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

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS

First Regular Session
RESISTRATION UNIT
BILLS AND INDEX SERVICE
780

HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by: Representative Harlin Neil J. Abayon III

EXPLANATORY NOTE

We brand our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) as modern day heroes. We should at
least help them in supporting their loved ones here in the country during their times of sickness
of incapacity to support. This measure was previously filed by Senator Manny Villar in the 15!
Congress. Passage of this Bill is earnestly sought now in the 17 Congress

HARLIS mi J. ABAYON IIT

Representative
Party-List AANGAT TAYO


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

SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

789
HOUSE BILL NO.

Introduced by: Representative Harlin Neil J. Abayon IL

AN ACT
TO PROVIDE A SYSTEM OF ASSISTANCE AND INCENTIVES TO FAMILIES OF
OVERSEAS FILIPINO IN TIMES OF NEED AND FOR OTHER PURPOSE

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

SECTION L. Title. This Act shall be known as “Assistance to OFW Family Act of 2016.”

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 considered in giving assistance to families of OFWs or to the
OFW himself or herself under this Act.

a. Whenever the OFW has deprived the legitimate family or the common-law wife of any
form of financial assistance for any reason;

b, Whenever the OFW has left the legitimate family of 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;

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

SECTION 4. Qualification for assistance to be given. The following qualification 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 Internal 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 assistance as may be provided for by law, Provided, that the number of
children entitled to the 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 implementation 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 grants 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 to 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
maintenance 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.

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

SECTION 11. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following its
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation,

Approved