Bello rejects use of OWWA fund for pandemic aid

DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III on Tuesday rejected calls to use the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) trust fund to provide aid during the coronavirus pandemic.

Bello stated that OFWs contribute more than USD30 billion annually and emphasized that their funds should be used for their needs such as livelihood programs or educational support for their children.

He argued that it is the government's responsibility to provide financial assistance to OFWs rather than using their contributions, especially since this is the first time they are seeking help.