MANILA – A measure proposing a standard handbook on the rights and responsibilities of Filipino migrant workers has hurdled the committee level at the House of Representatives.
The House committee on overseas workers affairs has approved a substitute bill, which aims to empower overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) by informing them about their rights and responsibilities, a statement issued Thursday said.
The bill, also known as the "Handbook for OFWs Act of 2018,” mandates the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to develop, publish, disseminate and update periodically a handbook for migrant workers as provided by Philippine laws and the existing labor and social laws of the countries of destination, to protect and guarantee their rights.
The POEA shall also be the lead agency in implementing an intensified program against illegal recruitment activities.
The POEA shall provide a comprehensive gender-sensitive Pre-employment Orientation Seminars that will discuss topics not only on the prevention of illegal recruitment but also on the content of the handbook on the rights and responsibilities of migrant workers.
The bill also provides that the handbook shall be written in simple words that can be easily understood with translation in local language as may be necessary. (PNA)
