P1-billion OFW fund sought

MANILA, Philippines - Las Piñas City Rep. Mark Villar has sought more protection and assistance for overseas Filipino workers due to the increasing number of OFWs in distress.

Citing latest figures from the Department of Labor and Employment, Villar said 2,283 OFWs and their children were repatriated last year from strife-torn Syria and Egypt as well as from Saudi Arabia alone.

The lawmaker filed House Bill 2820, which seeks to create a P1- billion Special Assistance Fund for OFWs in distress.

Under the bill, 30 percent of the total fund shall be allotted to a livelihood training program or re-training of returning OFWs in new skills.

The remainder of the fund shall be utilized for various contingencies, including repatriation; medical expenses, hospitalization and purchase of medicines in the form of vouchers for six months from arrival; migration fees; legal assistance including litigation expenses; translation fees; payment of blood money; and basic necessities of OFWs caught in emergencies or when detained.