DOLE justifies suspension of OFW loans

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) justified yesterday the suspension of loans to departing overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), saying that it was necessary to stop draining government funds.

Acting Labor Secretary Romeo Lagman said the agency would review the program and probably replace it with a better system to continuously assist the OFWs.

“Indeed, this is consistent with earlier responses the OWWA had made which had succeeded in recovering the previous investments and raised the OWWA fund to a stronger level capable of responding to the needs and exigencies facing our OFWs,” he added.

Under the program, many workers were able to avail not only of pre-departure assistance, but also of livelihood, scholarship and other welfare benefits.

“Thankfully, many if not majority of the OFWs who depart for their employment overseas are able to fend for themselves as to their airfare and other needs on the first departure or return to work overseas,” Lagman said.

He said the workers should be responsible enough to pay their loans to enable the government to effectively assist OFWs.     – Sheila Crisostomo