OFW ID system in the works

A Global Identification System for the millions of documented Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), aimed at providing seamless access to government services and other safeguards is in the offing once a proposed measure in the House of Representatives is approved.

OFW Family party-list Rep. Juan Johnny R. Revilla filed House Bill (HB) 5539 that seeks the issuance of an identification card for all OFWs.

"In recognition therefore of the valuable contributions of our OFWs in sustaining our country's financial stability, they should be protected from unnecessary abuse and exploitation for the duration of their employment overseas. This bill then obligates the issuance of an OFW Card that will serve as the primary and only identification card for all OFWs as well as the linkages to various government agencies where the OFW can access their services," he said in filing the measure.

There are an estimated 10 million OFWs worldwide.

HB 5539 provides that the Philippine government, through the participation of several government agencies shall institute an Identification System covering all OFWs.

The OFW ID System shall produce an OFW Card which will serve as the primary and only identification card for all OFWs, it said.

The measure also provides that a machine- readable OFW Card shall be issued in the Philippines through Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) for all new OFWs prior to departure to country of employment.

The POEA is mandated to coordinate with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) through its Philippine Overseas Labor Offices, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) through its Migrants Affairs Office and Philippine Statistics Authority, Social Security System (SSS), PAG-IBIG Fund and Phil-Health.

Revilla said the OFW card shall be linked with the SSS, PAG-IBIG Fund and Phil-Health systems so that the worker can have access to his or her contribution summary and premium payments.