,,~!:tU(tl( 
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
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REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
'13 
JllL 29 P 5 :14 
SENATE 
1147 
S.No. ___ _ 
Introduced by Senator Antonio "SONNY" F. Trillanes IV 
Explanatory Note 
Sec. 3, Article XIII ofthe Constitution states: 
"Section 3. 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. It shall guarantee the rights of all workers 
to self-organization, collective bargaining and negotiations, and peaceful 
concerted activities, including the right to strike in accordance with law. 
They shall be entitled to security of tenure, humane conditions of work, and a 
living wage. They shall also participate in policy and decision-making 
processes affecting their rights and benefits as may be provided by law. " 
"Il'{:~ \ 
Money sent home by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) rose by 8.4 percent to $1.855 billion in 
January from $1.7 billion a year ago according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP). 
Remittances made by the OFWs hit $20.117 billion last year, up 7.2 percent. Clearly, our OFWs 
play a huge role in propelling our country's economic growth. Despite their contributions 
however, numerous reports of maltreatment and exploitation have been reported. It is due to 
these numerous threats that the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration was created. 
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWW A), an attached agency of the Department 
of Labor and Employment (DOLE), is the lead government agency tasked to protect and promote 
the welfare and well-being of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their dependents. They 
serve as the lead agency when it comes to the interest and welfare of the OFWs. 
However, OWW A has been receiving huge amounts of criticisms and intrigues ranging from· 
mismanagement to allegations of graft and corruption in the agency. It can be agreed upon that 
our OFWs, our modem-day heroes, deserve a more effective and responsive OWWA for their 
protection. 
This bill therefore seeks to create an OWW A Charter which shall govern the operation and 
administration of OWW A. The proposed OWW A Charter shall clarify its mandate, define the 
membership base and coverage of benefits, identify the programs for availment of its members, 
fund management, and public accountability of its administrators and officials. 
It is hoped that with the passage of this measure, our OFWs will be afforded and be able to 
benefit from a more efficient and professional OWW A. 
In view of the foregoing, early passage of this bill is earnestl 
LLANES IV 
Senator 
1 


1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
,~'~il}dp 
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
l~th;f t;f tIl" §;:n·fbf~ 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
'13 
J\JL 29 P 5 :1 4 
SENATE 
S. No. 1147 
Introduced by Senator Antonio "SONNY" F. Trillanes IV 
AN ACT 
TO GOVERN THE OPERATIONS AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE OVERSEAS 
WORKERS WELFARE ADMINISTRATION 
Be it enacted by the Senate and 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 "oww A Act of20l3". 
6 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the policy of the State to afford full protection to 
7 
labor, local and overseas, organized and unorganized, and promote full employment 
8 
opportunities for all. Towards this end, it shaH be the State's responsibility to protect the 
9 
overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWW A) 
10 
shaH be one ofthe principal agencies of the State to serve and promote the interest and welfare of 
11 
the OFW s and their families. 
12 
13 
SEC. 3. Objectives. - This Act is enacted to provide guidelines on matters concerning the 
14 
OWW A, its mandate, purposes and objectives, membership, collection of contributions, and 
15 
availment of benefits and services. This Act also embodies the policies on fund management, 
16 
programs and services administration. 
17 
18 
19 
20 
CHAPTER II 
NATURE, SCOPE AND FUNCTIONS OF THE OWW A 
21 
SEC. 4. Nature of the OWWA. - The OWW A is a national government agency vested 
22 
with a special function of developing and implementing welfare programs and services that 
23 
respond to the needs of its member-OFWs and their families. It shall have the powers to 
24 
administer a trust fund. Being a national government agency, the OWW A shall not faH under the 
25 
category of any of the following: (a) government instrumentalities with corporate powers; (b) 
1 


1 
government corporate entities; (c) government financial institutions; andlor (d) government-
2 
owned or -controlled corporations. 
3 
The OWW A shall be an attached agency of the Department of Labor and Employment 
4 
(DOLE). Its officials and employees are covered by the Salary Standardization Law. 
S 
6 
SEC. 5. Scope. - This Act shall apply to all OFWs who are duly registered with the 
7 
Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and those who will avail of the 
8 
voluntary membership program of the OWWA. 
9 
10 
SEC. 6. Functions. - The main functions of the OWW A are: 
11 
(a) To protect the interest and promote the welfare of member-OFWs in all phases of 
12 
overseas employment in recognition of their valuable contribution to the overall development 
13 
effort; 
14 
(b) To facilitate the implementation of the provisions of the Labor Code and Republic 
15 
Act No. 8042, as amended, concerning the responsibility of the government to promote the well-
16 
being of OFWs. Pursuant thereto, and in furtherance thereof, it shall provide legal assistance to 
17 
its members; 
18 
(c) To provide social and welfare programs and services to member-OFWs including, but 
19 
not limited to, social assistance, education and training, cultural services, financial management, 
20 
reintegration and entrepreneurial development services; 
21 
(d) To provide prompt and appropriate response to global emergency or crisis situations; 
22 
(e) To ensure the efficiency of collections and the viability and sustainability of the Fund· 
23 
through sound, judicious and transparent investment and management policies; 
24 
(f) To undertake studies and research for the enhancement of social, economic and 
25 
cultural well-being ofmember-OFWs, and; 
26 
(g) To develop, support and finance specific projects for the welfare ofmember-OFWs. 
