ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

For ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo, scammers or criminals who prey on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families should be meted with harsh penalties.

With this in mind, Tulfo and some of his colleagues are set to file on Monday, Jan. 13 a House bill (HB) titled, “An Act Penalizing Fraud Against Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and Providing Penalties for Violation Thereof.”

“Kadalasan ang natatanggap naming sumbong ay mga OFW na binibiktima ng mga scammer lalo na tuwing uuwi sila sa Pilipinas. Sa halip na mapunta sa kanilang pamilya o iipunin ang perang pinaghirapan sa ibang bansa ay sa mga manloloko lamang napunta,” noted Tulfo, the House deputy majority leader for communication.

(The usual complaints we receive are about OFWs who get victimized by scammers especially when they go back home to the Philippines. Instead of going to their families or savings, their hard-earned money goes to the pockets of these fraudsters.)

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

“Kailangan na itong wakasan, kailangan natin ng batas na magpo-protekta sa mga OFW (We need to put an end to this, we need a law that would protect OFWs)," said the popular broadcaster-turned-congressman. 

“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,” the as yet unnumbered measure read.

Those proven guilty of defrauding OFWs will face a minimum fine of ₱10 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 stated.

“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 read.

Joining Tulfo in filing the proposed legislation are ACT-CIS Party-list Reps. Edvic Yap and Jocelyn Tulfo, Benguet lone district Rep. Eric Yap, and Quezon City 2nd district Rep. Ralph Wendel Tulfo.