Manila Bulletin
P5B fund for OFW assistance, approved by House panel
The House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs has approved a P5 billion fund to assist an estimated 500,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who may become unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This consolidated bill, approved unanimously, aims to address the initial needs of displaced workers, covering repatriation, medical expenses, migration fees, legal assistance, and basic necessities.
DOLE Undersecretary Claro Arellano disclosed that they expect the number of jobless OFWs to increase to 500,000 by August.
OWWA Administrator Hans Cacdac reported that the agency's expenses have reached almost P500 million as of May 16, 2020, prompting a request for additional budget.
Lawmakers are also considering other measures such as a two-month wage subsidy for OFWs as part of the Philippine Economic Stimulus Act (PESA) bill.
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Senate minority leader Franklin Drilon urged the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) to utilize its P20 billion trust fund to assist overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration's (OWWA) collections have decreased by 46% due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting repatriation of Filipino migrant workers.
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Interior Secretary Eduardo AƱo reiterated that local government units (LGUs) cannot refuse the return of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to their home provinces as mandated by President Duterte.
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Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic can still apply for financial aid through the Department of Labor and Employment's (DOLE) Abot Kaya and Pagtulong (AKAP) program.
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Senator Bong Go urged the government to intensify support for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) seeking repatriation amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
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