balance of the above-mentioned bank accounts for collections. 
CHAPTER V 
THE OWW A BOARD OF TRUSTEES 
SEC. 20. The OWWA Board of Trustees. - To carry out the purposes of this Act, the OWWA 
shall be directed and controlled by a Board of Trustees as its policy making body. It shall be 
composed of the following members: 
a) Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment, as Chairperson; 
b) OWW A Administrator, as Vice Chairperson; 
c) Secretary of the Department of Foreign Affairs; 
d) Secretary of the Department of Finance; 
e) Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management; 
f) POEA Administrator; 
g) Two (2) representatives of land~based OFWs who are nominated and appointed in 
accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 10022, which amen'ded 
Republic Act No. 8042 or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995; 
h) One (1) representative of the sea-based OFWs who are nominated and appointed 
in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 10022; 
i) One (1) representative of the women sector who is nominated and appointed in 
accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 10022; 
j) One (1) representative of the land-based recruitment sector, who is selected from 
among the various associations of registered overseas placement and recruitment 
agencies based in the Philippines who shall be appointed by the President to serve 
a single term of three (3) years; and 
k) One (1) representative of the sea-based manning sector, who is selected from 
among the various associations of registered overseas placement and manning 
agencies based in the Philippines who shall be appointed by the President to serve 
a single term of three (3) years; 
The Trustees holding office as members of the OWW A Board at the time of the 
effectivity of this Act shall continue to serve until the expiration of their term of 
appointments. 
In case of vacancy in any of the appointive positions in the OWW A Board, the vacancy 
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shall be filled by the subsequent nomination by the respective sector concerned in the same 
manner as the selection of the predecessor. Such successor shall hold office for the unexpired 
term only. 
SEC. 21. Per Diem. - The members of the OWW A Board shall not receive any compensation 
but shall be provided with per diem at rates allowed under existing rules and regulations. 
SEC. 22. Responsibilities and Powers of the Board of Trustees. - The OWW A Board shall exercise 
the following specific powers and duties: 
a) To define the thrusts of the OWW A and adopt broad policy guidelines to ensure 
their implementation; 
b) To preserve the integrity of the OWW A Trust Fund; 
c) To approve programs, projects, and the organizational structure of the OWW A 
Secretariat; 
d) To modify or adjust the membership fee and other necessary charges based on 
actuarial studies; 
e) To formulate rules and regulations governing financial transactions and fix the 
yearly appropriations of the Secretariat; 
f) To ensure the efficiency of collection and the viability and sustainability of the fund 
through sound and judicious investment and fund management policies; 
g) To receive and appropriate all sums as may be provided by law for the support of 
the OWWA to the ends specified by law, and all other sums in the manner it may, 
in its discretion, determine to carry out the purposes and functions of the OWWA; 
h) To authorize the construction or repair of its buildings, machinery, equipment and 
other facilities, and the purchase and acquisition of real and personal properties, 
including the necessary supplies, materials and equipment; 
i) To receive in trust legacies, gifts and donations of real and personal property of all 
kinds and to administer and dispose the same when necessary for the benefit of the 
OWW A general membership and subject to the instructions of the donor, if any; 
j) To delegate any of its powers to the Chairperson of the OWWA Board or any other 
officials or officers as it may deem necessary; 
k) To prescribe such general policies, rules and regulations, not contrary to law, as are 
consistent with the purposes of the OWW A; and 
1) To exercise such powers as may be proper and necessary to carry out the objectives 
of this Act. 
I 
CHAPTER VI 
BOARD MEETINGS, PROXIES, AND RECORDS MANAGEMENT 
SEC. 23. Schedule of Meetings and Quorum of the Board. - The regular meetings of the OWW A 
Board shall be held every last Friday of the month. If a change of date becomes necessary, the 
same shall be held at the most convenient time set by the Board. 
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Special Board meetings and executive meetings may be scheduled as the need arises. 
Special Board meetings may be called upon by the Chairperson or by five (5) members of the 
Board. 
