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BGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) 
Second Regubr Session 
)
SENATE
S. NO. 2234
‘;r;v^r'iS?llitr Ot tiic tni.np
•21 HAY 25 P2:41
u\.
Prepared by the Committees on Labor, Empbyment and Human Resources 
Devebpment; Foreign Relatbns; Civil Servce, Government Reorganization and 
Professbnal Regulatbn; and Finance with Senators Pimentel, Villar, Go, Tolentino, 
Marcos, Revilla, Recto, Pacquiao, Zubiri, Villanueva, and Dela Rosa as authors
thereof.
AN ACT
CREATING THE DEPARTMENT OF MIGRANT WORKERS AND OVERSEAS 
FILIPINOS, DEFINING ITS POWERS AND FUNCTIONS, RATIONALIZING 
THE ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTIONS OF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES 
RELATED TO OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT AND MIGRATION, APPROPRIATING 
FUNDS THEREFOR, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the "Department of 
Migrant Workers and Overseas FiTipinos Act" (DMWOFA).
Sec. 2. Declaration of Policies. -
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a. It is the primordial duty of the State to protect the rights and promote the
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welfare and interest of Overseas Filipho Workers (OFWs) and other Overseas
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FSpinos (OFs);
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b. It is the duty of the State to uphob the dignity of labor and enhance its
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bargaining positbn in both domesfic and intematbnal conditbns. The State
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shall protect the welfare of all FiBpinos, partfcularly those working and/or
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residing abroad, provWe social protectbn and minimize the social costs of
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migratbn to their families at home, execute programs to sustain them when
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they return from abroad, including the establishment of a provident fund that
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wiO provide retirement, death, and disability benefits to OFWs, and harness the
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robust contrbutbn of Filipino communities outside of the country towards
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nation-building, utilizing a whole-of-government and whole-of-society
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approach;
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c. While recognizing the signFicant contribution of OFWs and other OFs to the
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natbnal economy through their foreign exchange remittances and investments,
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the State does not promote overseas empbyment as a means to sustan
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economb growth and achieve natbnal devebpment. The State's overseas
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empbyment program rests sotely on the assurance that the dignity and human
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rights of OFWs shall neither be compromised nor violated. Towards this end,
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the State shall continuously aim to make overseas empbyment a chobe and
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not a necessity for every Filipino citizen, and to Institute measures that will
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strengthen the domestb labor market and faciitate the effective reintegration
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of OFWs and other OFs;
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d. In the pursuit of an independent foreign pofcy and white consbering natbnal
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sovereignty, territorial 'integrity, natbnal interest, and the right to self-
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determination paramount in its relations with other states, the State shall, at
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all times, uphold the dignity of its citizens, whether h-country or overseas,
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continuously ensure implementation of bilateral agreements with countries of
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destination and monitor international conventions and related instruments in
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order to adopt or ratify those agreements that guarantee protectbn to OFWs
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and other OFs;
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e. The State shall afford full protectbn to OFWs, ensure equal work opportunities
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regardless of sex, gender, race, ethnicity, cobr, disability, creed or refigion, and
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protect their rights to just and humane conditbns of work. Towards this end,
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the State shall provbe adequate and timely social, economb, and legal services
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to OFWs and monitor the relatbns between OFWs and their empbyers. The


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state shall also ensure that such assistance and services are also afforded to
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other OFs;
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f. The State affirms the fundamental equality before the law of men and women
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and the significant role of women and the youth in nation-building. In
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recognizing the particular vulnerabilities of women, especially those who are
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working abroad, and their children, the State shall apply gender-sensitive and
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child-sensitive crteiia in the formubfion and implementatbn of its policies and
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programs. The State shall formulate poBcies to further the protection and
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assistance to Filipino children abroad;
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g. Free access to the courts, quasi-judicial bodies, and adequate legal assistance
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shall not be denied to any person by reason of poverty. In this regard, it is
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'mperative that an effective mechanism be instituted by the State to ensure
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that the rights and interests of OFWs and other OFs in distress, whether
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documented or undocumented, are adequately protected and safeguarded;
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h. The State shal recognize and guarantee the right of all OFWs and other OFs,
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to participate in the democratic decision-making processes of the State and to
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be represented in institutbns relevant to them;
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i. The State recognizes non-governmental organizatbns, trade unbns, workers
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associations, business organizatbns and other stakeholders as partners of the
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State in the protection of OFWs and other OFs and the promotion of their
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welfare. The State shall nurture and uphold mutual trust and respect in areas
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of cooperatbn;
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j. The State shall protect every citizen desrng to work bcally or overseas by
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securing for the citizen the best possbte terms and conditions of empbyment.
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The State shall endeavor to facilitate a free chofce of availabb empbyment by
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persons seeking work and regulate the movement of workers in conformity
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wth the national interest;


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k. The State affrms that the Filipino famiV/ as a basic autonomous social
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institut'ion, is the foundation of the natbn. Accordingly, the solidarity of the
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famiBes of OFWs and other OFs shall be strengthened and their total
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devebpment shall be actively promoted;
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I. The State recognizes that the most effective tool for empowerment and
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protection of rights of OFWs and other OFs is their possessbn of appropriate
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skills. To this end, the government shal embark on a robust expansbn of skills
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devebpment and enhancement programs of the concerned agencies and shall
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facilitate access of OFWs and other OFs to these programs. The State shall also
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pursue bilateral and multilateral agreements on skills quaBficatbn, certfcation
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and matching;
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m. The State adheres to raffed internatbnal conventions and bilateral or
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multilateral treates on migratbn and commits to the progressive reafeatbn of
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the objectives of the Gbbal Compact for Safe, Orderly 
and Regular Migration
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(GCM). To this end, it shall progressively align the country's migratbn 
and
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devebpment programs and pokes towards substantial compBance with
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ratfed conventbns and commitments in the GCM, and to conduct perbdb and
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bcbsive revews of the progress at the natbnal bvel, among others.
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Sec. 3. Definition of Terms. - As used in this Act, the foibwing terms and
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phrases are defined as foibws:
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a. Assistance to Natbnals (ATN)- refers to servbes provbed by the Philippine
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Government to OFWs and other OFs in distress whbh may be in the form of
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repatriatbn, medcal assistance, shipment of remains, legal assistance and
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representatbn, rescue, evacuatbn, financial assistance or any other anabgous
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help or interventbn to ensure that the Filipino national's human rights and
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welfare are protected, respected, and fulfilbd;


