Hearing on OFWs pension system starts
UPON instruction of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, the House committee on overseas welfare affairs chaired by Kabayan Partylist Rep. Ron P. Salo has commenced a hearing on the proposed measures for the creation of a pension system exclusively tailored for them.
“The hearing is consistent with the government’s thrust and underscores the guidance of House Speaker Martin G. Romualdez, who recognizes the invaluable contributions of OFWs to our nation,” Salo said.
In a hearing on October 26, Salo underscored the creation of a separate and dedicated social security and retirement system specifically for OFWs consistent with OFWs’ aspiration which they expressed during Salo’s consultations.
“One of the central pillars of this initiative is the intention to address the social protection needed by our modern-day heroes. This pension program seeks to provide them with a lasting solution for social security and welfare,” Salo said.
During the hearing, the Social Security System (SSS) revealed that only around 540,000 are active contributing members of the 1.3 million covered OFWs despite its compulsory coverage. Salo stressed that this is an area that requires immediate attention.
“We sought to identify the challenges faced by SSS in implementing mandatory coverage so that we can address them in the proposed measure,” Salo stated.
“While the amended SSS law requires OFWs to be mandatorily covered and treated as self-employed members, our OFWs clamor for a distinct pension system exclusively designed for them—a framework that acknowledges their unique circumstances, vulnerabilities, and contributions to our nation’s growth,” Salo added.
In the hearing, Salo sponsored HB No. 8574, or the Kabayan OFW Pension bill. Three more bills with the same subject were also initially deliberated.
“We will consider the advice of DFA on the portability and exportability of social security rights, such that our OFWs will be able to carry their social security rights even if they move or work in another country, and that they will be able to receive their benefits abroad even if they are no longer working in the country where they earned their benefits. We will make sure that the system will be accessible, sustainable, and that its risks will be managed well,” Salo mentioned.
“The House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs draws strength from the notable support of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), as well as various OFW groups such as the Philippine Professionals Organization-Qatar and OFWs Movement for Rural Reform and Development (OFW-MRRD) for the creation of an OFW Pension System,” Salo said.
“By establishing the Kabayan OFW Pension System (KOPS), the government takes a significant step towards safeguarding the rights and welfare of OFWs. It is a testament to our dedication to protecting and empowering our modern-day heroes, who have contributed so significantly to our nation’s progress,” Salo concluded.
