House approves bill expanding legal aid for OFWs on 2nd reading
THE House of Representatives under the leadership of Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez has taken a significant step forward in enhancing the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) by approving House Bill (HB) No. 9305, an act expanding the use of the Legal Assistance Fund (LAF) and the Agarang Kalinga at Saklolo Para sa mga OFWs na Nangangailangan (AKSYON) Fund, on its second reading.
Among the principal authors and sponsor of the bill is Kabayan Partylist Rep. Ron P. Salo, chairman of the House committee on overseas workers affairs.
“In its current form, the rules on the use of the Legal Assistance Fund (LAF) provide that it may be used on appeal, or until the finality of a decision and other services related thereto or for the settlement of civil liability. This means that the use of the Fund is only optional and subject to the decision of the DFA. This causes delay in the provision of immediate assistance to OFWs in distress,” Salo said.
“On the other hand, the AKSYON Fund is currently available only to OFWs in distress who is a party to a civil, criminal, or labor dispute at the host country. Thus, it cannot be utilized by an OFW who seeks to initiate a complaint against erring employers abroad,” Salo added.
“Thus, this bill seeks to clarify that both the LAF and AKSYON Fund shall be immediately, and at all times, available to all Overseas Filipinos and migrant workers in distress from the time of commencement of the complaint, action or similar proceeding, until promulgation and execution of judgment, and at all levels of appeal,” Salo explained.
“The expanded scope of the LAF and the AKSYON Fund now includes support for labor complaints against exploitative employers and legal actions against individuals in host countries,” Salo said.
“Further, the bill clarifies the roles of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in providing legal assistance to Filipino nationals abroad. Underlining a clear demarcation, the bill designates the DFA’s responsibility for overseeing the well-being of overseas Filipinos while entrusting the DMW with the specific task of extending legal support to OFWs,” Salo said.
Salo expressed optimism about its potential impact on OFWs, stating, “once this bill is enacted, it will undoubtedly assist numerous OFWs by guiding them through the entire legal process, with the government’s support from initial filing up to the filing of appeals, if necessary, until the conclusion of all subsequent legal proceedings.”
The passage of the bill on second reading signifies a huge stride towards strengthening legal support for OFWs, ensuring that they receive adequate legal assistance and protection throughout their employment abroad.
Salo said he is hopeful that the bill will soon be enacted into law.