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b. Ethical recruitment - refers to the lawful hiring of workers in a fair and 
transparent manner that respects and protects their dignity and human rights;
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c. Overseas Filipinos (OF) - refers to Filipinos who are outside of the Philippines,
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whether permanent or temporary, documented or undocumented, such as
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OFWs and their families, tourists, pilgrims, students, trainees, and religious
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missbnaries;
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d. In d'Btress, when used in relatbn to an OFW or other OF - refers to an OFW
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or other OF, as the case may be, who has a med'ical, psychosocial, or legal
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probbm, or is experfencng abuse or expbitatbn, or whose human rights are
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being vblated, or is in a country in actual or potential war, civil unrest,
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pandemb or other anabgous circumstances and situations, and requires
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med'ical treatment, hospitalization, counseBng, legal representatbn, rescue,
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repatriation, or any other kind of anabgous hterventbn, including the
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repatriation of remains;
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e. License - refers to the document issued by the Secretary of the Department
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authorizing 
a natural or juridical 
person to operate 
a private recruitment or
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manning agency;
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f. Manning agency - refers to a natural or jurbical person duly fcensed by the
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Secretary of the Department to engage in the recruitment and placement of
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seafarers;
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g. Overseas empbyment - refers to empbyment outs'ide the Philippines;
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h. Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) - refers to a Filipino who is to be engaged, 'b
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engaged, or has been engaged in remunerated activity outs'ide the Philippines,
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whether land-based or sea-based; ProvWed, That a Filipino who is qualified
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under a government-recognized exchange visitor program for cultural and
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educational purposes and not primarily 
for empbyment purposes, 
even if


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remunerated, is not considered an OFW. For purposes of this provis'ion, a 
person engaged in remunerated activity covers a person who has been 
contracted for overseas emptayment but has yet to leave the Phippines. The 
term "OFW" is synonymous to "Migrant Worker;"
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Recruitment agency - refers to a natural or juridical person duly licensed by 
the Secretary of the Department to engage in the recruitment and placement 
of land-based OFWs;
j. Reintegration program - refers to a measure or a set of measures intended for 
mainstreaming and sustainable return of OFWs and other OFs into Philippine 
society, including, but not limited, to livelihood projects, wellness programs, 
financial literacy programs and other similar projects; Provided, that 
reintegratbn programs shall be based on the specific needs and skiils of the 
returning OFWs and other OFs; and
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k. Seafarer - refers to an OFW who is engaged in empbyment in any capacity on
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board a merchant marine vessel plyng intematbnal waters or other sea-based
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craft of similar category. For purposes of this Act, it shall ’include fisherfok as
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defined under relevant maritime conventions, cruise ship personnel, yacht
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crew, those serving on mobile offshore and drilling units ’n the high seas, and
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other persons similarly situated.
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Sec. 4. Creation. - The Philippine Overseas Empbyment Administration
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(POEA) created under Executive Order No. 247, Series of 1987, as amended, ’b hereby
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constituted as the Department of Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos, hereinafter
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referred to as "the Department". The Department is hereby organized structurally and
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functbnaOy in accordance with the prov’isions of this Act.


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Sec. 5. Mandate. - The Department shaD absorb al the functions and 
mandate of the Philippine Overseas Empbyment Administration and shall be the 
primary agency under the Executive Branch of the government tasked to protect the 
rights and promote the welfare of OFWs and other OFs. It shall formulate, plan, 
coordinate, promote, administer, and implement policies, and undertake systems for 
regulating, managing, and monitoring the overseas empbyment of FiKpino workers 
and rentegratbn of OFWs and other OFs, whib taking nto cons'rieratbn the natbnal 
devebpment programs formulated by the Natbnal Economfc and Devebpment 
Authority (NEDA). It shall also promote the empowerment and protection of Filipinos 
working overseas by empowerng and training them to gain appropriate skills and by 
ensuring access to continuous training and knowtedge devebpment.
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Sec. 6. Powers and Functions. - To carry out its mandate, the Department
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shall:
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a. Formulate, recommend, and impbment natbnal pofo’ies, plans, programs, and
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gu'idetnes that will ensure the protection ofOFWsandother OFs, the promotion
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of their interests, the timely and effective resolutbn of their probbms and
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concerns, and their effective reintegration to Philippine society;
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b. Regulate the recruitment, empbyment, and depbyment of OFWs;
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c. Investigate, Initiate, sue, pursue, and help prosecute, in coordination with the
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Department of Justfce (DOJ) and the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafffcking
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(lACAT), iltegal recruitment and human trafficking cases as defined under
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Repubfc Act No. 8042, as amended by Republic Act No. 10022, otherwise
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known as the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act, as amended, and as
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provided under Repubfc Act No. 9208, as amended by Repubfc Act No. 10364,
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otherwise known as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act,.and other existing laws
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and other issuances;


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d. Conduct, in coordhatbn with relevant stakeholders, comprehensive studies on
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poBcy areas, intematfonal best practices and strategies that will ensure
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protection of OFWs and other OFs and address perennial issues that they
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encounter;
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e. Protect and promote the welfare, well-being, and interests of the famifes of
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OFWs and other OFs in accordance with this Act;
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f. Build, in coordhatbn with the Department of Foreign Affars (DFA), the
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Department of Labor and Empbyment (DOLE), and other rebvant agencbs,
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strong and harmonbus partnerships with counterpart and relevant agencbs in
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foreign countries h order to facilitate the hipbmentatbn of strategbs and
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programs for the protectbn and promotbn of the rights and well-being of OFWs
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and other OFs and their famiTies, and to continuously monitor economb,
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poitbal, and labor devebpments therein;
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g. Assess, revbw, harmonize, and provWe, in coordhatbn with the DFA and with
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due regard to the hputs of stakeholders, technfcal 'inputs and gu'dance on the
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negotiatbn and impbmentatbn of bilateral and multilateral agreements,
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initiatives and programs, incbdhg htergovernmental processes, which
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primarily concern migration;
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h. Represent, h coordhatbn with the DFA, interests pertahhg to OFWs or other
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OFs h bilateral and multilateral fora and international bodbs;
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i. Provde comprehensive, effective and timely soc'ial, welfare, ATN and
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reintegratbn services, and other rebvant servfces throughout the whole
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migration cycb from pre-departure, on-site to reintegration;
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Provide, in cooperatbn with the Department of Education (DepEd), the 
Commission on Higher Educatfon (CHED), the Technical Educatfon and Skills 
Devebpment Authority (TESDA), the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), 
and other government agencfes, civil socbty organizatbns, non-governmental 
organizatbns and the private sector, trainings aimed at promoting the gbbal 
competitiveness of OFWs and other OFs, as well as job matching servfces to 
persons desrng to become OFWs;
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k. Encourage and enhance bformatbn and resource sharing among related
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agencies, devebp an efectronb database to improve servbes for OFWs and
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other OFs in accordance with Sectbn 19 of this Act;
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I. Regulate the operatbns of private recruitment and mann’ng agencies involved
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b the depbyment of OFWs abroad to protect the interests and well-being of
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these workers;
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m. Foster the professbnaizatbn, promote ethical recruitment practices, and
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ensure compliance with bgal and ethbal standards, trab'ing, and capacity-
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buflding of private recruitment and manning agencfes;
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n. EstabSsh a 24/7 Emergency Response and Actbn Center Unit and media and
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social media monitoring center to respond to the emergency needs of OFWs
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and other OFs and ther famflies;
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o. Promulgate rules and regulations, upon due consultation with stakeholders, for
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the implementation of pertinent laws and poicfes relating to OFWs and other
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OFs;
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p. Perform all the powers, functions, and responsibilities assigned to all agencfes,
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offices, or units to be transferred to, or absorbed by, the Department pursuant
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to the consoBdatbn mandated by this Act;