The Board Secretary shall distribute to all members of the Board the notice of meeting 
together with the discussion materials at least three (3) working days prior to the scheduled 
meeting. 
SEC. 24. Board Proceedings. - The Board proceedings shall be guided by the following rules: 
a) Notice of Meetings - The Board Secretary shall distribute to all Members of the Board, 
the Notice of Meeting together with the discussion materials at least three (3) working 
days prior to the scheduled meeting. 
b) Quorum - In determining the existence of a quorum, the Board shall adopt the simple 
majority rule of one half plus one of the total filled Board seats. 
c) Voting - For the approval of any policy requiring the disbursement of the OWW A 
Fund, an affirmative vote of a majority of all the members shall be required. For the 
approval of all other policies, an affirmative vote of a majority of the members present 
constituting a quorum shall be necessary. 
d) Attendance in Board Meetings - Board members are responsible for attending all board 
meetings. The Ex-Officio members of the Board of Trustees may designate in writing 
their permanent alternate who shall have voting power. The Board shall install 
teleconferencing facilities in order to muster quorum during Board Meetings. 
e) Presiding Officer - The Chairperson shall preside over meetings of the Board. In the 
absence of the Chair, the Vice-Chairperson shall pre~ide. 
f) Board Resolution - All decisions of the Board shall be expressed in the form of 
Resolutions signed by all the members present. Resolutions may be modified or 
superseded by another resolution. 
Resolutions shall take effect upon adoption and signing by the members present, 
subject to requisite publication. 
g) Records Management and Archiving of Board Documents - The Board Secretary shall 
ensure a complete and thorough recording of all proceedings during a Board meeting. 
The minutes of the previous meeting shall be made available for approval during the 
succeeding scheduled Board Meeting. 
The Minutes of the meeting shall contain the attendance, business arising from the 
minutes, major agreements reached, corresponding resolutions, and other items noted 
or discussed, and instructions issued by the Board. 
All minutes of meetings and Board Resolutions, tape recordings, and other documents 
pertaining to the business of the Board shall be kept and archived pursuant to 
standard records management systems and procedures. 
CHAPTER VII 
OWW A SECRETARIAT 
SEC. 25. The OWWA Secretariat. - The OWW A Secretariat is the implementing arm of 
OWWA. 
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SEC. 26. Duties and Responsibilities of OWWA Secretariat. - The OWW A Secretariat shall 
perform and assume the following duties and responsibilities: 
a) To manage programs and the delivery of welfare services locally and overseas to its 
members, supported by advocacy and information programs; 
I 
b) To implement Board policies on investment and fund management; 
c) To formulate medium term development plans responsive to the welfare, needs 
and demands of member-OFWs; 
d) To submit work and financial plans for Board consideration; 
e) To provide policy analyses and recommendations for Board consideration; 
f) To conduct continuing researches and studies, including impact evaluation, in aid 
of policy and program development; 
g) To regularly monitor and conduct assessment and evaluation of organizational 
performance; 
h) To establish and maintain an on line management information system, to include 
database on membership; 
i) To establish and maintain linkages and networks with local and international social 
and institutional partners; 
j) To conduct annual planning, budgeting and organizational performance 
assessment and render the report to the Board. 
k) To submit arumal reports to the Board, Congress and the President; 
1) To submit written quarterly reports on the assessment, and evaluation of programs, 
projects and services and such other reports as may be required by the Board; 
m) To undertake the periodic review of programs, standards, thrusts and policies; 
n) To perform other functions as may be instructed by the Board; and 
0) To adopt internal rules of procedure consistent with the provisions of this Act. 
SEC. 27. The OWWA Administrator. - The administration of the OWW A is vested in the 
Administrator. As the Chief Executive Officer of the Secretariat, the Administrator shall 
exercise general supervision and control of all OWW A personnel and resources, and assume 
full responsibility and accountability thereof. 
The Administrator must possess good .leadership and managerial skills. 