27 
28 
29 
30 
CHAPTER III 
DEFINITIONS 
31 
SEC. 7. Dejinition o/Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall mean: 
32 
(a) Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) refers to a person who is to be engaged, is engaged 
33 
or has been engaged in a remunerated activity in a State of which he or she is not a citizen, or on 
34 
board a vessel navigating the foreign seas other than a government ship used for military or 
35 
noncommercial purposes, or on an installation located offshore or on the high seas. 
36 
(b) Dependent refers to any of the following: (1) the legal spouse dependent for support 
37 
upon the member or pensioner; (2) the legitimate, legitimated, legally adopted child, including 
38 
the illegitimate child, who is unmarried, not gainfully employed, not over the age of majority, or 
2 


1 
is over the age of majority but incapacitated and incapable of self-support due to a mental or 
2 
physical defect acquired prior to age of majority; and (3) the parents dependent upon the member 
3 
for support. 
4 
(c) Compensation refers to the basic payor salary received by an employee, pursuant to 
5 
his or her appointment, excluding per diems, bonuses, overtime pay, honoraria, allowances and 
6 
any other emoluments received in addition to the basic pay which are not integrated into the 
7 
basic pay under existing laws. 
8 
(d) Contribution or membership fee refers to the amount payable to the OWW A by an 
9 
OFW or the employer in accordance with the provisions of this Act. 
10 
(e) OWWA member refers to an OFW with a paid contribution or membership fee. 
11 
(t) Non-active OWWA member refers to an OFW whose OWW A membership has 
12 
expired. 
13 
(g) Non-member OFW refers to an undocumented OFW and who has not availed of the 
14 
voluntary membership of the OWW A on-site. 
15 
16 
17 
18 
CHAPTER IV 
MEMBERSHIP, CONTRIBUTION AND COLLECTION 
19 
SEC. 8. Registration of Membership. - Registration or enrolment of members shall be in 
20 
accordance with the provisions of this Act. Membership in the OWW A may be obtained in two 
21 
(2) ways: 
22 
(a) By compulsory registration upon processing of employment contracts of OFWs at the 
23 
POBA; and 
24 
(b) By voluntary registration of OFWs at job-sites overseas or at the OWWA regional 
25 
welfare offices. 
26 
27 
SEC. 9. Proof of Membership. - All members shall be issued official receipt upon 
28 
payment of the required contribution. They shall likewise be issued an OWW A B-Card, 
29 
identification card or other proof of OWW A membership. No additional or extra charges shall be 
30 
levied on members. 
31 
The OWW A is mandated to maintain an updated database of member-OFW s and to 
32 
update this regularly. 
33 
34 
SEC. 10. Amount of Contribution and Effectivity of Membership. - Membership to the 
35 
OWW A, either through the compulsory or voluntary coverage, shall be effective upon payment 
36 
of membership contribution in the amount of Twenty-five U.S. dollars (US$2S.00) or its 
37 
equivalent in the current foreign exchange rates. Such membership shall be considered active 
38 
until the expiration of the OFW's existing employment contract. 
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In case of voluntary members who register on-site, membership coverage shall not 
2 
exceed two (2) years. 
3 
Based on actuarial studies and taking into consideration the welfare and interest of the 
4 
members, the Board may adjust or modifY the amount of membership contribution. 
5 
6 
SEC. 11. Renewal of Membership. - Membership shall be renewed upon payment of 
7 
contribution on contract renewal or issuance of a new contract of employment. In the case of 
8 
voluntary membership, coverage shall be renewed upon payment of contribution of Twenty-five 
9 
U.S. dollars (US $25.00) or its equivalent in the current foreign exchange rates. 
10 
There shall be a grace period of two (2) months in both instances. 
11 
12 
SEC. 12. Separation of Sea-based and Land-based Workers' Contributions. - To effect 
13 
a more efficient fund management between the two (2) subsectoral groups ofland-based and sea-
14 
based workers, the collection of membership contributions shall be accounted for in two (2) 
15 
separate books of account. 
16 
17 
SEC. 13. Authorized Collecting Officers. - (a) Membership contributions shall be 
18 
collected by duly authorized OWW A collecting officers,. deputized collecting officers or. 
19 
accredited collecting agents. The collection of membership contributions shall be made at the 
20 
POBA contract processing hub, the OWW A regional and overseas offices and other accredited 
21 
collection centers. 
22 
(b) In case of voluntary members who register on-site, membership contributions shall be 
23 
made directly to the OWW A overseas offices located in the various diplomatic stations, 
24 
embassies or consulate offices of the Philippines. 