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q. Assume al powers, functbns, and responsibilities assigned to the DOLE relating
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to ORA^s and other OFs provided for under the Migrant Workers and Overseas
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Filpinos Act, Republic Act No. 10801 or the Overseas Workers Welfare
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Administrafion Act, and other related laws, including the administration, h
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coordination with the DOH, of hospitals created for OFWs and other OFs, if any.
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r. Require private recruitment and manning agencies to provide comprehensive
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insurance to the OFWs they depby b accordance with law; Prov’ded, That with
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respect to OFWs depbyed thru other arrangements, a substantially similar
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benefit shall be provbed to the concerned OFW;
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s. Devebp and create a training institute that will provbe substantive, analytical
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and strategb badership trainhg programs meant to equip empbyees of the
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Department, especially those who will be working overseas, with necessary
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knowtedge and skills, such as, but not limited, to the language, customs,
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traditbns, and laws of the foreign countries where OFWs and OFs are bcated,
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wth due regard to the trading servfces be'ng provbed by the Foreign Servbe
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Institute of the DFA. The training shall also bcbde effective means and
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methods h handing the concerns of OFWs and other OFs;
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t. Devebp and create an institute for advanced and strategb studbs on migration
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and devebpment, whbh shal, among others, conduct advanced, strategb and
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up-to-date studbs and research on gbbal migration and devebpment trends;
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and
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u. Perform such other functbns as may be necessary to achbve the objectives of
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this Act.
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The exercise of the powers and functbns of the Department shall in no way irriit,
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restrict or affect the pursuit of an independent foreign pofcy in the conduct of foreign
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affairs.
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Sec. 7. Composition. - The Department shall consist of the Department
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Proper comprising of the Office of the Secretary, the Offices of the Undersecretaries
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and Assistant Secretaries, the Service Units, the Bureaus, Regbnal offices, and
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Overseas offices, which shall be called Migrant Workers and Overseas Filpinos Offices
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(MWOF).
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The Secretary shall be appointed by the President, subject to confirmatfon by 
the Commissbn on Appointments in accordance with the Constitutbn. The 
Undersecretaries and Assistant Secretarfes shall likewise be appointed by the 
President upon the recommendatbn of the Secretary.
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Sec. 8. The Secretary. - The authority and responsibility for the exercise of 
the mandate, powers, and functbns of the Department shall be vested in the 
Secretary of the Department, who shall exercise supeivisbn and control over the 
Department.
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For such purposes, the Secretary shall have the foibwing powers and functbns:
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a. ProvWe executive directbn, supervisbn, and control over the entire operations
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of the Department and its attached agency, as provbed by law and in
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accordance with the apptcabte relatbnships as specified in the Administrative
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Code;
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b. Establish polb’ies and standards for the effective, effictent, and econombal
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operation of the Department, consistent with the programs of the government;
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c. Issue orders, directives, rubs, regulations, and other issuances, upon due
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consultation with stakehobers, to cany out pofcbs, pbns, programs, or
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projects pursuant to the provisbns of this Act, and exercise such other powers
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as may be required to impbment and reaize the objectives of this Act;
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d. Negotiate with foreign countries' governments, in coordination and cooperation 
with the DFA, DOLE, and other relevant agencies and with due regard to the 
inputs of stakeholders, treaties, agreements, pacts, and other similar 
instruments concerning OFWs and other OFs;
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e. Evakjate policies, plans, programs, projects, performance and
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accompFshments of the Department, and prepare an annual report that shall
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be submitted to the Congressbnal Oversight Committee provided under Sectbn
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26 of this Act and be made availabb to the pubFic thru its website or any other
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means that wJI ensure broad disseminatbn of its contents;
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f. Advise the President on the promulgatbn of executive and administrative
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orders and on the formulatbn of necessary regulatory and bgislative proposals
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on matters pertaining to OFWs and other OFs;
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g. Administer and manage the AKSYON Fund as prov’ded under Sectbn 14 of this
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Act and other appropriatbns given to the Department and issue guWelines for
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the proper and effcfent utiTizatbn thereof;
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h. Act as Chairperson of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administratbn (OWWA)
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Board;
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i. Sit as a member of the lACAT created under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act,
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as amended;
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j. Propose the creatbn of additbnal offices and positbns, in coordinatbn with
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the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Civil Servbe
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Commissbn (CSC), as may be necessary to fulfill its mandate pursuant to the
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provisbns of this Act; and
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k. Perform such other tasks as provided for under existing laws, including the 
functbns of the POEA Administrator under Executive Order No. 247, the 
Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act, as amended and other laws.
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Sec. 9. Structure of the Department - The Secretary shall be assisted by
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four (4) Undersecretaries and by an appropriate number of Assistant Secretaries as
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provided under this Act. The Secretary shall have the authority to assess and evaluate,
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and on the basis of which, transfer, delineate, reassign, or reorganize the functional
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areas or responsbilities of each office as he may deem necessary. The Secretary may
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recommend the creatbn of additbnal offices of Undersecretary and/or Assistant
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Secretary and other positbns as may be necessary, subject to existing laws, rubs,
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and regulatbns.
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The foibwing offfces are hereby created, each to be headed by an
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Undersecretary and assisted by other officers and staff:
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a. Office of the Undersecretary for Internal Management and Administration,
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whbh shall take over the functbns of the POEA Deputy Administrator for
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Management Servces. The Office of the Undersecretary for Internal
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Management and Admbistratbn shall have the foibwing additbnal functbns:
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1. ProvUe the Department with efficbnt, effective, and economfcal servbes 
relating to records management, supplies, equipment, coibctbns, 
disbursements, building administration and maintenance, security, and 
custodial work;
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2. Administer personnel programs ncluding sebctbn and pbcement, 
devebpment, performance evaluation, empbyee relations, and welfare;
3. Supervise and control the operatbnal activities of one (1) Assistant 
Secretary; and
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4. Perform such other functbns as may be provided by law or assigned by 
the Secretary.
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b. Office of the Undersecretary for Foreign Empbyment and Welfare Servfces. The
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Office of the Undersecretary for Foreign Empbyment and Welfare Servbes shall
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take over the functbns of the POEA Deputy Administrator for Empbyment and
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Welfare. It shall also subsume all the functbns of the Office of the
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Undersecretary for Migrant Workers' Affairs (OUMWA) under the DFA, the
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Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO) under the DOLE, and the
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Internatbnal Social Servbes Office (ISSO) under the Department of Social
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Welfare and Devebpment (DSWD). It shal have the folbwng additional
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functbns:
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1. Advise and assist the Secretary in the formubtbn of the Department's 
overall bng-term and short-term plans and programs on overseas 
empbyment;
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2. Undertake program and policy coordination with the OWWA;
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3. ProvWe prompt and appropriate response to gbbal emergences or crisis 
situations affecting OFWs and other OFs, and members of their famiTes, 
bcbding, but not Imited to, ATN and other servbes, without prejudbe 
to reimbursement by the responsibb principal empbyer or recruitment 
or mannhg agency, in accordance with law;
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4. Administer the AKSYON Fund provWed under Section 14 hereof and 
authorize disbursements therefrom in accordance with this Act;
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5. Ensure effective coordination and cooperation with other government 
agencies and the Philippine Foreign Servbe Posts in the provisfon of legal 
assistance and other ATN servbes utfeing the AKSYON Fund;
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6. Tap the assistance of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, other bar 
associatbns, legal experts on labor, migratfon, and human rights laws, 
reputable law frms, civil society organizatbns, non-govemmental 
organizations, and the private sector, as appropriate, to complement 
government services and resources to provide legal and other forms of 
assistance to OFWs and other OFs in distress;
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7. Manage and supervise the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos 
(MWOF) Office as created under Sect'on 15 of this Act;
8. Develop and monitor the implementation of a full-cycle natbnal 
reintegratbn program under Sectbn 17 of this Act;
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9. Exercise control and supervbbn over the Assistant Secretary heading 
each of the foibwing units: (i) Welfare and Empbyment Offbe; (ii) Pre- 
Empbyment Servbe Office; and (iii) the Natbnal Reintegratbn Center 
for OFWs and other OFs (NRCOO) as provbed under Sectbn 17 of this 
Act; and
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10. Perform such other functions as may be provbed by law or assigned by 
the Secretary.
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c. Office of the Undersecretary for Ucensing and Adjudfcatbn, wh'ich shaB take
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over the functbns of the POEA Deputy Admnistrator for Licensing and
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Adjudcatbn. It shall exercise control and supervisbn over one (1) Assistant
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Secretary and of the regbnal operations of the Department.
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d. Office of the Undersecretary for Policy and International Cooperation and
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Special Overseas FiTipino Concerns shall subsume all the substantive functbns
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of the International Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB) under the DOLE, except with
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regard to the monitoring of the compliance of the Philippines in relation to its
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obligations, commitments, courtes'ies and facilities required by international
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organizations respecting domestic labor concerns, and al the related functions 
and mandate of the Commissbn on Filipino Overseas (CFO). It shall exercise 
the fobwing additbnal functions:
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1. Monitor the observance and impbmentatbn of the Philippines' 
obligations and commitments to migratbn-related international 
organizatbns and treaties;
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2. Coordinate with the DFA regarding the negotiations of treaties, 
agreements, compacts, and other instruments that are related to labor 
migration;
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3. Act as the Department's advocacy arm and shall execute programs and 
servbes to raise pubfc awareness on the dangers and indbators of 
illegal recruitment, human trafficking, mail-order-spouse schemes, 
among others, and the different government poBcfes and programs b 
place that aim to address these concerns and how to access them;
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4. Exercise control and supervisbn over one (1) Assistant Secretary; and
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5. Perform such other functions as may be provWed by law or assigned by 
the Secretary.
18 
There shal be an Office for Land-based OFW Concerns and an Office for Sea-
19 
based OFW Concerns under the Office of the Secretary, whbh will cater to the needs
20 
and concerns of land-based and sea-based Filipino workers, respectively. Each offfce
21 
shall be headed by an Assistant Secretary. The National Maritime Polytechnb (NMP)
22 
shall be under the control and supervisbn of the Office for Sea-based OFW Concerns.
23 
There shall also be an Office for Internal Audit whbh shall conduct objective
24 
evaluation of the Department's extent of compBance with its mandate, functions,
25 
programs, projects, activities, and outputs.
16


