By Mona Lagbas
March 8, 2025, Lion City, Singapore_Overwhelming cheers, tight hugs, selfies and ear-to ear smiles from Overseas Filipino Workers greeted Senator Bong Revilla during his short but endearing visit to this island nation.
Foremost in Senator Revilla's itinerary was to personally ascertain the OFWs well-being and to discuss with and consult them about Revilla's enacted laws, legislative bills and advocacies.
Hundreds of OFWs gathered to heartily thank Senator Revilla for his visit and his inwavering support for our modern-day heroes. Despite his limited time, Senator Revilla dedicated precious moments with our countrymen living and working in Singapore.
"Ang mga sakripisyo ng ating OFW ay hindi matutumbasan, ang kanilang pagsisikap ay nagsisilbing pundasyon ng pag-unlad ng ating bayan-sila ang tunay na makabagong bayani. Narito tayo hindi lang upang makasama sila kundi upang mas mapakinggan pa ang kanilang mga pangangailangan at tiyakin na may gobyernong nagmamalasakit sa kanila," ani ng senador. (The sacrifices of our OFWs cannot be taken for granted, their hard work serve as the foundation for our economy-they are our new heroes. We are here to listen and respond to their needs and make sure that the government commiserates with them)
Bong Revilla also met with the leaders of several organisations of OFWs and consulted with them as part of his initiatives in the Senate. Revilla pointed out his enacted laws which benefit many Filipinos like the "Kabalikat Sa Pagtuturo Act (RA 11997), "Anti-No Permit, No Exam Policy Act (RA 11984), "Free College Entrance Examination Act(RA 12006), "Expanded Centenarians Act(RA 11982) and "Permanent Validity of the Certificates of Birth, Death and Marriage Act" (RA11909).
Senator Bong Revilla also shared his consistent advocacy for the rights and welfare of OFWs as one of the authors of RA 110002 also known as the "Migrant and Overseas Filipinos Act of 2009". This law provides protection of OFWs who sek better opportunities abroad. Revilla also co-authored RA 11641 which created the Department of Migrant Workers.
In addition, as part of Revilla's support for OFWs wherever they may be situated, he has filed Senate Bill Number (SBN) 1512 known as the "Bagong Bayani Ward Act" which requires all public hospitals to provide ward exclusively for OFWs. Because their hard-earned money sent to their families also boost our economy, Senator Bong Revilla filed SBN 985 which aims to protect the OFWs' remittances against unscrupulous syndicates. Under SBN 265 or the "Overseas Filipino Workers Credit Assistance Bill" that he also filed, Revilla noted the financial hardships that aspiring OFWs encounter just to work abroad. This bill aims to provide credit to this sector at only 6 percent per year which can be repaid in either 12 or 24 months schemes.
On the other hand, in SBN 1280, Revilla wants that under Philhealth, laboratory, diagnostic, and other tests will be free of charge for all OFWs.
On Sunday, Senator Revilla had an instant meet and greet session with OFWs at the Lucky Plaza Mall at Orchard Road, who thanked him and manifested their support for the senator in the midterm polls this May. At this event, as a compassionate public servant, Revilla listened to their stories, answered their queries, and imparted his message for unity and peace.
"Napakasarap sa pakiramdam na madama ang pagmamahal at suporta ng ating mga kababayan dito sa Singapore. Lalo nitong pinatatatag ang aking paninindigan na patuloy na pagsilbihan at ipaglaban ang kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan, saan mang panic ng mundo," Saad ni Bong Revilla. (It really feels good to feel the love and support of our countrymen here in Singapore and it inspires me to strive more with my commitment to further serve and fight for the welfare of our OFWs, wherever they may be abroad).
Revilla's visit reaffirms the bond between the senator and the OFWs. Despite the distance, the OFWs warmly
welcomed the senator and affirmed their support in gratitude of the senator's compassion for and selfless service to them. Before leaving, Senator Revilla wholeheartedly appreciated the warm reception and assured the OFWs of his support for their needs and success abroad.
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