25 
26 
SEC. 14. Reportorial Requirements and Handling of Collections. - The collecting 
27 
officer, deputized collecting officer or the accredited collecting agent shall prepare and submit 
28 
the required monthly reports to the OWW A Central Office in the Philippines. Handling of 
29 
collections and deposits by collection officers shall be governed by the usual accounting and 
30 
auditing rules. 
31 
32 
SEC. 15. Sanctions for Erring Officers. - Corresponding administrative sanctions and 
33 
other disciplinary measures, including recall from post/suspension or separation from service, 
34 
shall be imposed upon any officer who violates the provision of the preceding section. 
35 
36 
SEC. 16. Prohibition Against Discrimination on Membership. - No OFW shall be 
37 
denied membership to the OWW A by reason of age, gender, nationality, religious belief, or 
4 


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political opinion or affiliation. The OWW A shaH take affirmative steps to enhance the access of 
2 
OFWs to its programs and services. 
3 
4 
SEC. 17. Payment of Contribution or OWWA Fee by Employer. - Contributions to the 
5 
OWW A Fund must be paid by the employers/principal, or in their default, the 
6 
recruitment/manning agency in the case of new-hires. The POEA shall ensure that a provision to 
7 
this effect shall be made an integral part of the overseas employment contract. 
8 
9 
SEC. 18. Penalty for Violation by Recruitment/Manning Agency. - Violation by a 
10 
recruitment/manning agency of the preceding section shall constitute an offense punishable by 
11 
revocation of its license and all its officers and directors shall be perpetually disqualified from 
12 
engaging in the business of recruitment/placement of overseas workers. Such penalty is without 
13 
prejudice to any other liability which such officers and directors may have incurred under 
14 
existing laws, rules and regulations. 
15 
16 
SEC. 19. Deposit and Remittance of Collection. -
17 
(a) OWW A Central Office and Regional Offices - The collecting officer shall, on a daily 
18 
basis, deposit all OWW A fee contributions to the OWW A Capital Fund Account with the 
19 
Land Bank of the Philippines. For reconciliation and record purposes, bank validated 
20 
deposit slips shall be prepared in triplicate forms to be distributed to the (1) servicing 
21 
bank:; (2) OWW A, together with the Report of Collections; and (3) collecting officer. 
22 
(b) OWW A Overseas Officers - The collecting officer shall, on a daily basis, deposit all 
23 
OWW A fee contributions in the same currency received to a separate bank account for 
24 
collections in the name of the "Office of the Labor AttacM - OWW A Collections", in the 
25 
depository bank of the Department of Foreigu Affairs (DF A), or in the accredited 
26 
correspondent bank of the Land Bank of the Philippines. Accumulated monthly 
27 
collections shall be remitted to the OWW A Capital Fund Account with the Land Bank: of 
28 
the Philippines not later than the fifth (5th) day of the following month. 
29 
30 
No withdrawals, except remittances of collections, can be made from the bank accounts 
31 
for collections without prior written approval of the Administrator or his or her duly authorized 
32 
representative, subject to the policies approved by the Board. 
33 
Overseas offices shall be authorized to retain the required amount for the beginning and 
34 
maintaining balance ofthe abovementioned bank accounts for collections. 
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3 
CHAPTER V 
THE OWW A BOARD OF TRUSTEES 
4 
SEC. 20. The OWWA Board of Trustees. - To carry out the purposes of this Act, the 
5 
OWW A shall be directed and controlled by a Board of Trustees as its policy-making body. It 
6 
shall be composed of the following members: 
7 
(a) Secretary ofthe DOLE, as Chairperson; 
8 
(b) OWW A Administrator, as Vice Chairperson; 
9 
(c) Secretary ofthe DFA; 
10 
(d) Secretary ofthe Department of Finance; 
11 
(e) Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM); 
12 
(f) POEA Administrator; 
13 
(g) Two (2) representatives of land-based OFWs who are nominated and appointed in 
14 
accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 10022, which amended Republic Act No. 
15 
8042 or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995; 
16 
(h) One (1) representative of the sea-based OFWs who are nominated and appointed in 
17 
accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 10022; 
18 
(i) One (1) representative of the women sector who is nominated and appointed in 
19 
accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No.1 0022; 
20 
(j) One (1) representative of the land-based recruitment sector who is selected from 
21 
among the various associations of registered overseas placement and recruitment agencies based 
22 
in the Philippines who shall be appointed by the President to serve a single term of three (3) 
23 
years; and 
24 
(k) One (1) representative of the sea-based manning sector who is selected from among 
25 
the various associations of registered overseas placement and manning agencies based in the 
26 
Philippines who shall be appointed by the President to serve a single term of three (3) 
27 
years. 
28 
The Trustees holding office as members of the OWW A Board at the time of the 
29 
effectivity of this Act shall continue to serve until the expiration of their term of appointments. 
30 
In case of vacancy in any of the appointive positions in the OWW A Board, the vacancy 
31 
shall be filled by the subsequent nomination by the respective sector concerned in the same 
32 
manner as the selection of the predecessor. Such successor shall hold office for the unexpired 
33 
term only. 