1 
Sec. 10. Qualifications. - No person shall be appointed as Secretary,
2 
Undersecretary, or Assistant Secretary of the Department unless he is a citizen and
3 
resident of the Phiippines, of good moral character, of proven integrity and
4 
competence in public administration, and has recognized expertise in governance
5 
involving, and/or experience as, OFWs and other OFs.
6
7
8 
9
No person involved in the business of recruitment and depbyment of OFWs 
and other OFs shall be appointed as Secretary, Undersecretary, or Assistant Secretary 
of the Department. This prohibitbn shal likewise apply to relatives of such persons 
up to the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity.
10 
It shali be unlawful for any official or empbyee of the Department or other
11 
government agencies involved in the implementatbn of this Act, or their relatives
12 
within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity, to engage, directly or indirectly,
13 
in the business of recruitment and placement of OFWs and other OFs, where
14 
appfcabb. Upon convictbn, the penaltfes under the Migrant Workers and Overseas
15 
Fiipinos Act, as amended, shall be Imposed upon them.
16 
Sec. 11. Regional Offices. - The Department shal establish, operate, and
17 
maintain a regbnal, as well as provincial or field office as may be necessary, in the
18 
different administrative regbns of the country, and for this purpose, all existing POEA
19 
offices in the regbns shall be absorbed; Prov'ded, that within one year from the
20 
implementatbn of this Act, there shal be at least one regbnal office of the
21 
Department in each regbn; Provided further, that each regbnal office shall have an
22 
adjudbatbn officer who shal handb pre-empbyment or recruitment cases within the
23 
jurlsdictbn of the POEA, now Department; Provided, finally, that such regbnal,
24 
provincial and/or fieb offices shal, in coordinatbn with relevant government offices,
25 
serve as one-stop shop centers to ensure prompt, efficient, vital and relevant serv’ices
26 
to OFWs and other OFs and their families. The one-stop shop centers will be the venue
27 
for the acquisitbn of al relevant government clearances and permits, valdatbn of
28 
overseas job offers, availment of re’ntegratbn servfces and al pertinent seminars and
17