The 
Administrator shall be appointed by the President. The Administrator shall report to the 
President through the Secretary of DOLE, and shall perform the duties and functions 
elsewhere stated in this Act and all the usual, necessary and related functions of the office of 
the Administrator, subject to the policies and rules prescribed by the OWW A Board. 
SEC. 28. The Deputy Administrators. - Two (2) Deputy Administrators shall assist the 
Administrator in the administration and supervision of operations of OWW A. They shall be 
8 


appointed by the Board upon the recommendation of the Administrator. They must also 
possess good leadership and managerial skills. The Board may assign specific functional 
responsibilities to the Deputy Administrators. 
SEC. 29. Regional and On-Site Welfare Officers. - OWW A shall maintain Regional Offices and 
on-site Welfare Offices under the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices of the Department of 
Labor and Employment. 
CHAPTER VIII 
PERSONNEL AND STAFFING PATTERN 
SEC. 30. New Structure and Staffing Pattern. -
a) Upon effectivity of this Act, the officers and employees of the OWW A shall, in a 
holdover capacity, continue to perform their respective duties and responsibilities 
and receive the corresponding salaries and benefits unless in the meantime they 
are separated from the service. The new structure and staffing pattern for the 
OWW A shall be prescribed by the OWW A Board and approved by the President of 
the Philippines. The salaries and benefits of all personnel shall be in accordance 
with existing compensation laws. 
I 
b) Those incumbents whose positions are not included therein or who are not 
reappointed shall be deemed separated from the service. Those separated from the 
service shall receive the retirement benefits to which they may be entitled under 
existing laws, rules and regulations. 
SEC. 31. Qualifications Upgrading Program. - Pursuant to the provision of paragraph (1) of the 
immediately preceding section, the OWW A Board' shall design and establish a qualifications 
upgrading program for the staffing of the OWW A, in coordination with the DOLE and the 
Civil Service Commission (CSC), within one hundred twenty (120) days from the effectivity 
of this Act: Provided, That those who are already in the service from the effectivity of this Act 
shall have, not later than five (5) years, to obtain the required academic degree and/ or 
qualification counted from the implementation of the qualifications upgrading program: 
Provided, further, That those who are already in the service from the effectivity of this Act 
shall have, not later than one (1) year, to obtain the necessary esc qualification required for 
the position they are currently holding. 
SEC. 32. Authority of the Board to Reorganize the Administration. - Notwithstanding the 
provisions of existing laws, the OWW A Board shall conduct a management audit, prepare 
and submit to Congress a proposed reorganization plan of the OWWA not later than one (1) 
year, subject to the limitations provided under this Act and based on the following criteria: 
a) Increased OWW A visibility from the head office to the various regional offices and 
by the appointment and assignment of personnel to positions which are purely 
administrative, technical, clerical or menial in nature and other positions which are 
not directly related to its operation and administration; and 
b) Efficient and optimized delivery of OWWA services to the OFWs and their 
respective families. 
SEC. 33. General Qualifications for Appointment. - The general qualifications for appointment of 
OWW A personnel shall be in accordance with the minimum requirements 'set by the Civil 
Service Commission (CSC). OWW A may hire experts in actuarial studies, information 
technology, finance and investment, and such other fields as may be deemed necessary in the 
implementation of programs and services. 
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CHAPTER IX 
OWW A BENEFITS AND SERVICES 
SEC. 34. Guiding Principles. - Pursuant to its mandate, OWW A shall provide reintegration 
programs, repatriation assistance, loan and credit assistance, workers assistance on-site, 
death and disability benefits, health care benehts, education and skills training, social 
services, family welfare assistance, and other appropriate programs that provide timely 
social and economic services. 
Nothing in this Act shall be construed as a limitation or denial of the right of the OFW 
to avail of any benefit plan which may be adopted in the employment contract, or offered 
voluntarily by employers, or by the laws of the receiving country which are over and above 
those provided under this Act. 
SEC. 35. Benefits and Services to OFWs. -
A. Reintegration of OFWs. Reintegration of OFWs shall be one of the core programs 
ofOWWA. 