34 
35 
SEC. 21. Per Diem. - The members of the OWW A Board shall not receive any 
36 
compensation but shall be provided with per diem at rates allowed under existing rules and 
37 
regulations. 
6 


1 
SEC. 22. Responsibilities and Powers of the Board of Trustees. - The OWW A Board 
2 
shall exercise the following specific powers and duties: 
3 
(a) To define the thrusts of the OWW A and adopt broad policy guidelines to ensure their 
4 
implementation; 
5 
(b) To preserve the integrity of the OWWA Trust Fund; 
6 
(c) To approve programs, projects and the organizational structure of the OWWA 
7 
Secretariat; 
8 
(d) To modify or adjust the membership fee and other necessary charges based on 
9 
actuarial studies; 
10 
(e) To formulate rules and regulations governing financial transactions and fix the yearly 
11 
appropriations of the Secretariat; 
12 
(f) To ensure the efficiency of collection and the viability and sustainability of the fund 
13 
through sound and judicious investment and fund management policies; 
14 
(g) To receive and appropriate all sums as may be provided by law for the support of the 
15 
OWW A to the ends specified by law, and all other sums in the manner it may, in its discretion, 
16 
determine to carry out the purposes and functions of the OWW A; 
17 
(h) To authorize the construction or repair of its buildings, machinery, equipment and 
18 
other facilities, and the purchase and acquisition of real and personal properties, including the 
19 
necessary supplies, materials and equipment; 
20 
(i) To receive in trust legacies, gifts and donations of real and personal property of all 
21 
kinds and to administer and dispose the same when necessary for the benefit of the OWW A 
22 
general membership and subject to the instructions of the donor, if any; 
23 
(j) To delegate any of its powers to the Chairperson of the OWW A Board or any other 
24 
officials or officers as it may deem necessary; 
25 
(k) To prescribe such general policies, rules and regulations not contrary to law, as are 
26 
consistent with the purposes of the OWW A; and 
27 
(I) To exercise such powers as may be proper and necessary to carry out the objectives of 
28 
this Act. 
29 
30 
CHAPTER VI 
31 
BOARD MEETINGS, PROXIES AND RECORDS MANAGEMENT 
32 
33 
SEC. 23. Schedule of Meetings and Quorum of the Board. - The regular meetings of 
34 
the OWW A Board shall be held every last Friday of the month. If a change of date becomes 
35 
necessary, the same shall be held at the most convenient time set by the Board. 
36 
Special Board meetings and executive meetings may be scheduled as the need arises 
37 
Special Board meetings may be called upon by the Chairperson or by five (5) members of the 
38 
Board. 
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The Board Secretary shall distribute to all members of the Board the notice of meeting, 
2 
together with the discussion materials, at least three (3) working days prior to the scheduled 
3 
meeting. 
4 
5 
SEC. 24. Board Proceedings. - The Board proceedings shall be guided by the following 
6 
rules: 
7 
(a) Notice of Meetings - The Board Secretary shall distribute to all members of the Board 
8 
the notice of meeting, together with the discussion materials at least three (3) working days prior 
9 
to the scheduled meeting.· 
10 
(b) Quorum - In determining the existence of a quorum, the Board shall adopt the simple 
11 
majority rule of one-half plus one of the total filled Board seats. 
12 
(c) Voting - For the approval of any policy requiring the disbursement of the OWWA 
13 
Fund, an affirmative vote of a majority of all the members shall be required. For the approval of 
14 
all other policies, an affirmative vote of a majority of the members present constituting a quorum 
15 
shall be necessary. 
16 
(d) Attendance in Board Meetings - Board members are responsible for attending all 
17 
Board meetings. The ex officio members of the Board of Trustees may designate in writing their 
18 
permanent alternate who shall have voting power. The Board shall install teleconferencing 
19 
facilities in order to muster quorum during Board meetings. 
20 
( e) Presiding Officer - The Chairperson shall preside over meetings of the Board. In the 
21 
absence of the Chair, the Vice Chairperson shall preside. 
22 
(f) Board Resolution - All decisions of the Board shall be expressed in the form of 
23 
resolutions signed by all the members present. Resolutions may be modified or superseded by 
24 
another resolution. 
25 
Resolutions shall take effect upon adoption and signing by the members present, subject 
26 
to requisite publication. 
27 
(g) Records Management and Archiving of Board Documents - The Board Secretary 
28 
shall ensure a complete and thorough recording of all proceedings during a Board meeting. The 
29 
minutes of the previous meeting shall be made available for approval during the succeeding 
30 
scheduled Board meeting. 
31 
The minutes of the meeting shall contain the attendance, business arising from the 
32 
minutes, major agreements reached, corresponding resolutions and other items noted or 
33 
discussed, and instructions issued by the Board. 
34 
All minutes of meetings and Board resolutions, tape recordings and other documents 
35 
pertaining to the business of the Board shall be kept and archived pursuant to standard records 
36 
management systems and procedures. 
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CHAPTER VII 
2 
OWWASECRETARIAT 
3 
4 
SEC. 25. The OWWA Secretariat. - The OWW A Secretariat is the implementing arm of 
5 
theOWWA. 