1 
workshops for all stakeholders, among others. In all cases and as far as practicable,
2 
OWWA regbnal offices shall be bcated besWe the regbnal office of the Department.
3 
Sec. 12. Structure and Staffing Pattern. - The Department shaB determine
4 
its organizatbnal structure and create new divisbns or units as it may deem necessary
5 
at the national, regbnal, provbcial, and b such other bwer levels, and overseas, and
6 
shaB appoint officers and empbyees of the Department in accordance with Civil
7 
Servfce laws, rubs and regulatbns. Republic Act No. 6656, or the Government
8 
Reorganization Law shall govern the organizatbn of the Department, and the
9 
reorganizatbn of affected agencies.
10 
Sixty (60) days from the approval of this Act, the Department shaB present its
11 
staffing pattern to the DBM for approval. This staffing pattern shall be impbmented
12 
effective immediately upon approval but not later than the holdover perbd provWed
13 
under Sectbn 22 of this Act.
14 
Upon the creatbn of the Department, the POEA Governing Board, created
15 
under Executive Order No 247, seres of 1987, as amended, shaB be renamed as the
16 
Advisory Board on Migratbn and Devebpment, and shaB act as advisory body to the
17 
Secretary of the Department, with regard to issues on migratbn and devebpment,
18 
ncbding on the matters decided by the POEA Governing Board under The Migrant
19 
Workers and Overseas Flipinos Act, as amended and other existing laws. The Advisory
20 
Board on Migratbn and Devebpment shaB be composed of the Secretary of Labor and
21 
Empbyment, and one representative each from the land-based OFWs, sea-based
22 
OFWs, the private sector and the OFs.
23 
Sec. 13. Sectoral and Industry Task Forces and Tripartite Councils. -
24 
The Department may create sectoral and industry task forces, technbal working
25 
groups, advisory bodes, or committees for the furtherance of its objectives. Additional
26 
private sector representatives, such as from the OFWs and other OFs, OFW
27 
organizations, non-governmental organizatbns, civB socbty organizations, the
28 
academe, and private industrbs directly involved in the recruitment and placement of
18


1
2
3
OFWs and Other OFs, as well as other national government agencies, bcal government 
units, and government-owned and -controlled corporations, may be appointed to 
these sectoral and industry task forces.
4 
The Maritime Tripartite Council (MITC), currently bdged with the DOLE, shall
5 
be transferred to the Department abng with the Overseas Land-based Tripartite
6 
Consultative Council (OLTCC) of the POEA, to serve as a continuing forum for tripartite
7 
advisement and consultation with the 'industry stakehobers on pofcies and programs
8 
pursuant to the provisbns of Repubfc Act No. 10395.
9 
Sec. 14. Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo para sa tnga OFW at OFs na
10 
NangangaUangan (AKSYON) Fund. - The Legal Assistance Fund and the ATN
11 
Fund provided under the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act, as amended,
12 
shaD be consoidated into the AKSYON Fund and shall be transferred to and
13 
administered by the Department in accordance with this Act. Subject to existing laws
14 
and regubtbns, the AKSYON Fund shall be used for the prov'ision of ATN services
15 
consistent with the purposes of th's Act.
16 
Within thirty (30) days from the promulgatbn of this Act, the Secretary, in
17 
consultation with rebvant stakehobers, shall issue the necessary gu'defines regarding
18 
the use of the AKSYON Fund.
19 
With the transfer of the ATN Fund to the Department, a Consular Assistance
20 
Fund is hereby created for the DFA for the provision of consular services; Provided,
21 
that for the first year of the implementatbn of this Act, such Consular Fund shall be
22 
sourced from the ex'isting ATN Fund; Provbed finally, that within the perbd provbed
23 
under Sectbn 15 hereof, a sufficient sum shall be appropriated to the DFA for the
24 
performance of the functions of the MWOF Office of the Department in areas where
25 
there is yet no such offfce.
19


1 
Sec. 15. Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos (MWOF) Office. -The
2 
MWOF Office of the PhiKppine Foreign Service Post shall be the operating arm
3 
overseas of the Department; Provided, That within three (3) years from the effectK/ity
4 
of this Act, all Phiippine Foreign Service Post shal have an existing and operatbnal
5 
MWOF Office; Provided, further. That the Foreign Service Post with the most number
6 
of, or with the most number of cases of abuse committed against, OFWs and other
7 
OFS shall be prforitized.
8 
The MWOF Office shall absorb al the powers, exisfng functbns and personnel
9 
of the Philippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO), exisfng ATN units of the DFA, and
10 
social welfare setvbes in all Philippine embass’ies and consulates, and shall perform
11 
the foibwing additbnal functbns:
12
13
14
15
16
a. Ensure the promotbn and protectbn of the welfare and nterests of OFWs 
and other OFs and assist them n all problems arising out of empbyer- 
empbyee relationships including vblatbn of work contracts, non-payment 
of wages and other benefits, illegal dismissal, and other vblatbns of the 
terms and conditions of their empbyment;
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
b. Verify empbyment contracts and other empbyment-related documents;
c. 
Monitor and report to the Secretary on situations and pofcy devebpments 
n the receivhg country that may affect OFWs and other OFs in partfcular 
and PhiTippine labor poBcfes, in general;
d. 
Pursue, in coordbatbn with the Philippine Embassy or Consulate, 
discussbn on labor and other issues and concerns with the foreign 
government and/or the embass'ies concerned, and internatbnal 
organizations;
e. 
Supervise and coordnate the operatbns of the Migrant Workers and Other 
Overseas Filpinos Resource Center (MWOOFRC);
20


