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IS DATE January 14, 2025
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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Quezon City, Metro Manila THE hyn

Seo INDEX

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
3rd Regular Session

House Bill No. 11283

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES ERWIN T. TULFO, JOCELYN P. TULFO
EDVIC G. YAP, ERIC GO YAP AND RALPH WENDEL P. TULFO

AN ACT
PENALIZING FRAUD AGAINST OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS AND
PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION THEREOF

EXPLANATORY NOTE

ino Workers’ Fraud Protection Act of 2025”,

This Act, known as the "Overseas Fil
recognizes the invaluable contributions of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to
national development and aims to protect their hard-earned income from exploitation
and abuse. Considering the unique vulnerabilities of OFWs, such as their geographic
distance from the Philippines, limited access to information, and reliance on those
who seek to assist them, this legislation intends to tackle the rising concern of fraud
‘argeting this essential segment of the Philippine workforce. By clearly defining and
Prohibiting fraudulent actions like investment scams, deceptive sales practices, and
coercive or misleading language, this Act seeks to establish a robust legal framework
to deter and punish perpetrators who exploit OFWs. Additionally, this Act enforces
significant penalties for offenders, including hefty fines and imprisonment, while
emphasizing restitution so that victims of fraud can recover their financial losses, This

comprehensive approach highlights the government's dedication to safeguarding the


welfare of OFWs and securing their financial stability, fostering an environment
where they can contribute to national development without fear of exploitation. This
Act represents a vital step toward empowering OFWs and protecting their hard-

earned income.

In view of the foregoing, approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

lL Ah

ERWIN T/TYLFO EDVIGG. YAP J 'N LEO

ERIC GO YAP RALPH WENDEL P. TULFO


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
34 Regular Session

House Bill No, 11283

INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVES ERWIN T. TULFO, JOCELYN P. TULFO
EDVIC G. YAP, ERIC GO YAP AND RALPH WENDEL P. TULFO

AN ACT
PENALIZING FRAUD AGAINST OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS AND
PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATION THEREOF

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 "Overseas Filipino
Workers’ Fraud Protection Act of 2025."

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to protect the
welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their dependents from fraudulent
activities and deceitful practices, particularly those involving investments, purchases,
and financial transactions. The government aims to ensure the financial security and
well-being of OFWs and their families.

SECTION 3. Definitions. -For the purposes of this Act, the following
definitions shall apply:

a. Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) - refers to a Filipino who is to be
engaged, is engaged, or has been engaged in a remunerated activity
in a country in which he or she is not an immigrant, citi
permanent resident or is not awaiting naturalization, recognition, or
admission, whether land-based or sea-based regardless of status;
excluding a Filipino engaged under a government-recognized
exchange visitor program for cultural and educational purposes. For
purposes of this provision, a person engaged in remunerated activity
covers a person who has been contracted for overseas employment
but has yet to leave the Philippines, regardless of status, and includes
“Overseas Contract Workers”. The term “OFW” is synonymous to
“Migrant Worker”. (As defined in RA 11641)

n, OF


b. Dependents - The term shall refer to:

1. A legal spouse who is not an active member of the workforce.

2. Unmarried and unemployed children (legitimate, illegitimate,
adopted, or stepchildren) below the age of 21.

3. Parents aged 60 years or older.

c. Fraudulent A - Any act involving deceit, misrepresentation,
or omission of material facts, resulting in financial loss or harm to an
OEW and their dependents. This includes, but is not limited to, false
promises regarding investments, selling non-existent products, or
charging excessive fees.

d. Investment Scam - A fraudulent scheme that misleads an OFW into
investing money based on false claims of high earnings, guaranteed
profits, or low-risk ventures.

SECTION 4. Prohibited Acts. - The following acts are considered fraudulent
and are hereby prohibited:

a. Investment Fraud - Enticing an OFW to invest in schemes misrepresented
as legitimate, promising unreasonable or unrealistically high returns.

b. False Sales - Selling products or services to OFWs under false pretenses,
including but not limited to defective, non-existent, or grossly overpriced items.

c. Hidden Fees and Unnecessary Purchases ~ Charging OFWs for hidden fees
or misrepresenting the necessity of products or services that result in unnecessary
financial expenditure.

d. Coercion and Deceptive Practices - Using misleading or coercive language
to pressure or induce an OFW into making investments or purchases.

e. Financial Account Scamming - The following actions shall constitute Financial
Account Scamming as defined in RA 12010:

1, Money Muling - Performing any act for the purpose of obtaining, receiving,
depositing, transferring, or withdrawing proceeds from crimes or social
engineering schemes, such as:

© Using or allowing the use of a financial account;

© Opening a financial account under false pretenses or using another's
identity or documents;

© Renting, buying, or selling financial accounts.


2. Social Engineering Schemes - Deceptively obtaining sensitive identifying
information of a person to gain unauthorized access to their financial accounts,
such as:

© Misrepresenting oneself as acting on behalf of an institution to solicit
identifying information; or
© Using electronic communication to acquire sensitive data

SECTION 5. Penalties. - Any person or entity found guilty of committing
fraud against OFWs shall be penalized as follows:

a. For Individuals:
+ A fine of not less than PHP 10,000,000.00 or imprisonment of not less than 20
years to life imprisonment, or both at the discretion of the court.

b. For Corporations or Entities:

+ A fine of not less than PHP 20,000,000.00 for the first offense and PHP
30,000,000.00 for subsequent offenses. In addition, responsible officers of the
corporation may face imprisonment as outlined above

a. Restitution: The courts may also order the perpetrator to make
restitution to the OFW for any financial losses incurred.

SECTION 6. Criminal Liability Under Other Laws. - Prosecution under this
Act shalll be without prejudice to prosecution for any violation of the Revised Penal
Code, as amended, or special laws such as Republic Act No. 10175 or the "Cyber-crime
Prevention Act of 2012"; Republic Act No. 11967 or the "Internet Transactions Act";
and Republic Act No. 12010 or the "Anti-Financial Account Scamming Act (AFASA)".

SECTION 7. Separability Clause. - If any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional or invalid, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in
full force and effect.

SECTION 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, and rules
and regulations, or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act, are hereby
repealed or modified accordingly,

SECTION 9. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,