To be able to sustain the viability of this program, not less than ten percent (10%) of 
OWW A's collection of contribution for the immediately preceding year shall be 
allocated annually for reintegration program. 
B. Repatriation Assistance. Consistent with the provlslOns of RA No. 8042, as 
amended, members shall be provided with all the services necessary for 
repatriation. 
C. Loan and Credit Assistance. OWW A shall provide low-interest loans to member-
OFWs. It shall have the authority to hire experts in finance or banking to assist in 
implementing the said loan programs. 
D. Workers Assistance and On-site Services. OWWA shall sustain and maintain 
assistance to OFWs in all its overseas and regional offices. Services shall include 
I 
information regarding the names, occupation/job category and addresses of OFW, 
providing guidance, developing materials for the Pre-Departure Orientation 
Seminars, conducting psycho-social counselling, conciliation services, and outreach 
missions, among others. On behalf of the OFW, OWWA may provide appropriate 
representation with employers, agents and host government authorities, including, 
but not limited to assisting OFWs to regain unpaid wages. 
E. Social Benefits. A member-OFW shall be covered with the following social benefits: 
1. Death and Disability Benefits. 
a. Death Benefits. A member shall be covered with life insurance for the 
duration of one's employment contract. The coverage shall include One 
Hundred Thousand Pesos (P100,OOO.OO) for natural death and Two Hundred 
Thousand Pesos (P200,OOO.OO) for accidental death. 
b. Disability and Dismemberment Benefits. A member shall be entitled to 
disability/dismemberment benefits as a rider provision of one's life 
insurance as provided for in the impediment schedule contained in the 
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Manual of Systems and Procedures. The coverage is within the range of Two 
Thousand Pesos (P2,OOO.OO) to Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,OOO.OO). 
c. Total Disability Benefit. In case of total permanent disability, a member shall 
be entitled to One Hundred Thousand Pesos (P100,OOO.OO). 
d. Burial Benefit. A burial benefit of Twenty Thousand Pesos (P20,OOO.OO) shall 
be provided in case of the member's death. 
Based on actuarial studies, the Board may increase the amount of the 
abovementioned benefits. 
2. Health Care Benefits. Within two (2) years from the effectivity of this Act, 
OWWA is mandated to develop and implement health care programs for the 
benefit of member-OFWs and their families. 
F. Education and Training Benefits. A member or a designated beneficiary may avail 
of the following scholarship programs, subject to a selection process and 
accreditation of participating institutions. Annual scholarship lists shall be 
submitted to the Board. 
1. Skills-for-Employment Scholarship Program. - For technical or vocational 
training scholarship. 
2. Education for Development Scholarship Program. -
For baccalaureate 
programs. 
3. Seafarers' Upgrading Program. - To ensure the competitive advantage of 
Filipino seafarers in meeting International Maritime Organization (IMO) 
competency standards, sea-based members shall be entitled to one upgrading 
program for every three (3) membership contributions. 
SEC 36. Extension of Services to Non-members. - OWW A may also extend appropriate 
programs or services to non-members, as may be determined by the Board. 
OWW A shall continue to develop and implement new programs to meet new OFW 
needs and requirements as they arise, and to assess the effectiveness of existing services and 
benefits in serving OFW welfare. 
OWW A shall also maintain an interactive website to collect OFW feedback, comments, 
suggestions and complaints on existing programs and services. 
CHAPTER X 
THE OWW A TRUST FUND 
SEC 37. OWWA Fund. - The OWW A Fund is a private fund held in trust by OWW A. The 
OWWA Fund, being a trust fund, is not government money. No portion thereof or any of its 
income, dividends or earnings shall accrue to the general fund of the National Government. 
Neither shall any amount or portion thereof be conjoined with the government money, nor 
revert to the national government. In the same manner, it is exempted from the" one fund 
doctrine" of the government. 
