House bill seeks stiffer penalties vs OFW scammers

ACT-CIS Party-list Representatives Erwin Tulfo, Edvic Yap, and Jocelyn Tulfo, along with Benguet Representative Eric Yap and Quezon City 2nd District Representative Ralph Wendel Tulfo, are set to file a House bill on Monday, January 13, titled 'An Act Penalizing Fraud Against Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Providing Penalties for Violation Thereof'.

The proposed legislation, also known as the 'overseas Filipino worker Protection Against Fraud Act of 2025,' seeks to impose stricter sanctions, including life imprisonment and a P10 million fine, on individuals who scam OFWs.

The bill recognizes the invaluable contributions of OFWs to national development and aims to protect their hard-earned income from exploitation and abuse.

Representative Tulfo highlighted that many OFWs become victims of scammers, particularly upon their return to the Philippines, losing their hard-earned money.

Common scams targeting OFWs include fraudulent business investments, networking or lending schemes, educational plans for children, and housing programs.

The representatives stressed the urgent need for this law to protect OFWs against such criminal activities and control the scam incidents.