Some OFWs from Libya unable to claim P10,000 financial aid

MANILA, Philippines -  Some returning Filipino workers from Libya were unable to claim the P10,000 financial grant from the government because of their failure to present proof that they came from the protest-wracked country.

Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz explained yesterday that there are accounting and auditing rules that the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) should follow before releasing financial assistance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to be sure that they are indeed repatriates from Libya.

But Baldoz gave assurance that those who have all the necessary requirements may file their claim with OWWA even if they are already in the provinces.

She said it would be better for repatriates to file their claim at the soonest possible time because the processing will be on a first come-first serve basis.

She added that OFWs should immediately contact the nearest OWWA regional office for assistance in preparing the documents needed for the release of the P10,000 allotted to them.

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regional office in Bicol reported that it had released the financial assistance for OFWs who returned from Libya.

DOLE Bicol regional director Alvin Villamor said the returning OFWs can now claim their P10,000 at OWWA field offices in Region 5.

Repatriates staying in Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate and Catanduanes can file their claims in Legazpi City while those from Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte can file claims at OWWA Satellite Office, 3rd Floor Raul S. Roco Bldg., City Hall compound, Naga City.

Those from Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte are advised to go directly to the OWWA regional office in Legaspi City on Fridays to personally claim the fund assistance.