6 
7 
SEC. 26. Duties and Responsibilities of the OWWA Secretariat. - The OWW A 
8 
Secretariat shall perform and assume the following duties and responsibilities: 
9 
(a) To manage programs and the delivery of welfare services locally and overseas to its 
10 
members, supported by advocacy and information programs; 
11 
(b) To implement Board policies on investment and fund management; 
12 
(c) To formulate medium-term development plans responsive to the welfare, needs and 
13 
demands ofmember-OFWs; 
14 
(d) To submit work and financial plans for Board consideration; 
15 
(e) To provide policy analyses and recommendations for Board consideration; 
16 
(f) To conduct continuing researches and studies, including impact evaluation, in aid of 
17 
policy and program development; 
18 
(g) To regularly monitor and conduct assessment and evaluation of organizational 
19 
performance; 
20 
(h) To establish and maintain an on-line management information system, to include 
21 
database on membership; 
22 
(i) To establish and maintain linkages and· networks with local and international social 
23 
and institutional partners; 
24 
(j) To conduct annual planning, budgeting and organizational performance assessment 
25 
and render the report to the Board; 
26 
(k) To submit annual reports to the Board, Congress and the President; 
27 
(1) To submit written quarterly reports on the assessment and evaluation of programs, 
28 
projects and services and such other reports as may be required by the Board; 
29 
(m) To undertake the periodic review of programs, standards, thrusts and policies; 
30 
(n) To perform other functions as may be instructed by the Board; and 
31 
(0) To adopt internal rules of procedure consistent with the provisions of this Act. 
32 
33 
SEC. 27. The OWWA Administrator. - The administration of the OWW A is vested in 
34 
the Administrator. As the Chief Executive Officer of the Secretariat, the Administrator shall 
35 
exercise general supervision and control of all OWWA personnel and resources, and assume full 
36 
responsibility and accountability thereof. 
37 
The Administrator must possess good leadership and managerial skills. The 
38 
Administrator shall be appointed by the President. The Administrator shall report to the President 
9 


1 
through the Secretary of the DOLE, and shall perform the duties and functions elsewhere stated 
2 
in this Act and all the usual, necessary and related functions of the Office of the Administrator, 
3 
subject to the policies and rules prescribed by the OWWA Board. 
4 
5 
SEC. 28. The Deputy Administrators. - Two (2) Deputy Administrators shall assist the 
6 
Administrator in the administration and supervision of operations of the OWW A. They shall be 
7 
appointed by the Board upon the recommendation of the Administrator. They must also possess 
8 
good leadership and managerial skills. The Board may assign specific functional responsibilities 
9 
to the Deputy Administrators. 
10 
11 
SEC. 29. Regional and On-site Welfare Officers. - The OWW A shall maintain regional 
12 
offices and on-site welfare offices under the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices of the DOLE. 
13 
14 
15 
16 
CHAPTER VIII 
PERSONNEL AND STAFFING PATTERN 
17 
SEC. 30. New Structure and Staffing Pattern. - (a) Upon the effectivity of this Act, the 
18 
officers and employees of the OWWA shall, in a holdover capacity, continue to perform their 
19 
respective duties and responsibilities and receive the corresponding salaries and benefits unless 
20 
in the meantime they are separated from the service. The new structure and staffing pattern for 
21 
the OWW A shall be prescribed by the OWW A Board and approved by the President of t~e 
22 
Philippines. The salaries and benefits of all personnel shall be in accordance with existing 
23 
compensation laws. 
24 
(b) Those incumbents whose positions are not included therein or who are not 
25 
reappointed shall be deemed separated from the service. Those separated from the service shall 
26 
receive the retirement benefits to which they may be entitled under existing laws, rules and 
27 
regulations. 
28 
29 
SEC. 31. Qualifications Upgrading Program. - Pursuant to the provision of paragraph 
30 
(1) of the immediately preceding section, the OWWA Board shall desigu and establish a 
31 
qualifications upgrading'program for the staffing of the OWW A, in coordination with the DOLE 
32 
and the Civil Service Commission (CSC), within one hundred twenty (120) days from the 
33 
effectivity of this Act: Provided, That those who' are already in the service from the effectivity of 
34 
this Act shall have, not later than five (5) years, to obtain the required academic degree andlor 
35 
qualification counted from the implementation of the qualifications upgrading program: 
36 
Provided, further, That those who are already in the service from the effectivity of this Act shall 
37 
have, not later than one (1) year, to obtain the necessary CSC qualification required for the 
38 
position they are currently holding. 
10 


1 
SEC. 32. Authority of the Board to Reorganize the Administration. - Notwithstanding 
2 
the provisions of existing laws, the OWW A Board shall conduct a management audit, prepare 
3 
and submit to Congress a proposed reorganization plan of the OWW A not later than one (1) 
4 
year, subject to the limitations provided under this Act and based on the following criteria: 
5 
(a) Increased OWW A visibility from the head office to the various regional offices and 
6 
by the appointment and assignment of personnel to positions which are purely administrative, 
7 
technical, clerical or menial in nature and other positions which are not directly related to its 
8 
operation and administration; and 
9 
(h) Efficient and optimized delivery of OWWA services to the OFWs and their respective 
10 
families. 
