Proposed $50 contribution for distressed OFWs questioned

MIGRANTE International scored a lawmaker’s proposal to require overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to pay $50 or around P2,100 as contribution to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Owwa) Emergency Repatriation Fund before leaving the country.

Manila Representative Ma. Theresa Bonoan-David authored House Bill 6195 seeking to amend Republic Act (RA) 8042, or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995.

RA 8042 has already created and established an Emergency Repatriation Fund under the administration, control and supervision of Owwa with an initial funding of P1 million.

The House measure provides that for every worker recruited or deployed overseas, the recruitment agency or its employer shall contribute $50 to Owwa’s Emergency Repatriation Fund.

“The bill intends to provide the necessary measures for the government to carry out its responsibilities to assist distressed OFWs in cases of war, epidemic, disaster or calamities, natural or man-made, and other similar events, and promote their general welfare,” Bonoan-David said.

But for Migrante, it is unacceptable that more payments are required from OFWs. “It is just an added burden to already overburdened OFWs.”

“Instead, lawmakers must give up and volunteer to channel her millions of pork barrel allocation to Owwa’s emergency repatriation fund,” it added.

Under the bill, distressed OFWs can be repatriated during wars, epidemics, disasters or calamities, natural or man-made, and other similar events.

The bill will also establish and maintain an up-to-date database and locator system of OFWs necessary for their repatriation, as well as the necessary disaster preparedness and mitigation measures.
But Migrante said the lawmaker’s proposal is also “ill-advised as there is no lack or shortage of funds for distressed OFWs in the Owwa coffers.”

“The OFWs trust funds held in trust to Owwa is now about P13 billion and is earning, and yet the Owwa does not have enough programs and welfare services to OFWs and their dependents, including the proper use of its Emergency Repatriation fund,” said Migrante.

It added that the problem is actually the lack of transparency in the agency and not the lack of funds.
“The Owwa has not been transparent on the real status of the OFWs trust fund and where it is being spent,” Migrante said.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2012/06/17/proposed-50-contribution-distressed-ofws-questioned-227321

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Getting to this wine shop in Pampanga Angeles City Clark Freeport Zone Philippines from Manila
Getting to the Clark Wine Center wine shop from Manila is quite simple: after entering Clark Freeport from Dau and Angeles City, proceed straight along the main highway M A Roxas. Clark Wine Center is the stand-along white building on the right, at the corner A Bonifacio Ave. From the Clark International Airport DMIA, ask the taxi to drive towards the entrance of Clark going to Angeles City. From Mimosa, just proceed towards the exit of Clark and this wine shop is on the opposite side of the main road M A Roxas.

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Click here to contact Clark Wine Center in Clark Pampanga for inquiries and orders.

Clark Wine Center
Bldg 6460 Clark Observatory Building
Manuel A. Roxas Highway corner A Bonifacio Ave,
Angeles Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga 2023
0922-870-5173 0917-826-8790 (ask for Ana Fe)

Wine@Yats-International.com

YATS Wine Cellars
Manila Sales Office
3003C East Tower, Phil Stock Exchange Center,
Exchange Rd Ortigas Metro Manila, Philippines 1605
(632) 637-5019 0917-520-4393 ask for Rea or Chay

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