1
2
3
4
f. Provide social and welfare programs and services to OFWs and other OFs, 
hckjding social assistance, education and training, cultural services, 
financial management, reintegrafion, and entrepreneurial devebpment 
services;
5
6
g. Provide prompt and appropriate response to gbbal emergences or crisis 
situatbns affecting Fitpno nationals;
7
8 
9
10
h. Manage cases of, and provbe psychosocial servbes to, OFWs and other 
OFs in distress, such as vctims of traffbking or iltegal recruitment, rape or 
sexual abuse, maltreatment and other forms of physcal or mental abuse 
and cases of abandoned or negbcted children;
11
12
13
Regularly update the onfrie database system provbed under Sectbn 19 of 
this Act to faciTitate and ensure the delvery of appropriate, timely and 
effective welfare servbes to OFWs and other OFs and their famiTies;
14
15
j. FaciTitate the repatriatbn of distressed OFWs and other OFs, and their 
famObs, bcbding shipment of remains and personal bebngngs;
16
k. Verify the whereabouts and conditbn of OFWs and other OFs;
17
18
I. Provide assistance, bgal or otherwise in crimnal, immigration and other 
cases fifed by or against OFWs and other OFs, whether detained or not;
19
20 
21
m. Provbe appropriate assistance to vbtims of illegal recruitment and 
trafficking in persons, kbnapping, hostage vbtims and other vbtims of 
other crimes;
22
23
24
n. Conduct hospital visitatbn, and provbe necessary assistance until the full 
recovery of the OFW and other OF concerned, where practicable and 
appropriate; and
21


1
2
0. Perform other functions and responsbilities as may be assigned by the 
Secretary.
3
4
5
6
The quaSficatbns, hiring and selectton, confnuous training and education, 
merit promotbn system, and rotatbn system for depbyment and recall of MWOF 
Offce Officers shal also be established by the Department, in accordance with existing 
civil servbe rubs and regubtbns.
7 
The MWOF Office Officers who are depbyed at Posts shal be designated as
8 
attaches, subject to prbr cbarance from the Secretary of Foreign Affairs. The MWOF
9 
Office shall be headed by a MWOF Office Head, to be designated by the Secretary
10 
among the qualfied MWOF Office Officers. The MWOF Office Head shal have an
11 
assimibted rank of Counselor.
12 
In al cases, al incbents relating to provisbn of ATNand other servbes shall
13 
be consistent with the impbmentatbn of the One Country-Team Approach. To this
14 
end, the functbns of the MWOFOffbe shal compbment the dipbmatb and consular
15 
functbns of the DFA.
16 
The depbyment and performance of the MWOF Office Officers to Phlippine
17 
Foreign Servbe Posts shal be governed by the Philippine Foreign Servbe Act of 1991,
18 
Vbnna Conventbn on Consubr Rebtbns, the Vbnna Conventbn on Dipbmatic
19 
Relations and the rubs and regubtbns imposed by the receiving State.
20 
For the avoWance of doubt, the OWWA shal form part of the migration team
21 
of the MWOF Office.
22 
Sec. 16. Migrant Workers and Other Overseas Filipinos Resource
23 
Center (MWOOFRC). - The Migrant Workers and Other Overseas FOipinos Resource
24 
Center (MWOOFRC) shal absorb al the powers and functbns of the Migrant Workers
25 
and Other Filpinos Resource Center as provbed under the Migrant Workers and
26 
Overseas Flipbos Act, as amended. The MWOOFRC shal be under the Department,
22


1 
and shal, in addition to its functions under existing laws and regulations, provide
2 
temporary shelters to distressed OFWs and other OFs.
3 
The day-to-day operatbns and activities of the Center shal be supervised and
4 
coordinated by the MWOF Office Head who shall keep the Chief of Miss'ion informed
5 
and updated on afl matters affecting it with a written report submitted at least
6 
quarterly.
7 
SEC. 17. FuU-Cycle National Reintegration Program. - The Department
8 
shall devebp and impbment a full-cycle and comprehensive natbnal reintegration
9 
program for both documented and undocumented OFWs and other OFs, whbh shall
10 
be embedded in all stages of migratbn for work beginning from pre-depbyment, on-
11 
site during empbyment and upon return, whether voluntary or involuntary. The
12 
reintegratbn program shall cover the different dimensbns of support needed by the
13 
OFW and other OFs such as economb, social, psychosocial, and cultural, 'incbding
14 
skills certfcatbn and recognitbn of equivalency for effective empbyment servfces,
15 
and shall ensure contributbn to natbnal devebpment through investments and
16 
transfer of technobgy from skilled or professbnal OFWs and other OFs. For this
17 
purpose, the Natbnal Reintegratbn Center for Overseas Filipino Workers (NRCO),
18 
hereinafter renamed as the Natbnal Reintegratbn Center for Overseas Filpino
19 
Workers and Other Overseas FiBpnos (NRCOO), shall serve as the lead office of the
20 
Department and shal coordinate al OFW training, programs and servbes of TESDA,
21 
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), the
22 
Department of Sc'ience and Technobgy (DOST), DOLE, among others.
23 
Sec. 18. One Country Team Approach. - In the performance of their
24 
functbns abroad, MWOF Office Offfcers shall adhere to the One Country Team
25 
Approach, wherein all officers, representatives, and personnel of the PhiEppine
26 
government posted abroad, regardless of their mother agenc'ies shall, on a per country
27 
basis, act as one country-team with a missbn under the leadership of the Ambassador
28 
or the Consul General. In this regard, the Ambassador or the Consul General acting
29 
as Head of Post, through the Secretary of the DFA, may recommend to the Secretary
23


1 
the recall of officers, representatives, and personnel of the Department posted abroad
2 
for misbehavior, misconduct or commiss'ion of other acts which may be deemed
3 
prejudicial or inimical 
to the national interest or ‘n case of failure to provide the
4 
necessary services to protect the rights of OFWs and other OFs or to perform the
5 
duties and responsibilities required of MWOF Office Officers as provided under this
6 
Act.
7 
Upon request of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, the Secretary of the
8 
Department shall recall the concerned MWOF Office Officer.
9 
Sec. 19. Management Information System. - The Department shall
10 
establish, in cooperation with other government agencies concerned, a computer-
11 
based management information system, with due regard to the provisbns of Republic
12 
Act No. 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012, on OFWs and other OFs, including
13 
their basic profile, destination countries, skills, experience, professfonal capabiTities, to
14 
support its operations and as well as to have a source of relevant data for programs
15 
and policy formulation. Each office of the Department may likewise 
create and
16 
maintain its own relevant database, as it deems necessary; Provided, that these
17 
databases are integrated into the Department's main management information
18 
system. The management information system shall also serve as the registry of skills
19 
of OFWs and other OFs, which shall, as far as practicable, be congruent with the
20 
natbnal industrializatbn and national empbyment program of the DOLE, the
21 
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Department of Pubic Works and
22 
Highways (DPWH), the Department of Agrbuture (DA), the Department of Tourism
23 
(DOT) and the NEDA.
24 
Sec. 20. TransferofAgencies and Functions. -Thefoibwing agencies are
25 
hereby merged and transferred to the Department, and their powers and functions
26 
subsumed to the Department whbh shal assume and perform all their powers and
27 
functions:
24


