Bong Revilla receives warm welcome from OFWs in Singapore
Reelectionist Senator Bong Revilla receives a warm welcome from OFWs in Singapore. Photo taken by Daniel Generaga
A sea of cheers, warm embraces, and excited smiles filled the streets of Singapore when reelectionist Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jr. visited Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the Lion City on Saturday, March 8.
He checked on the welfare of OFWs and discussed his legislative initiatives and advocacies.
OFWs swarmed the seasoned lawmaker, eager to meet him, shake his hand, hug him, and express their gratitude for his visit and unwavering support for them. Even with such limited time, Revilla took a moment to engage with the Filipinos in Singapore.
“The sacrifices of our OFWs are immeasurable, and their hard work fuels our nation’s progress— they are indeed our modern heroes,” he said.
“Narito tayo hindi lang upang makasama sila kundi upang mas mapakinggan pa ang kanilang pangangailangan at tiyakin na may kaagapay silang gobyerno,” he added.
(We are here not just to be with them, but to listen more closely to their needs and ensure that they have a government that supports them.)
Reelectionist Senator Bong Revilla receives a warm welcome from OFWs in Singapore. Photo taken by Daniel Generaga.
Revilla also sat down with the leaders of Filipino organizations to consult them and share updates on his work in the Senate.
He discussed how the laws he authored have benefited ordinary Filipinos, such as the Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act (Republic Act 11997), Anti-No Permit, No Exam Policy Act (RA 11984), Free College Entrance Examination Act (RA 12006), Expanded Centenarians Act (RA 11982), and the Permanent Validity of the Certificates of Live Birth, Death, and Marriage Act (RA 11909).
He also shared how he continued to advocate for the rights and welfare of OFWs.
He is the author of the Migrant and Overseas Filipinos Act of 2009 or RA 10002, which gives more protection to OFWs as well as RA 11641 which created the Department of Migrant Workers.
Revilla also discussed his plan to push for more policies that would uplift Filipinos at home and abroad.
He filed Senate Bill (SB) 1512 or the Bagong Bayani Ward Bill, which seeks to ensure that government hospitals will always have a dedicated ward for OFWs.
Highlighting the importance of OFW remittances for their families and the Philippine economy, he also authored SB 985 which seeks to give security to OFWs so that they will not fall prey to abuses.
With SB 265 or the Overseas Filipino Workers Credit Assistance Bill, Revilla pushes to alleviate the financial strain on OFWs. The bill seeks to offer credit assistance at a preferred rate of not more than 6 percent per annum, which shall be payable within 12 to 24 months.
Meanwhile, Revilla’s SB 1280 aims to require the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation to cover diagnostic, laboratory, and other examination services that are required for the employment of OFWs.
Revilla also held an impromptu meet-and-greet session with Filipinos in Lucky Plaza Mall on Orchard Road. They eagerly gathered to warmly welcome him and express their appreciation for his work.
The “Aksyon sa Tunay na Buhay” public servant took the opportunity to listen to their stories, respond to their concerns, and share his message of unity and hope.
“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 panig ng mundo,” Revilla said.
(It feels incredibly heartwarming to experience the love and support of our fellow Filipinos here in Singapore. This strengthens my commitment to continue serving and fighting for the welfare of our countrymen, no matter where they are in the world.)
As he bid his Kababayans goodbye, Revilla expressed his deep gratitude for the warm welcome and assured OFWs that their struggles and triumphs would always be at the forefront of his legislative priorities.
