OFW Party List Representative Marissa “Del Mar” Magsino filed House Bill 9388, which seeks to amend Republic Act No. 8042, or the “Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act”.
The proposed bill aims to expand the purpose for the utilization of the Emergency Repatriation Fund (ERF) to address the emerging needs of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
Under the existing law, the ERF, with the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) as administrator, is intended for the repatriation of OFWs in cases of war, epidemic, disasters, and other similar events. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for a broader approach to support OFWs during challenging times.
The proposed bill provides OWWA greater flexibility in the utilization of the ERF, particularly for the establishment of temporary shelters abroad and half-way houses in the country in line with its repatriation mandate.
This initiative aims to reduce government expenses on commercial accommodations while ensuring the safety and comfort of OFWs during their stay.
The OFW party list representative said one of the pressing issues in the current repatriation system is the lack of suitable temporary shelters, particularly in host countries, for distressed OFWs awaiting repatriation. Additionally, repatriated OFWs require halfway houses during transit to their home towns or residences, which can also serve as quarantine facilities during pandemics.
Moreover, Magsino said the existing shelters in host countries, often referred to as Bahay Kalinga, are reportedly often congested resulting in unsafe and inhumane living conditions. In some instances, the government is even forced to rent facilities for the purpose. As reported by the Department on Migrant Workers (DMW), there are only 24 migrant workers’ temporary shelters worldwide, 14 of which are in the Middle East.
In 2021, the Commission on Audit reported that the OWWA utilized nearly 100% of its ERF, which amounted to ₱17.3 billion, to assist repatriated OFWs affected by the pandemic. As of the 1st quarter of 2022, over 900,000 OFWs had been repatriated due to the global health crisis.
However, when the pandemic subsided and the OFW deployments resumed, the ERF began accumulating significant balances. For 2024, the OWWA projects an ERF balance of ₱9.7 billion, thus the need to allocate these resources more effectively.
“Ang laki ng pondong natitira sa ERF subalit hindi magamit ng OWWA para sa ibang pangangailangan ng mga OFWs dahil restricted ito ng batas. Sayang ang pondo. Kaya’t kailangan natin ibagay ang batas sa mga nagsisilabasang pangangailangan sa repatriation process. Una na nga dito ang maaayos, malilinis, at ligtas na shelters at halfway houses na paglalagian ng ating distressed OFWs,” said Magsino.
