MANILA – The Philippine Senate on Monday approved a series of bills covering OFW protection, law enforcement accountability, veterans’ recognition, and citizenship for foreign athletes, signaling lawmakers’ commitment to social welfare and transparency.
Among the approved measures is Senate Bill No. 1917, or the Overseas Filipino Workers’ Remittance Protection Act, which regulates fees charged on remittances and prevents abusive practices by banks and money transfer agencies. The Department of Finance, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and the Department of Migrant Workers will oversee fee standards and ensure full disclosure in foreign exchange transactions.
“This law ensures that the money our OFWs send home reaches their families safely and without unfair deductions,” said Senator Joel Villanueva.
Senate Bill No. 1910 was also approved, mandating financial education programs for OFWs and their families. The initiative includes pre-departure and post-arrival orientation seminars to guide migrant workers in handling earnings and avoiding scams. Senator Raffy Tulfo noted that the bill strengthens efforts to protect OFWs beyond their physical safety.
To improve law enforcement accountability, Senate Bill No. 1908 requires officers to wear body cameras during operations, covering the Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito highlighted that the measure benefits both civilians and officers by documenting operations and preventing corruption claims.
Education in remote communities also received a boost with the passage of Senate Bill No. 1937, the GIDA Schools Act. According to Senator Loren Legarda, the law ensures that schools in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas are accessible, safe, and adequately resourced. A National GIDA Schools Mapping System will support infrastructure planning and policy interventions.
Other Senate approvals included Senate Bill No. 1719, declaring April as “Philippine Veterans’ Month,” and House Bills Nos. 6640 and 6641, granting citizenship to basketball players Maodo Diouf and Elizabeth Jeanette Means so they can compete for the Philippines in international sports.
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