SEC 38. Purpose of the OWWA Fund. - The OWW A Fund can only be used for the purposes 
for which it was created, that is, to exclusively serve the welfare of member-OFWs and their 
families. The fund is to be used exclusively to finance the core programs and services of the 
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OWWA. 
SEC 39. Reporting of the Fund. Within fifteen (15) days after receipt of audited reports from 
the Commission on Audit, the OWW A Board of Trustees shall submit to the President and 
Congress a report showing the total collections of and the disbursements from, the OWW A 
Fund. 
SEC 40. Disbursement of OWWA Fund. - Any provision of existing law to the contrary 
notwithstanding, all incomes generated by the OWW A shall, upon their collection, be 
retained by the OWW A and disbursed at the discretion of the Board for the general welfare 
and other benefits of the OWW A general membership and the OWW A Secretariat personnel; 
for the acquiSition, construction, maintenance and repair of urgently needed auxiliary 
facilities, equipment, buildings and other infrastructure; and for expenses necessary for the 
attainment of its purposes under its approved program of expenditures. 
No fund shall be withdrawn from the OWW A Fund to respond, aid, supplement, or in any 
manner augment any reqUired expenditure by other government agencies. 
SEC 41. Source of the OWWA Fund. - The OWWA Fund is the sum total of the amounts under 
the management and fiscal administration of the OWW A Board and the Secretariat, 
including the US$25 contributions that shall accrue to the Fund as fees, investment and 
interest income, and income from other sources. 
SEC 42. Trustees of the Fund. - The OWW A Board is designated as the trustee of the OWW A 
Fund. It shall be bound by a fiduciary duty to manage the fund with extra-ordinary diligence 
and with utmost skill, care and judiciousness. 
SEC 43. Transparency. - The OWWA Fund shall be managed with full transparency and full 
public disclosure. It shall make available all records of how the funds are utilized, disbursed, 
and invested in accordance with existing laws. 
CHAPTER XI 
INVESTMENT ADMINISTRATION: SAFEGUARDS 
SEC 44. Safeguards of the OWWA Fund; Acquired Assets; Unredeemed Investments. -
a) The OWW A Trust Fund shall be managed and expended in accordance with the 
purpose of the Fund and safeguarded against any possible loss and misuse. 
The OWW A shall ensure an appropriate growth rate in the fund sufficient to sustain 
the growing needs of OFW members. It shall ensure that all investment instruments 
are periodically inventoried and properly kept at a government bank under a 
custodianship agreement. 
A monthly report on all investment schedules showing the interest rates, yields, 
discount rates, and other relevant data, shall be submitted to the Board. 
b) The OWWA shall administer all properties, acquired or foreclosed. To ensure that the 
properties are safeguarded and preserved, the same must be properly accounted for 
and documented; re-inspected, re-appraised, and insured with taxes paid. 
An asset development/ disposal plan shall be submitted by the Administrator for the 
, consideration of the Board. 
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Foreclosed properties shall be registered as OWW A assets within one (1) month after 
foreclosure. 
c) Unredeemed investments and other receivables shall be inventoried semi-annually 
and corresponding redemption plan shall be submitted to the Board. All receivables 
shall be supported by documents appropriately acknowledged by the accountable 
party. 
SEC 45. General Investment Policy. - Upon approval of the Board, all OWW A investments shall 
be placed only in government securities and bonds which provide optimum earnings, 
liquidity and protection of the Fund. Portfolio management of investible funds shall' be 
outsourced to government financial institutions (GFIs). 
SEC. 46. Examination and Valuation of the Funds. - The OWW A shall make a periodic actuarial 
examination and valuation of its funds in accordance with accepted actuarial principles. 
CHAPTER XII 
FISCAL AND BUDGET POLICY: MANAGEMENT 
SEC. 47. Operative Budget. - The operative budget must be sufficient to support full protection 
of the OFW welfare. The budget shall be reviewed annually by the Board with emphasis on 
adequate funding for services and agency efficiency. 
