Senate OKs bill strengthening support for returning OFWs

The Senate has approved on third and final reading a bill seeking to expand government assistance for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) returning to the Philippines.

Senate Bill 2423, or the proposed Bagong Balikbayang Manggagawa Act, secured 17 affirmative votes, with no objections or abstentions.

The measure aims to establish a sustainable reintegration system that will help returning OFWs and their families transition to life in the Philippines.

It seeks to expand access to education, skills training, psychosocial services, livelihood assistance, entrepreneurship programs and employment opportunities.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) welcomed the approval, saying the proposed law would strengthen support for OFWs beyond their overseas employment.

"The passage of the Bagong Balikbayang Manggagawa Act is an important step to ensure that our services for OFWs continue until their return—through care, knowledge, livelihood, employment, and opportunities for them and their families," Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said.

The DMW also thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for certifying the measure as urgent.

A counterpart measure has already passed the House of Representatives on third and final reading.

Cacdac also met with Senate Committee on Migrant Workers chairperson Raffy Tulfo and Sen. Joel Villanueva to discuss further legislative measures aimed at protecting OFWs and improving their welfare.