Stricter sanctions eyed vs scammers targeting OFWs

Scammers victimizing overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families should be slapped with harsher penalties and imprisonment.

This was revealed Sunday by House Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo and his colleagues from the ACT-CIS party list as they gear up to file a House Bill titled: “An Act Penalizing Fraud Against Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Providing Penalties for Violation Thereof” on Monday, 13 January.

Tulfo will be joined in filing the proposed legislation by ACT-CIS Representatives Edvic Yap and Jocelyn Tulfo, Benguet Representative Eric Yap, and Quezon City 2nd District Representative Ralph Wendel Tulfo.

According to the solon, they mostly received complaints from OFWs that are victimized by scammers whenever they go home in the Philippines.

“Instead of giving it to their families or saving the money they earned working abroad usually end up to the scammers,” Tulfo added.

The OFWs are often scammed through business investments such as networking or lending schemes, educational plans for their children and housing programs.

This scam should be put to an end and it will be controlled once a law is passed to protect OFWs.

“This Act, known as the ‘overseas Filipino worker Protection Against Fraud Act of 2025,’ recognizes the invaluable contributions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to national development and aims to protect their hard-earned income from exploitation and abuse,” as stated in the proposed bill.

Those proven guilty of defrauding OFWs will face a minimum fine of P10 million and imprisonment of 20 years to life imprisonment.

“The Act enforces significant penalties for offenders, including hefty fines and imprisonment, while emphasizing restitution so that victims of fraud can recover their financial losses,” the bill states.

“This comprehensive approach highlights the government’s dedication to safeguarding the welfare of OFWs and securing their financial stability, fostering an environment where they can contribute to national development without fear of exploitation. This Act represents a vital step toward empowering OFWs and protecting their hard-earned income,” it further emphasizes.

Tulfo added that it is time to put an end to the scams targeting OFWs, as they often end up empty-handed after falling victim to fraudsters.