VICE President Jejomar Binay on Thursday has ordered two government agencies to suspend the implementation of the order that mandates the six-month advance contribution of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to the Home Development Mutual (Pag-IBIG) Fund. In a statement, Binay directed both the Pag-IBIG and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) “to conduct a thorough study and more consultations with the affected sectors.”
He said that there is a need to review the legal basis and propriety that compels OFWs to pay in advance the equivalent of their supposed six months worth of contribution, amounting to P600.
At present, the advance six-month payment is said to be a precondition for Filipino workers going abroad to work.
“What is important is that government should assist our OFWs and should not be seen as further imposing burdens on them,” Binay, chairman of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council and the Pag-IBIG Fund board of trustees, said.
“Aside from reviewing the legal basis for the order, the concerned government agencies should hold more consultations with the affected sectors. There should be transparency in the process,” he added. “There are benefits to be derived from Pag-IBIG membership and this should be explained fully to our OFWs.”
On July 7, POEA issued memorandum circular 06, which mandates all outbound OFWs to pay six months worth of Pag-IBIG membership contributions.
Based on the circular, OFWs cannot be able to get their overseas employment certificate and leave the country unless they have paid the said amount.
As head of the Pag-IBIG Fund board of trustees, Binay assured OFWs that the matter would be given priority under his office. He added that the government would continue extending assistance to the OFWs “instead of being a burden to them.”
According to the statement, concerned migrant workers groups—Migrante, the Blas F. Ople Policy Center and associations of labor exporters—have questioned the POEA directive. –BERNICE CAMILLE V. BAUZON, Manila Times
May –
Anti-Graft and Corruption Awareness Month
“Corruption drains the nation
and victimizes workers who build the nation.
Accountability now!”
Invoke Article 33 of the ILO Constitution
against the military junta in Myanmar
to carry out the recommendations of the 2021 ILO Commission of Inquiry
against serious violations of protocols of
Forced Labour and Freedom of Association.
Accept the National Unity Government (NUG)
of Myanmar. Reject Military!
#WearMask #WashHands
#Report Corruption #SearchPosts #TakePicturesVideos
May 1 – Labor Day
May 2 – World Freedom Day
May 12 – World Communication Day
May 15 – International Day of Families
May 16 – International Day of Living
Together in Peace
May 21 – World Day for Cultural Diversity
for Dialogue and Development
Monthly Observances:
The Month of the Ocean
Anti-Graft and Corruption Awareness Month
Volunteerism Month
Weekly Observances:
Week 2: Safe Motherhood Week
Daily Observances:
May 1: Labor Day
May 7: Health Worker’s Day
May 31: National Fisherfolks Day
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
