Senator Villanueva proposes OFW Remittance Protection Act

Senator Joel Villanueva sponsored Senate Bill No. (SBN) 1917 or the proposed Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) Remittance Protection Act during Tuesday’s plenary session.

SBN 1917 seeks to ensure that the money sent home by overseas Filipino workers reaches their families without being reduced by excessive fees, hidden charges, or unfair exchange rates.

Villanueva, in his sponsorship speech, emphasized that remittances are more than just economic figures since they represent tuition, medicine, food, and the daily survival of millions of Filipino households.

He called on fellow senators to support the measure, stressing that protecting OFW remittances is a matter of justice and a duty to safeguard the sacrifices of modern-day heroes.

Senator JV Ejercito also manifested his intention to be made co-author of the measure, emphasizing his long-standing advocacy for the welfare of OFWs.

He underscored that migrant workers, who tirelessly contribute to the nation’s economy through their remittances, deserve accessible and affordable financial services.

Senator Robinhood Padilla also expressed his full support for the passage of the bill, stressing that the measure will safeguard the hard-earned earnings of OFWs from excessive fees, inefficiencies, and unfair practices that could delay or reduce the money intended for tuition, medicine, and housing for their families.

“Ang ating mga bagong bayani ang haligi ng maraming pamilyang Pilipino at ang buhay na dugo ng ating ekonomiya. Batid nating lahat na hindi lamang galing, pagod, at pangungulila ang puhunan ng ating mga OFWs kundi pati na rin ang kanilang buhay, pamilya, at kaligayahan,” Padilla said.

Senator Mark Villar also joined his colleagues in supporting the bill.

In his co-sponsorship speech, Villar noted that remittances reached $35.63 billion in 2025, accounting for 7.3 percent of the country’s GDP, and emphasized that these contributions must be protected from unfair fees and inefficiencies.

Villar also welcomed the inclusion of strict safeguards for financial institutions and the provision of free financial literacy programs for OFWs and their families. He said these measures will help ensure long-term stability and security for millions of Filipino households.

Senator Camille Villar said that remittances from OFWs are not just financial transactions but lifelines built on sacrifice.

Villar said every dollar sent home carries the weight of missed birthdays, long hours, and deferred dreams, and that protecting these remittances from unfair fees and inefficiencies is a moral duty.

-Paraluman News