Vice President Jejomar Binay on Thursday ordered the suspension of the implementation of the six-month advance payment to the Home Development Mutual Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund) recently required among OFWs as a pre-condition to their departure.
Binay ordered the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and Pag-IBIG to suspend the order on Thursday, saying that there is a need for a “thorough study and more consultations” with the affected sectors before it should be implemented.
He also stressed that the government should be of help to OFWs and not be a burden to them.
“What is important is that government should assist our OFWs and should not be seen as further imposing burdens on them,” Binay said.
“Aside from reviewing the legal basis for the order, the concerned government agencies should hold more consultations with the affected sectors. There should be transparency in the process,” he added.
“There are benefits to be derived from Pag-IBIG membership and this should be explained fully to our OFWs.”
Earlier, the POEA issued Memorandum Circular No. 06, Series of 2010 on July 7, requiring OFWs to pay P600 for six months as a compulsory contribution to the Pag-IBIG Fund. The payment of the said amount is also a prerequisite to the issuance of their Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC).
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