MANILA, Philippines – Hinimok ni Tingog Partylist Rep. Jude Acidre, chairman ng House Committee on Higher and Technical Education na madaliin ang Bagong Balikbayan Act upang ito ay agad mapakinabangan ng mga papauwing OFW.
Binigyang diin ng mambabatas na maraming mga OFW ang umuuwi na siyang nag-udyok upang manawagan kay Senate President Tito Sotto na madaliin ang pagpapasa ng naturang panukalang batas.
Ang naturanng Bagong Balikbayan Act ay inakda ni dating House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez na kamakailan lamang ay naaprubahan sa Kamara.
“The timing underscores the urgency of institutionalizing programs that help OFWs transition back into local employment, entrepreneurship, and community life after years of working abroad.
Nakapaloob sa House Bill (HB) No. 6643 o ang Bagong Balikbayan Act ay nagsusulong na magkaroon ng “reintegration services, expand access to livelihood assistance, and provide a more predictable support system for returning migrant workers and their families.”
Ani Acidre sa madaliang pagpapasa ng panukala ay matutugunan ng Kongreso ang mga sakripisyo ng OFWs dahil sa ipinatutupad na reporma.
“The bill was approved by the House on December 16, 2025 and transmitted to the Senate the following day, positioning it for early Senate action as the government braces for a new wave of returning workers seeking employment, livelihood opportunities, and family support.”
Sinabi pa ng mambabatas na siya ring chairman ng House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs noong 19th Congress na ang napapanahong pagsasabatas sa panukala ay tugon din sa “recurring reality faced by many OFW families at the start of every year.”
“Every first quarter of the year thank you, we see OFWs come home with plans to rebuild their lives,” Acidre said. “This bill ensures they are not left to navigate that transition alone, but are met with clear pathways to work, livelihood, and family stability.” (Meliza Maluntag)