11 
12 
SEC. 33. General Qualifications for Appointment. - The general qualifications for 
13 
appointment of OWWA personnel shall be in accordance with the minimum requirements set by 
14 
the CSC. The OWW A may hire experts in actuarial studies, information technology, finance and 
15 
investment, and such other fields as may be deemed necessary in the implementation of 
16 
programs and services. 
17 
18 
19 
20 
CHAPTER IX 
OWW A BENEFITS AND SERVICES 
21 
SEC. 34. Guiding Principles. - Pursuant to its mandate, the OWWA shall provide 
22 
reintegration programs, repatriation assistance, loan and credit assistance, workers assistance on-
23 
site, death and disability benefits, health care benefits, education and skills training, social 
24 
services, family welfare assistance, and other appropriate programs that provide timely social 
25 
and economic services. 
26 
Nothing in this Act shall be construed as a limitation or denial of the right of the OFW to 
27 
avail of any benefit plan which may be adopted in the employment contract, or offered 
28 
voluntarily by employers, or by the laws of the receiving country which are over and above those 
29 
provided under this Act. 
30 
SEC. 35. Benefits and Services to OFWs. -
31 
(a) Reintegration ofOFWs - Reintegration ofOFWs shall be one of the core programs of 
32 
theOWWA. 
33 
To be able to sustain the viability ofthis program, not less than ten percent (10%) of the 
34 
OWW A' s collection of contribution for the immediately preceding year shall be allocated 
35 
annually for reintegration program. 
36 
(h) Repatriation Assistance - Consistent with the provisions of Republic Act No. 8042, as 
37 
amended, members shall be provided with all the services necessary for repatriation. 
11 


1 
(C) Loan and Cr~dit Assistance - The OWWA shall provide low interest loans to 
2 
member-OFWs. It shall have the authority to hire experts in finance or banking to assist in 
3 
implementing the said loan programs. 
4 
(d) Workers Assistance and On-site Services - The OWWA shall sustain and maintain 
5 
assistance to OFWs in all its overseas and regional offices. Services shall include information 
6 
regarding the names, occupation/job category and addresses of OFWs, providing guidance, 
7 
developing materials for the Pre-departure Orientation Seminars, conducting psycho-social 
8 
counselling, conciliation services and outreach missions, among others. On behalf of the OFWs, 
9 
the OWWA may provide appropriate representation with employers, agents and host government 
10 
authorities including, but not limited to, assisting OFW s to regain unpaid wages. 
11 
(e) Social Benefits - A member-OFW shall be covered with the following social benefits: 
12 
(1) Death and Disability Benefits: 
13 
(i) Death Benefits - A member shall be covered with life insurance for the duration of 
14 
one's employment contract. The coverage shall include One hundred thousand pesos 
15 
(PIOO,OOO.OO) for natural death and Two hundred thousand pesos (P200,OOO.OO) for 
16 
accidental death; 
17 
(ii) Disability and Dismemberment Benefits -
A member shall be entitled to 
18 
disability/dismemberment benefits as a rider provision of one's life insurance as provided 
19 
for in the impediment schedule contained in the Manual of Systems and Procedures. The 
20 
coverage is within the range of Two thousand pesos (P2,OOO.OO) to Fifty thousand pesos 
21 
(P50,000.00); 
22 
(iii) Total Disability Benefit - In case of total permanent disability, a member shall be 
23 
entitled to One hundred thousand pesos (PIOO,OOO.OO); and 
24 
(iv) Burial Benefit - A burial benefit of Twenty thousand pesos (P20,OOO.OO) shall be 
25 
provided in case of the member's death. 
26 
Based on actuarial studies, the Board may increase the amount of the abovementioned 
27 
benefits. 
28 
(2) Health Care Benefits - Within two (2) years from the effectivity of this Act, the 
29 
OWW A is mandated to develop and implement heal\h care programs for the benefit of. 
30 
member-OFWs and their families. 
31 
(f) Education and Training Benefits - A member or a designated beneficiary may avail of 
32 
the following scholarship programs, subject to a selection process and accreditation of 
33 
participating institutions. Annual scholarship lists shall be submitted to the Board. 
34 
(1) Skills-for-Employment Scholarship Program - For technical or vocational training 
35 
scholarship. 
36 
(2) Education for Development Scholarship Progran1 - For baccalaureate programs. 
12 


1 
(3) Seafarers' Upgrading Program - To ensure the competitive advantage of Filipino 
2 
seafarers in meeting International Maritime Organization (IMO) competency standards, 
3 
sea-based members shall be entitled to one (1) upgrading program for every three (3) 
4 
membership contributions. 
5 
6 
SEC. 36. Extension of Services to Non-members. - The OWW A may also extend 
7 
appropriate programs or services to non-members, as may be determined by the Board. 
