Press Release
February 23, 2008

Jinggoy cites merits of creating OFW hospital

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada remains optimistic that soon Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) would have their own hospital, to attend to health needs specific to migrant workers and stand as monument for their heroism.

Estrada, concurrent chair of Senate Committee on Labor, Employment and Human Resources Development and of Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on Labor and Employment, says the proposed hospital becomes reasonable if only to assist OFWs amidst the negative impact of rising value of peso against the dollar.

"Our migrant workers have been suffering economically, socially, physically. The government must initiate policies in order to assist them in whichever way possible," Estrada asserts.

Under the proposed creation of OFW hospital, comprehensive health care service shall be available to all migrant workers who are regular OWWA contributors and their legal dependents.

Estrada also noted the opinion by Migrante, an international migrant workers' organization, which concurs with the provision on budget appropriations coming from National Treasury, which would leave no room for imposing additional payments to leaving labor force.

Section Four of Senate Bill 421 also gives OFW hospital the task of ensuring that all outgoing workers would all be physically and psychologically fit before working abroad.

As cited by Migrante, this mechanism could "break control of private clinics that are monopolizing required medical examination for the most expensive fees."

Furthermore, the facility once built would complement Medical Care Program so as to include preventive, promotive, diagnostic and rehabilitative programs.

Estrada nevertheless conceded that still many issues need to be ironed out and resolved in the next committee hearing scheduled on February 27 such as opening it to OFWs who are non-OWWA members, cost-effectiveness, and decentralization to reach provincial levels among others.

The eldest son of former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada also cited that the structure would at the very minimum serve as an edifice of country's appreciation towards their sacrifice of leaving loved ones behind to sustain a decent living for family and for the entire national economy.

The public hearing is set to tackle Senate Bill 421 by Estrada, Senate Bill 938 by Sen. Loren Legarda and Senate Bill 1000 by Senate President Manny Villar.

Invited to attend are DOLE Secretary Arturo Brion, DOF Sec. Margarito Teves, DOH Sec. Francisco Duque III, DSWD Sec. Esperanza Cabral, OWWA Administrator Marianito Roque and POEA Administrator Rosalinda Baldoz.

In addition, Ms. Lorna Fajardo of PhilHealth, Ms. Connie Regalado of Migrante International, Ms. Ellene Sana of Center for Migrant Advocacy and Dr. Romeo Encanto of Philippine Medical Association are included in the guests list.

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