Binay suspends ‘Bawal na Pag-IBIG’ for OFWs

(Updated 8:10 pm) Vice President Jejomar Binay ordered on Thursday the suspension of the mandatory six-month advance contribution of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to the Pag-IBIG Fund, a scheme that some OFWs have labeled "Bawal na Pag-ibig." “What is important is that government should assist our OFWs and should not be seen as further imposing burdens on them," said Binay, who as head of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), also chairs the board of trustees of Pag-IBIG. Under POEA Memorandum Circular No. 06, out-bound OFWs are required to pay in advance six months’ worth of Pag-IBIG contributions, which amounts to P600. If they fail to do so, they will not be issued an Overseas Employment Certificate and on that basis allowed to leave the country. Binay said that he has already ordered Pag-IBIG and the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) to review the basis for compelling OFWs to pay their contribution in advance. He likewise ordered Pag- IBIG and the POEA to conduct more consultations with the affected sectors, adding that OFWs must be informed what benefits they can get from the fund. "There should be transparency in the process," he said. Migrants’ rights group Migrante International lauded Binay’s decision, saying they are open to a dialogue with him anytime. “We are very pleased with the suspension of Bawal na Pag-IBIG (Illegal Pag-IBIG). This is a clear result of the vigilance and assertion of OFWs worldwide. We expect VP Binay to keep his word and conduct consultations with us," Migrante chairperson Garry Martinez said in a text message. Earlier, Migrante assailed the mandatory membership of OFWs in the government's housing program, likening it to a legalized “kotong" (mulcting) scheme. (See: Mandatory Pag-IBIG for OFWs a legalized ‘kotong’ — group)—Kimberly Jane T. Tan with Jerrie M. Abella/JV, GMANews.TV