Manila: The Senate on Monday passed a series of legislative measures designed to protect overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), enhance law enforcement accountability, honor Filipino veterans, and grant Philippine citizenship to two foreign nationals.
According to Philippines News Agency, among the approved measures was Senate Bill No. 1917, known as the Overseas Filipino Workers' Remittance Protection Act. This bill aims to regulate remittance fees and protect OFWs and their families from excessive charges imposed by financial institutions. The bill mandates the Department of Finance, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and the Department of Migrant Workers to set a range for remittance fees and ensure transparency in foreign exchange transactions involving OFW remittances. Additionally, it requires financial institutions to disclose the Philippine peso equivalent of remittances and prohibits unauthorized deductions.
Senator Joel Villanueva expressed that the passage of this bill is a significant step towards safeguarding the remittances of migrant workers and ensuring fair and transparent transactions for their families. Another approved measure, Senate Bill No. 1910, mandates free financial education programs for OFWs and their families to help manage earnings and avoid financial scams. It requires mandatory financial literacy seminars for OFWs as part of their pre-departure and post-arrival orientation programs. Senator Raffy Tulfo highlighted the importance of this bill in protecting the financial well-being of OFWs.
Senate Bill No. 1908 was also approved, requiring law enforcement officers to wear body-worn cameras during operations to enhance transparency and accountability. This measure applies to agencies like the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation. Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito noted that the bill aims to protect civilians and prevent accusations of corruption against law enforcers.
Additionally, Senate Bill No. 1937, or the GIDA Schools Act, was approved to strengthen support for public basic education schools in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas. Senator Loren Legarda emphasized the development of a National GIDA Schools Mapping System to guide infrastructure planning and resource allocation for underserved communities.
Furthermore, the Senate passed Senate Bill No. 1719, declaring April as 'Philippine Veterans' Month,' to honor Filipino veterans and support programs for their welfare. The Senate also approved House Bill Nos. 6640 and 6641, granting Philippine citizenship to Maodo Diouf and Elizabeth Jeanette Means, foreign basketball players considered for naturalization to represent the country in international competitions.
