House panel on overseas workers to continue hearings during session break

 

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs will continue conducting public consultations and hearings even during the then lower chamber’s month-long break,  Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo said on Sunday.

Salo also serves as the chairman of the said committee.

“Upon the instruction of Speaker Romualdez, my panel will be holding a comprehensive public consultation and hearing in order to gather input and insights from various stakeholders in the development of robust plans and policies to help the Marcos administration better support returning OFWs [overseas Filipino workers],” Salo said.

The hearings and consultations, Salo said, will discuss measures that will support President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s programs for OFWs, especially the returnees.

“This is a testament to the genuine desire of the House of Representatives to effectively fulfill its mandate and responsibility to the Filipino people amid all the political noise. We have a job to do and we will not be distracted in our efforts of promoting the welfare of our OFWs,” he added.

“This directive is made more relevant in light of the repatriation of Overseas Filipino Workers amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. As our brave OFWs return to our homeland, often after enduring various challenges abroad, we believe it is our duty to provide them with comprehensive support and assistance,” Salo explained.

The lawmaker further said that his panel will look into possible legislations to protect OFWs and ensure better reintegration into the country.

Among the possible proposals to focus on are a pension system for OFWs that will be paid by their employers and the OFW themselves, retraining at the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, and other similar programs of the government.

“We will begin by conducting a briefing with the relevant government agencies such as the DMW, OWWA, DFA, and TESDA, among others, on the existing government assistance to OFWs. From there, we will formulate additional policies and make existing ones more efficient and effective,” he said.

“We will do our best to pass more legislation that will benefit our OFWs. And the leadership of Speaker Romualdez is committed to making this happen to support the Marcos administration’s efforts in helping our OFWs,” Salo said.

The House of Representatives will resume its sessions on November 6.

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