This refers to the story “OFWs ask OWWA: Where’s our money?” (Inquirer, 8/28/ 09)

Migrante-Middle East asked why OWWA does not use its emergency repatriation fund for the repatriation of stranded/distressed overseas Filipino workers.

To clarify, Sec. 15 of Republic Act 8042 directs OWWA to tap the fund in “cases of war, epidemic, disasters or calamities, natural or man-made, and other similar events without prejudice to reimbursement by the responsible principal or agency.” The law is therefore clear: the fund cannot be used for purposes other than the above. In these instances, OWWA, in coordination with international organizations, repatriates OFWs, regardless of their status, just like what happened during the Gulf wars and the Lebanon conflict.

As a welfare agency, OWWA extends social services for the welfare and protection of its members and families. On site, however, it does not make any distinction on whether an OFW is a registered member or not. Under the one-country team approach, our welfare offices abroad provide shelter, board, medicine, beddings, counseling services, etc. for every stranded worker, whether OWWA member or not, seeking help from the Philippine mission. We facilitate their repatriation by negotiating with the employer for the issuance of the worker’s exit permit and coordinating with immigration authorities for his/her exit clearance. However, under the law again, OWWA cannot shoulder the airfare of non-registered members using the regular repatriation fund of the agency; the Assistance to Nationals Unit of the Department of Foreign Affairs shoulders the air travel costs.

Upon arrival, OWWA extends to the OFWs assistance services, facilitates immigration clearances, and provides temporary accommodation and domestic transportation without distinguishing members from non-members.

OWWA has advanced the repatriation costs of hundreds of stranded and distressed workers (whose recruitment agencies could not produce the air tickets on time)—but for reimbursement by the responsible agency. Our mandate is clear to us; we therefore never renege on our obligations under the law.

We welcome and appreciate the kind assistance extended by some individuals and private groups in repatriating distressed OFWs who unfortunately left the country without registering through the legal government channel. OWWA coordinates closely with them every step of the repatriation process.

Regarding the reported increase in the number of runaways in the Middle East, we reiterate our advice to our OFWs: immediately contact the nearest embassy, consulate or Philippine Overseas Labor Office at the first instance of trouble or problem with the employer. Our Philippine mission will help prevent their situation from graduating into an immigration case.

Lastly, we would like to assure legitimate OWWA members that the trust fund is intact and that disbursements are carried out in accordance with the law and the mandate of the agency.

—CARMELITA S. DIMZON,
administrator,
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration