OFW Ward Act of 2025

Senate Offier of the ecretary TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE AU6 27 P2:26 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session ) RECEIVED BY: SENATE S. No. 1290 Introduced by Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" T. Go AN ACT ESTABLISHING HOSPITAL WARDS DEDICATED TO OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS AND THEIR DEPENDENTS TO BE KNOWN AS THE "OFW WARD" IN EVERY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - RETAINED HOSPITAL, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES EXPLANATORY NOTE Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) are hailed as "modern-day heroes" not only for their invaluable contribution to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but also for their unparalleled dedication and selflessness of having to leave their families behind just to uplift the quality of lives of their loved ones. In February 2025 alone, personal remittances reached US$3.02 billion, reflecting a 2.6 percent increase from the previous year. This consistent inflow of remittances continues to support millions of Filipino households and stimulates local economies across the country.1 However, despite their economic significance and social impact, many OFWs face limited access to timely, affordable, and specialized healthcare services, both during their deployment abroad and after their return to the Philippines. Physical exhaustion, exposure to hazardous working environments, psychosocial stress, and 'https://pco.gov.ph/news_releases/neda-lauds-rise-in-ofw-feb-2025-remittances/

lack of access to regular medical check-ups make them vulnerable to a range of health issues. For many, seeking treatment abroad is either cost-prohibitive or inaccessible due to employer restrictions, insurance limitations, or discriminatory policies in host countries. This situation reveals a glaring gap in our public health infrastructure. In light of these unpleasant circumstances faced by our OFWs and their families, we must take necessary steps to ensure their safety and well-being. This bill seeks to establish an OFW ward in every Department of Health-retained hospital. This OFW Ward shall be for the exclusive use of OFWs and their dependents who are in need of hospital confinement by reason of their health conditions. Through the establishment of wards dedicated to OFWs, they will be guaranteed of immediate and efficient health care services. In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is most earnestly sought. SENATOR CHRISTOPHER LAWRENCE "BONG" T. GO

Senate Dince of the sortetare TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 25 AUG 27 P2:26 REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES ) First Regular Session ) RECEIVED BY: SENATE S No. 1290 Introduced By Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" T. GO AN ACT ESTABLISHING HOSPITAL WARDS DEDICATED TO OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS AND THEIR DEPENDENTS TO BE KNOWN AS THE "OFW WARD" IN EVERY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH - RETAINED HOSPITAL, APPROPRIATING FUNDS THEREFOR AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as "OFW Ward Act of 2025."

Sec. 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is hereby declared the policy of the State to

protect and promote the health of the people. Furthermore, the health of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who are considered as our nation's modern-day heroes shall be protected, upheld and promoted. Undeniably contributing much to our country, the State shall endeavor to maintain their good health and well-being.

Sec. 3. Establishment. - Throughout the country, there shall be established an

OFW ward in every Department of Health-retained hospital. The OFW Ward shall be for the exclusive use of OFWs and their dependents who are in need of hospital confinement by reason of their health conditions. However, when urgency of public

necessity purposes so requires, such OFW Ward may be used for emergency purposes, after which, it shall be reverted to its nature as OFW ward. The DOH shall determine the number of beds in these OFW Wards based on the distribution of OFWs in their respective catchment areas. The DOH-retained Hospitals shall establish their patient flow and shall identify their respective units or focal persons to ensure positive patient experience.

Sec. 4. Eligibility. - This Act shall cover all OFWs and their dependents,

including, but not limited to the following: land-based OFWs, seafarers and other sea- based workers: Provided, That dependents shall refer to their parents, legal spouse, legitimate, illegitimate, legitimated, and legally adopted child, who is unmarried, not gainfully employed, and not over 18 years old, or is over 18 years old but incapacitated and incapable of self-support due to a mental or physical defect.

Sec. 5. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within six (6) months from the

effectivity of this Act, the Department of Health (DOH) shall, in coordination with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and other concerned government departments and agencies, with the participation of the Local Government Units (LGUs), promulgate rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this Act.

Sec. 6. Appropriations. The amount necessary for the immediate

implementation of this Act shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Sec. 7. Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any provision of this Act is

declared unconstitutional or invalid, parts of provisions of this Act that are not affected shall continue to be in full force and effect.

Sec. 8. Repealing Clause. - All laws, executive orders, presidential decrees,

Implementing Rules and Regulations inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Sec. 9. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its

publication in the Official Gazette or in two (2) newspapers of general circulation. Approved,