The Board shall approve, by a majority vote of all its members, the operating budget 
which shall support the planned work programs and administrative costs to include but shall 
not be limited to salaries, emoluments and transportation expenses for OWW A personnel, 
office rentals, office supplies, equipment, technological support, communications and 
utilities, requirements for personal services, and maintenance: Provided, That appropriations 
for personal services (PS) and its regular maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) 
shall not exceed Twenty Percent (20%) of the total member contributions realized in the 
immediately preceding year. 
The approved operating budget shall be drawn from the OWW A Trust Fund. 
SEC. 48. Benefits and Services Budget. - The annual budget shall include all benefits and 
services to OFWs. 
The budget shall prioritize protecting OFW welfare. The amount 
necessary to defray the cost of these benefits and services shall be drawn from the OWW A 
Trust Fund. 
SEC. 49. Budget Preparation and Approval. - In preparing the annual budget, OWWA shall 
follow the national government budget system, format and cycle. 
SEC. 50. Re-enacted Budget. - In case the proposed annual budget has not been approved by 
the Board at the start of the year, OWW A shall operate within the budget level of the 
previous year allocated on a month to month basis. All savings realized within a previous 
year shall be deducted from a current year's budget. 
' 
SEC. 51. Work and Financial Plans. - All cost centers/offices/units of OWWA shall submit 
their annual work and financial plans (WFP), which should correspond to the approved 
budget. The Directors shall endorse the WFP of their respective units for approval of the 
Administrator. The consolidated OWW A-WFP shall be reported to the Board. 
SEC. 52. Budget Realignment. - Realignment of funds including adjustments in targets shall be 
submitted to the Board for approval. Similarly, in the event that extra ordinary circumstances 
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may occur which require additional funds beyond the coverage of the approved budget, the 
same shall be submitted for approval by the Board. 
SEC 53. Branch Accounting System; Financial Reports; Auditing Procedures; Annual Reports. -
The OWW A Regional Units shall maintain their respective books of account which shall be 
consolidated by the central office. 
The OWW A shall install sound internal control and monitoring systems and submit 
quarterly prescribed Financial Statements to COA such as income statement, balance sheet, 
and cash flow as prescribed in post auditing reports by the COA. 
The OWW A Secretariat is mandated to submit a monthly fund utilization report to the 
Board, copies of which shall be made available to Congress. It is further mandated to submit 
an Annual Report on its overall performance for the previous year within the first sixty (60) 
days of the following year to the OWW A Board, Congress and the President, through the 
Department of Budget and Management (DBM). 
SEC 54. Chart of Accounts. - The OWW A shall adopt the appropriate and standard chart of 
accounts as prescribed by the COA. 
SEC 55. Appropriation from the National Government. - Nothing in this Act shall prevent the 
National Government from allocating funds for the operation or implementation of any of 
the programs or services stated herein, including the budget for maintenance and other 
operating expenses. 
CHAPTER XIII 
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 
SEC 56. Rebates for Long-time Members. - In recognition of the contribution of long-time 
members on the OWWA Trust Fund, OWWA is mandated to develop and implement a 
program for the grant of rebates or some form of financial assistance to OFWs who have been 
members of OWW A for at least five (5) years and who have not availed of any services or 
benefits, including their families, from OWW A. 
SEC 57. Procurement System. - The OWW A procurement system shall be governed by 
Republic Act No. 9184, also known as "Government Procurement Reform Act". 
SEC 58. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The present OWW A Board, in consultation 
with the Senate Committee on Labor and Employment and the House Committee on 
Overseas Workers Affairs, shall, within Sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, 
formulate the necessary Rules and Regulations for its effective implementation. 
SEC 59. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act, or the application thereof, is 
held invalid, the remainder of this Act, or the application of such provision, shall not be 
affected thereby. 
SEC 60. Repealing Clause. - All laws not adopted as part of this Act either directly or 
indirectly are hereby repealed. All provisions of existing laws, orders, rules and regulations 
inconsistent herewith are likewise repealed. 
SEC 61. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after publication in two 
(2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
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