FILE PHOTO: Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday signed into law Republic Act 11641, or An Act Creating the Department of Migrant Workers.
This drew praise from Partido Federal ng Pilipinas presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. who commended the passage of the bill that will focus on the pressing concerns of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
The Department of Migrant Workers Act calls for the creation of a new government body that will protect the rights of OFWs worldwide. It is among President Duterte’s priority bills that he certified urgent in March of this year.
Marcos commended both Houses of Congress for aiding the President in taking care of the OFWs abroad and their families back home.
“After four decades of overseas employment, our modern-day heroes will now have their own home in the bureaucracy,” said Marcos.
Marcos added that the new law brings renewed hope that issues hounding OFWs will now be addressed appropriately.
He added the newly formed department will serve as the President’s “love letter” to OFWs and their families.
“This new department serves as President Duterte’s institutional love letter to OFWs around the world and their families here at home,” said Marcos.
The new law will turn the existing Philippine Overseas Employment Administration into the Department of Migrant Workers. Its task will now be to oversee all policies aimed at protecting the welfare of OFWs.
The new department is also mandated to regulate the recruitment, employment, and deployment of OFWs, lead investigations, and file cases related to illegal recruitment and human trafficking of OFWs.
The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration would be an attached agency of the new department.