The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) said that securing the retirement benefits of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) will help uplift their standard of living and ensure their future.

Thus, the CHR gave its full support to House Bill (HB) No. 00176 or the "Overseas Filipino Workers Retirement System Act" which is authored by SAGIP Partylist Rep. Rodante D. Marcoleta and Rep. Caroline L. Tanchay.

The bill seeks to implement a retirement system that provides OFWs retirement benefits, dependent's pension, voluntary separation benefits, and a set retirement fund to support these benefits and similar gratuities.

The CHR said that another similar proposed piece of legislation, HB 8574 or the "Kabayan OFW Pension Act," was introduced by KABAYAN Partylist Rep. Ron P. Salo. The bill aims to provide social security and retirement system for OFWs who "find themselves without adequate protection in the twilight of their years." The bill also seeks to "promote social justice and provide adequate protection to the OFWs and their dependents against the risks of old-age, disability, sickness, death, unemployment, and other contingencies."

The two proposed legislations, the CHR said, also take into consideration the unique circumstances of OFWs, especially with regards to their social pension.

The Social Security System (SSS), for example, is voluntary in nature and only matures at the age of 60, and does not allow for early retirement or voluntary separation benefits, which OFWs often deal with, it said.

The enactment of the two bills into a law is a concrete way of giving thanks to migrant workers, the country's modern-day heroes, and their families for all their hard work and sacrifices, it said.

"CHR recognizes the array of challenges Filipino migrants workers face, including improper compensation, non-payment of wages, and even job loss," the CHR said. "At the same time, because of the need to support their families at home, their earnings usually go to payment of debts, children's education, and living expenses among others," it added..

It cited that only a small portion, about one percent, of OFW's earnings goes to personal cash savings, while five percent goes to capital for business. Because of their many burdens and responsibilities, as well as the contractual nature of most jobs held by OFWs, the CHR said that they become vulnerable to many risks, including reduced employability.

"To this end, the proposed bills—HB 00176 and HB 8574—are seen as steps toward fulfilling the government's obligation to uphold the people's right to social security," the CHR said.

"It is high-time for the government to give back and protect OFWs, not only from the risks and vulnerabilities while working abroad, but also from the challenges that they will continue to face back home after helping their families and the country to progress economically.," it added.