SINIMULAN na ng House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs ang pagdinig sa panukalang pagtatatag ng isang pension system para sa mga overseas Filipino worker (OFW) alinsunod sa atas ni Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez na magtrabaho kahit naka-break ang sesyon ng Kongreso.

“The hearing is 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,” ani Kabayan party-list Rep. Ron Salo, Chair ng House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs.

Sa pag-dinig ng komite nitong Oktubre 26, binigyang diin ni Salo ang kahalagahan na magkaroon ng hiwalay na social security at retirement system para sa mga OFWs.

“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,” ani Salo.

Inihayag ng Social Security System (SSS) sa mga mambabatas sa isinagawang pagdinig na 540,000 lamang sa kabuuang 1.3 milyong OFW ang nagbibigay ng kontribusyon.

Sinabi ni Salo na nais itong matugunan ng komite.

“We sought to identify the challenges faced by SSS in implementing mandatory coverage so that we can address them in the proposed measure,” paglalahad pa ng mambabatas.

“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,” dagdag pa ni Salo.

Bukod sa House Bill 8574 o ang Kabayan OFW Pension na akda ni Salo ay mayroon pang tatlong panukala na naglalayong magtayo ng pension system para sa mga OFW.

“We will consider the advice of 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,” ani Salo.

“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 Department of Foreign Affairs (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,” wika ni Salo.

“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,” pagtatapos ni Salo