Villar files bill to create department for overseas
Sen. Cynthia Villar has filed a bill creating a dedicated department that will look after the affairs of 12 million Filipinos overseas. Senate Bill 141 which creates the Department of Migration and Development addresses the problem of redundant and difficult procedures and unnecessary fees government agencies impose on overseas Filipino workers. Once enacted into law, the department will recommend and implement the government's policies, plans and programs for the promotion of protection, safety, development, support, of and for Filipinos overseas and their families left behind. "It is appropriate to create a government agency in the executive department, which shall have the exclusive function of protecting and enforcing the welfare and rights of Filipinos overseas. We need an empowered agency that will adequately support and give assistance to them," Villar said. The Department of Migration and Development is envisioned to develop, implement and improve coo...