8 
The OWW A shall continue to develop and implement new programs to meet new OFW 
9 
needs and requirements as they arise, and to assess the effectiveness of existing services and 
10 
benefits in serving OFW welfare. 
11 
The OWW A shall also maintain an interactive website to collect OFW feedbacks, 
12 
comments, suggestions and complaints on existing programs and services. 
13 
CHAPTER X 
14 
15 
16 
THE OWW A TRUST FUND 
17 
SEC. 37. The OWWA Fund. - The OWWA Fund is a private fund held in trust by the 
18 
OWW A. The OWW A Fund, being a trust fund, is not government money. No portion thereof or 
19 
any of its income, dividends or earnings shaH accrue to the general fund of the national 
20 
government. Neither shall any amount or portion thereof be conjoined with the government 
21 
money nor revert to the national government. In the sanle manner, it is exempted from the "one 
22 
fund doctrine" of the government. 
23 
24 
SEC. 38. Purpose of the OWWA Fund. - The OWW A Fund can only be used for the 
25 
purposes for which it was created; that is, to exclusively serve the welfare of member-OFWs and 
26 
their families. The Fund is to be used exclusively to finance the core programs and services of 
27 
theOWWA. 
28 
29 
SEC. 39. Reporting of the Fund. - Within fifteen (15) days after receipt of audited 
30 
reports from the Commission on Audit (COA), the OWW A Board of Trustees shall submit to the 
31 
President and Congress a report showing the total collections of, and the disbursements from, the 
32 
OWW A Fund. 
33 
34 
SEC. 40. Disbursement of the OWWA Fund. - Any provision of existing law to the 
35 
contrary notwithstanding, all incomes generated by the OWW A shall, upon their collection, be 
36 
retained by the OWW A and disbursed at the discretion of the Board for the general welfare and 
37 
other benefits of the OWW A general membership and the OWW A Secretariat persounel; for the 
38 
acquisition, construction, maintenance and repair of urgently needed auxiliary facilities, 
13 


1 
equipment, buildings and other infrastructure; and for expenses necessary for the attainment of 
2 
its purposes under its approved program of expenditures. 
3 
No fund shall be withdrawn from the OWW A Fund to respond, aid, supplement or in any 
4 
manner augment any required expenditure by other government agencies. 
5 
6 
SEC. 41. Source of the OWWA Fund. - The OWW A Fund is the sum total of the 
7 
amounts under the management and fiscal administration of the OWW A Board and the 
8 
Secretariat, including the Twenty-five U.S. dollars (US $25) contributions that shall accrue to the 
9 
Fund as fees, investment and interest income, and income from other sources. 
10 
11 
SEC. 42. Trustees of the Fund. - The OWW A Board is designated as the trustee of the 
12 
OWW A Fund. It shall be bound by a fiduciary duty to manage the Fund with extraordinary 
13 
diligence and with utmost skill, care and judiciousness. 
14 
15 
SEC. 43. Transparency. - The OWW A Fund shall be managed with full transparency 
16 
and full public disclosure. It shall make available all records of how the funds are utilized, 
17 
disbursed and invested in accordance with existing laws. 
18 
19 
20 
21 
CHAPTER XI 
INVESTMENT ADMINISTRATION: SAFEGUARDS 
22 
SEC. 44. Safeguards of the OWWA Fund; Acquired Assets; Unredeemed Investments. 
23 
- (a) The OWW A Trust Fund shall be managed and expended in accordance with the purpose of 
24 
the Fund and safeguarded against any possible loss and misuse. 
25 
The OWW A shall ensure an appropriate growth rate in the fund sufficient to sustain the 
26 
growing needs of OFW members. It shall ensure that all investment instruments are periodically 
27 
inventoried and properly kept at a government bank under a custodianship agreement. 
28 
A monthly report on all investment schedules showing the interest rates, yields, discount 
29 
rates and other relevant data shall be submitted to the Board. 
30 
(b) The OWW A shall administer all properties, acquired or foreclosed. To ensure that the 
31 
properties are safeguarded and preserved, the same must be properly accounted for and 
32 
documented; re-inspected, re-appraised and insured with taxes paid. 
33 
An asset development/disposal plan shall be submitted by the Administrator for the 
34 
consideration of the Board. 
35 
Foreclosed properties shall be registered as OWW A assets within one (l) month after 
36 
foreclosure. 
14 


1 
(C) Unredeemed investments and other receivables shall be inventoried semi-annually and 
2 
corresponding redemption plan shaH be submitted to the Board. AH receivables shaH be 
3 
supported by documents appropriately acknowledged by the accountable party. 
4 
5 
SEC. 45. General Investment Policy. - Upon approval of the Board, all OWW A 
6 
investments shall be placed only in government securities and bonds which provide optimum 
7 
earnings, liquidity and protection of the Fund. Portfolio management of investible funds shall be 
8 
outsourced to government financial institutions (GFls). 
9 
10 
SEC. 46. Examination and Valuation of the Funds. - The OWW A shall make a 
11 
periodic actuarial examination and valuation of its funds in accordance with accepted actuarial -
12 
principles. 
