(Eagle News)—President Rodrigo Duterte has signed the OFW Handbook bill into law.
Based on the law signed on Feb. 22 but released only on Saturday, March 2, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration shall develop, publish, disseminate and update a handbook that will contain the responsibilities and rights of Overseas Filipino Workers.
The handbook, which will be given for free to OFWs, whether sea-based or land-based, shall also provide them with basic information on their country of destination in order to empower them in the global marketplace.
“The handbook shall be written in simple words that can be easily understood with translation in local language as may be necessary,” the Senate version authored by Senator Manny Pacquiao said.
The POEA, Department of Labor and Employment, and the Department of Foreign Affairs shall protect the rights of OFWs and promote their welfare under the law.
“Our migrant workers are vulnerable to abuses. We do not want them to be powerless,” Pacquiao had said.