1 
a. The POEA, as created under the Executive Act No. 247 and The Migrant
2 
Workers and Overseas FiBpinos Act, as amended;
3 
b. The Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers' Affairs (OUMWA) of the
4 
DFA as provided under The Migrant Workers 
and Overseas Filipinos Act, as
5 
amended;
6 
c. The Commissbn on Filipino Overseas (CFO) under the Office of the President;
7 
d. AH Phiippine Overseas Labor Offices (POLO) under the DOLE;
8 
e. The Intematbnal Labor Affairs Bureau (ILAB) under the DOLE, subject to
9 
Sectbn 8(d) of this Act;
10 f. The Natbnal Reintegratbn Center for OFWs (NRCO) under the OWWA;
11
g. The Natbnal Maritime Pol/techn'ic (NMP) under the DOLE; and
12
h. The Intematbnal Social Servbes Office (ISSO) under the DSWD.
13 
Sec. 21. Attached Agencies. - The OWWA, created under the Overseas
14 
Workers Welfare Administratbn Act, is hereby attached to the Department for
15 
purposes of pofcy and program coordbatbn. Except as provWed under this Act, the
16 
OWWA shal continue to functbn in accordance with its charter. The OWWA Fund is
17 
hereby declared a Provbent Trust Fund, whbh shall be used excbsively to provbe
18 
retirement, death and disabiity benefits to OFWs. The Secretary shall replace the
19 
Secretary of Labor and Empbyment as member of the OWWA Board of Trustees and
20 
shall act as Chairperson of the OWWA Board. For the avo’dance of doubt, the DOLE
21 
Secretary shall reman as a member of the Board.
22 
Thedecisbns, orders, resolutions, and judgments on appeal by the Department
23 
shall be appealabte to the Court of Appeals n accordance with the Rubs of Court.
25


1 
Five (5) years after the effectivity of this Act, the Department shall conduct a
2 
thorough review of the administration, operatbns, and functions of OWWA as an
3 
attached agency of the Department. From its evaluation, the Department may propose
4 
and recommend the necessary changes, legislative or administrative, to fulfill its
5 
mandate and the objectives of this Act.
6 
Sec. 22. Reorganization and Other Transitory Provisions. - In the
7 
transfer of functbns of affected agencfes under this Act, the foibwing rubs shall
8 
apply:
9 
a. Any transfer of entities shaO hclude the functbns, appropriations, funds,
10 
records, equipment, facilities, other properties, assets, and Babilities of the
11 
transferred entity as well as the personnel thereof as may be necessary, who
12 
shaB, n a holdover capacity, continue to perform their respective duties and
13 
responsbiitbs and receive the corresponding salaries and benefits, unbss in
14 
the meantime they are separated from government servbe pursuant to existing
15 
laws. Those personnel from the transferred entity whose positbns are not
16 
ncbded in the new position structure and staffng pattern approved by the
17 
Secretary or who are not reappointed shall be entitbd to the benefits provbed
18 
in the second paragraph of Section 23 hereof;
19 
b. Ary transfer of functbns whfch results in the subsuming of the entity that has
20 
exercised such transferred functbns shall include, as may be necessary to the
21 
proper discharge of the transferred functbns, the appropriations, funds,
22 
records, equipment, faciftbs, other assets, and personnel of the entity from
23 
whbh such functbns have been transferred. The remanng appropriations and
24 
funds shall revert to the General Fund and the remain'ng records, equipment,
25 
facilities, and other assets shall be aibcated to such appropriate units as the
26 
Secretary shall determne, or otherwise shall be disposed of, in accordance with
27 
pertinent bws, rubs and regulations. The labilities, if any, of the subsumed
28 
entity shall be treated in accordance with pertinent bws, rubs and regubtbns.
29 
Incumbents of the subsumed entity shall, in a hoWover capacity, continue to
26


1 
perform their respective duties and responsibilities and receive the
2 
corresponding salaries and benefits unless In the meantime they are separated
3 
from government service, pursuant to existing laws. Any such personnel whose
4 
position is not included in the new positfon structure and staffing pattern
5 
approved by the Secretary or who is not reappointed shall be entitled to the
6 
benefits provided in Section 23 hereof; and
7 
c. Any transfer of functions which does not result in the subsuming of the entity
8 
that has exercised such transferred functions shall include the appropriations,
9 
funds, records, equipment, facilities, other assets as well as the personnel of
10 
the entity from which such functons have been transferred that are necessary
11 
to the proper discharge of such transferred functions. The liabilities, if any,
12 
which have been incurred in connection with the discharge of the transferred
13 
functions, shall be aDocated in accordance with pertinent laws, rules and
14 
regulations. Such personnel shall, in a holdover capacity, continue to perform
15 
their respective duties and responsibilities and receive the corresponding
16 
salaries and benefits unless in the meantime they are separated from
17 
government service pursuant to existing laws. Any such personnel whose
•18 
positbn is not included in the new position stmcture and staffing pattern
19 
approved by the Secretary or who is not reappointed shall be entitled to the
20 
benefits under appfoable laws, rules and regulations.
21 
Sec. 23. Absorption/ Separation, and Retirement from Service. - The
22 
existing empbyees of the transferred and subsumed agencies under this Act shall
23 
enjoy security of tenure and shall be absorbed by the Department, in accordance with
24 
their staffing patterns and the sebctbn process as prescribed under Repubfc Act. No.
25 
6656 or the Government Reorganization Law.
26 
Empbyees who are affected by the creatbn of the Department and are
27 
separated from servbe withn six (6) months from the effectivity of this Act as a result
28 
of the organization and reorganization under this Act shall receive separation benefits
29 
under the Government Reorganizatbn Law, and other appfcable laws, rubs and
27


