Administrative Order No. 215, Entitled "Taking Strong and Clear Action for Overseas Filipino Workers with Immediate Benefit"

January 28, 2008 BLGF MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 001-08 TO : All BLGF Officials and Employees, Regional Directors for Local Government Finance, District Treasurers of Metropolitan Manila; Provincial, City and Municipal Treasurers and Others Concerned SUBJECT : Administrative Order No. 215, Entitled "Taking Strong and Clear Action for Overseas Filipino Workers with Immediate Benefit." For the information and guidance of all concerned, attached is a copy of Administrative Order No. 215 dated December 17, 2007, of the Office of the President entitled "Taking Strong and Clear Action for Overseas Filipino Workers with Immediate Benefit." The Order seeks to take strong and clear action for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with immediate benefit. More specifically, the Order seeks to adopt mechanisms on reviewing and strengthening laws, policies and programs addressing OFW rights and employment conditions. Be guided accordingly. (SGD.) MA. PRESENTACION R. MONTESA Executive Director ATTACHMENT December 17, 2007 ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 215 TAKING STRONG AND CLEAR ACTION FOR OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS WITH IMMEDIATE BENEFIT WHEREAS, there is need to take strong and clear action for Overseas Filipino Workers with immediate benefit, cDTaSH I, GLORIA M. ARROYO, President of the Philippines, by the powers vested in me by law do hereby order: SECTION 1. The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) shall lower fees for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). SECTION 2. The DOLE shall set up a global help line for OFWs needing assistance, especially against unscrupulous practices. SECTION 3. The Cabinet representative to the Monetary Board shall urge the Board to consider cutting, if not stopping, dollar borrowings in 2008. SECTION 4. The Department of Finance shall prepay foreign obligations to reduce external debt and stem the peso's rise. SECTION 5. The Land Bank shall fasttrack cheaper remittance service. CTHDcE SECTION 6. DOLE shall work on reviewing and strengthening laws, policies and programs against recruiters, employers and other parties violating OFW rights and employment conditions. DONE on this 17th day of December, in the Year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Seven.