Addressing Filipino community leaders on Sept. 25, former OWWA administrator Rebecca J. Calzado announced that a law signed on May 31 this year by former president Benigno S. Aquino III made the US$25 members' contribution valid for two years, unlike in the past when an OFW had to pay the fee for each employment contract processed.
“Which therefore means, if you are prematurely terminated, your membership is still good for two years,” sabi ni Calzado.
Under OWWA Act 108001, longtime members will also be entitled to a rebate “Those of you that have made a minimum contribution of 10 years, pero hindi pa siya naka-avail ni minsan sa benefits ng OWWA, meron kayong rebates,” Calzado said.
However, she cautioned that the new law still needs implementing guidelines, which in turn, would require a consultation among stakeholders on how the rebate program could be put into effect.
Another benefit provided under the new law is the increase in the number of OFW representatives in the OWWA Board of Trustees. OFWs, both land-based and sea-based, will now have two representatives each, instead of just one. - Gina N. Ordona