1 
regulations: Provided, That those who are qualfied to retire and receive retirement
2 
benefits under existing retirement laws shall be aibwed to retire. Detailed, transferred,
3 
or seconded career personnel to the Department from transferred or subsumed
4 
entities or any government entity shall neither bse senbrity in rank or status, nor
5 
suffer any diminution of their salaries, aBowances, or other privileges and
6 
entitlements.
7 
The foregoing separated empbyees shall also receive additional separation
8 
incentives, as foibws:
9 
a. Fifty percent (50%) of the actual monthly base salary for every year of service,
10 
for those who have rendered bss than eleven (11) years of servbe;
11 
b. Seventy-five percent (75%) of the actual monthly basic salary for every year
12 
of servbe computed starting from the first (1st) year, for those who have
13 
rendered eleven (11) to bss than twenty-one (21) years of servbe;
14 
c. The actual monthly basb salary for every year of servbe, computed starting
15 
from the first (1st) year, for those who have rendered twenty-one (21) to bss
16 
than thirty-one (31) years of servbe; and
17 
d. One hundred twenty five percent (125%) of the actual monthly basb sabry for
18 
every year of servbe, computed starting from the first (1st) year, for those who
19 
have rendered thirty-one (31) years of servbe and above.
20 
Provided, That personnel who will be separated from the servbe as a result of
21 
the ratbnalzatbn of the existing offices and will avail themselves of the incentives
22 
shall not be reempbyed in any agency of the Executive Branch fora perbd of five (5)
23 
years, except as a teaching or medbal staff in educational institutions and hospitals,
24 
respectively: Provided, further. That retired or separated personnel who are
25 
reempbyed within the prohibited perbd shall refund the separation incentives
26 
received on a pro-rated basis: Provided, fhaly. That retired or separated personnel
28


1 
who will undertake consultancy services for the government shall be governed by
2 
Repubfc Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officia Is
3 
and Empbyees.
4 
For purposes of the additional separation incentives, the actual monthly basic
5 
salary shall refer to the salary of the affected personnel as of the date of approval of
6 
the Department's organizational structure and staffing pattern by the DBM.
7 
Sec. 24. Transition Period. - The transfer of functbns, assets, funds,
8 
equipment, properties, transactions, and personnel of the affected agencies, and the
9 
formulation of the intemal organfc structure, staffing pattern, operating system, and
10 
revised budget of the Department, shall be compbted within one (1) year from the
11 
effectivity of this Act: Provided, That withn this period, the existing personnel of all
12 
subsumed entitfes shall contnue to assume their posts on holdover capacities until
13 
new appointments or a new staffing pattern shall have been issued: Provided, further,
14 
That after the organizatbn and ratbnafeatbn process, the Department, in
15 
coordination with the DBM, shall determne and create new positions, the funding
16 
requirements ofwhch shall not exceed the equivabnt cost of the positions subsumed.
17 
Sec. 25. Coordination with the Bangsamoro Ministry of Labor and
18 
Empioyment. - In order to avoW overlapping of functions, the Department shall
19 
cbsely coordinate with the Bangsamoro Ministry of Labor and Empbyment on the
20 
training, protectbn and depbyment of overseas Bangsamoro workers.
21 
Sec. 26. Congressionai Oversight Committee and Submission of
22 
Annuai Reports. - There shall be created a Congressbnal Oversight Committee on
23 
Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos to monitor and oversee the imptementation
24 
of the provisbns of this Act.
25 
The Committee shall be composed of six (6) members from the Senate and six
26 
(6) members from the House of Representatives with the Chairperson of the
27 
Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs of the House of Representatives and
29


1 
Committee on Labor, Empbyment and Human Resources Devebpment of the Senate
2 
as Co-chaIrpersons of this Committee. The other members from each Chamber are to
3 
be designated by the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of
4 
Representatives, respectively. The minority shall beentitbd to pro rata representatbn
5 
but shall have at bast two (2) representatives from each Chamber.
6 
In additbn, the Department shall submit an annual report to the Congressbnal
7 
Oversight Committee within thirty (30) days from the end of each cabndar year,
8 
detailing the number of OFWs and other OFs in each country and/or regbn, a status
9 
report of their situations, incbding the probbms and issues they encountered, and
10 
such other rebvant informatbn to properly inform the pubib and the pofcymakers of
11 
the performance of the Department and the situation of OFWs and other OFs around
12 
the worU.
13 
Sec. 27. Appropriations. - The amount needed for the nitia I impbmentation
14 
of this Act shall be taken from the current year's appropriations of the agencies,
15 
entitbs, divisbns, sections or bodbs subsumed or transferred to the Department by
16 
virtue of this Act. Thereafter, such sums, as may be necessary for its continued
17 
impbmentatbn, shall be incbded in the annual General Appropriations Act.
18 
Sec. 28. Mandatory Review. - Ten (10) years after the effectivity of this
19 
Act, or as the need arises, the Congressbnal Oversight Committee shai conduct a
20 
systematfc evabatbn of the accomplishments and impact of this Act, as well as the
21 
performance and organizational structure of its impbmenting agencbs, for purposes
22 
of determining remedial bgislatbn.
23 
Ten (10) years from the creation of this Department, the Congressbnal
24 
Oversight Committee may recommend the aboltbn of the Department should
25 
circumstances prove that there is no more need for its existence. The rebvance and
26 
practcaFity of maintaining the Department shall be revbwed every five (5) years after
27 
the ten (10) year mandatory revbw perbd.
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1 
Sec. 29. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The Department, in
2 
coordination with the affected agencies provided under this Act, and the Department
3 
of Finance, the DFA, DBM, DOLE, CSC, NEDA, PSA, OWWA, TESDA, DepEd, CHED,
4 
MARINA and the Office of the Presidentiai Adviser on OFWs (OPA-OFW), and upon
5 
consultation with relevant stakeholders, shall, within sixty (60) days after the
6 
effectivity of this Act, promulgate such rules and regulations necessary to implement
7 
this Act.
8 
Sec. 30. Separability Clause. - Should any provisbn of this Act or part
9 
thereof be declared unconstitutbnal, the other provisbns or parts not affected thereby
10 
shall remain valid and effective.
11 
Sec. 31. Repealing Clause. - All other laws, decrees, orders, rules and
12 
regulations or parts thereof ‘inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or modifbd
13 
accordingly.
14 
Sec. 32. Effectivity. - Th's Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
15 
complete publication in the Official Gazette and In at bast two (2) newspapers of
16 
general circulatbn.
Approved,
31