House of Representatives (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

The proposed law creation a separate and dedicated social security and retirement system specifically for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) has begun to move forward in the House of Representatives. 

Tackled during the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs' hearing Thursday, Oct. 26 was House Bill (HB) No. 8574, or the Kabayan OFW Pension bill. 

Kabayan Party-list Rep. Ron Salo, chairman of the panel, penned and filed the measure. 

“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,” said Salo, who sponsored the bill during the hearing. 

“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,” he said. 

It was during the proceedings that the panel learned from the Social Security System (SSS) that only around 540,000 were active contributing members of the 1.3 million covered OFWs despite its compulsory coverage. 

Salo says 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,” he said. 

“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 noted. 

Three more bills similar to HB No. 8574 was taken up by the panel. 

“We will consider the advice of Department of Foreign Affairs (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,” the Kabayan lawmaker said. 

“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 [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.
 

He said that Thursday's hearing was "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".