13 
14 
15 
16 
CHAPTER XII 
FISCAL AND BUDGET POLICY; MANAGEMENT 
17 
SEC. 47. Operative Budget. - The operative budget must be sufficient to support full 
18 
protection of the OFW welfure. The budget shall be reviewed annually by the Board with 
19 
emphasis on adequate funding for services and agency efficiency. 
20 
The Board shaH approve, by a majority vote of all its members, the operating budget 
21 
which shall support the planned work programs and administrative costs to include, but shall not 
22 
be limited to, salaries, emoluments and transportation expenses for OWW A personnel, office 
23 
rentals, office supplies, equipment, technological support, communications and utilities, 
24 
requirements for personal services and maintenance: Provided, That appropriations for personal 
25 
services (PS) and its regular maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) shall not exceed 
26 
twenty percent (20%) of the total member contributions realized in the immediately preceding 
27 
year. 
28 
The approved operating budget shall be drawn from the OWW A Trust Fund. 
29 
30 
SEC. 48. Benefits and Services Budget. - The annual budget shall include all benefits 
31 
and services to OFWs. The budget shall prioritize protecting the OFW welfare. The amount 
32 
necessary to defray the cost of these benefits and services shall be drawn from the OWW A Trust 
33 
Fund. 
34 
35 
SEC. 49. Budget Preparation and Approval. - In preparing the annual budget, the 
36 
OWW A shall follow the national government budget system, format and cycle. 
15 


1 
SEC. 50. Re-enacted Budget. - In case the proposed annual budget has not been 
2 
approved by the Board at the start of the year, the OWW A shaH operate within the budget level 
3 
of the previous year aHocated on a month-to-month basis. All savings realized within a previous 
4 
year shall be deducted from a current year's budget. 
5 
6 
SEC. 51. Work and Financial Plans. - All cost centers/ offices/ units of the OWW A 
7 
shaH submit their annual work and financial plans (WFP), which should correspond to the 
8 
approved budget. The Director shall endorse the WFP of their respective units for approval ofthe 
9 
Administrator. The consolidated OWW A-WFP shaH be reported to the Board. 
10 
11 
SEC. 52. Budget Realignment. - Realignment of funds including adjustments in targets 
12 
shaH be submitted to the Board for approval. Similarly, in the event that extra ordinary 
13 
circumstances may occur which require additional funds beyond the coverage of the approved 
14 
budget, the same shall be submitted for approval by the Board. 
15 
16 
SEC. 53. Branch Accounting System; Financial Reports; Auditing Procedures; 
17 
Annual Reports. - The OWW A regional units shall maintain their respective books of account 
18 
which shall be consolidated by the central office. 
19 
The OWW A shall install sound internal control and monitoring systems and submit 
20 
quarterly prescribed financial statements to the eOA such as income statement, balance sheet 
21 
and cash flow, as prescribed in post aUditing reports by the COA. 
n 
The OWW A Secretariat is mandated to submit a monthly fund utilization report to the' 
23 
Board, copies of which shall be made available to Congress. It is further mandated to submit an 
24 
Annual Report on its overaH performance for the previous year within the first sixty (60) days of 
25 
the following year to the OWW A Board, Congress and the President, through the DBM. 
26 
27 
SEC. 54. Chart of Accounts. - The OWW A shall adopt the appropriate and standard 
28 
chart of accounts as prescribed by the COA. 
29 
30 
SEC. 55. Appropriation from the National Government. - Nothing in this Act shall 
31 
prevent the national government from allocating funds for the operation or implementation of 
32 
any ofthe programs or services stated herein, including the budget for MOOE. 
33 
34 
35 
36 
CHAPTER XIII 
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 
37 
SEC. 56. Rebates for Long-time Members. - In recognition of the contribution of long-
38 
time members on the OWWA Trust Fund, the OWW A is mandated to develop and implement a 
16 


1 
program for the grant of rebates or some form of financial assistance to OFWs who have been 
2 
members of the OWW A for at least five (5) years and who have not availed of any services or 
3 
benefits, including their families, from the OWW A. 
4 
5 
SEC. 57. Procurement System. - The OWW A procurement system shall be govemed by 
6 
Republic Act No. 9184, also known as the "Government Procurement Reform Act". 
7 
8 
SEC. 58. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The present OWW A Board, in 
9 
consultation with the Senate Committee on Labor and Employment and the House Committee on 
10 
Overseas Workers Affairs, shall, within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, formulate 
11 
the necessary rules and regulations for its effective implementation. 
12 
13 
SEC. 59. Separability Clause. - If any provision or part of this Act, or the application 
14 
thereof, is held invalid, the remainder of this Act, or the application of such provision, shall not 
15 
be affected thereby. 
16 
17 
SEC. 60. Repealing Clause. - All laws not adopted as part of this Act, either directly or 
18 
indirectly, are hereby repealed. All provisions of existing laws, orders, rules and regulations 
19 
inconsistent herewith are likewise repealed. 
20 
21 
SEC. 61. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its 
22 
publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved, 
17