Grace Poe: Indemnify, Assist Displaced OFWs

Illegally terminated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) must be entitled to their remaining salaries for the unserved periods of their contracts violated by employers, aside from reimbursement of placement fees with interest. The Philippine government must also support their recovery. This is the assertion of Sen. Grace Poe's Senate Bill 2162, which seeks to amend Republic Act 10022 or the amendment to the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipino Act of 1995.

"It is our duty to protect our modern-day heroes who have contributed significantly to the survival of our economy. The sacrifices they make should not be taken for granted," Poe said in her introductory note.

Under Poe's bill, the Department of Labor and Employment shall provide new skills training and retraining, livelihood and technology assistance, seminars for microfinance assistance, and similar opportunities for displaced OFWs.

The proposed measure also seeks to entitle the OFW to his full salaries for the unexpired portion of his employment contract, instead of the current option for merely three months' pay for every year of the unserved period.

According to the latest survey by the National Statistics Office, the number of OFWs is estimated at 2.2 million.

Poe has advocated for poverty alleviation particularly by providing vital support to the vulnerable sectors, including Filipino migrant workers.