Actor-politician Bong Revilla’s popularity knows no bounds.
A sea of cheers, warm embraces, and excited smiles filled the streets of Singapore during his recent visit.
Many of those who greeted him upon his arrival were Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who were obviously overjoyed to see him.
Note the lawmaker visited Singapore to personally check on their welfare and discuss his legislative initiatives and advocacies.
The OFWs swarmed the seasoned lawmaker.
Some eagerly hugged and kissed him.
In a short speech, Revilla made clear, “The sacrifices of our OFWs are immeasurable, and their hard work fuels our nation’s progress— they are indeed our modern heroes. Narito tayo hindi lang upang makasama sila kundi upang mas mapakinggan pa ang kanilang pangangailangan at tiyakin na may kaagapay silang gobyerno.”
The senator went on to highlight measures he championed that are now benefiting ordinary Filipinos, such as the “Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act” (RA 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, through his work, he continues to advocate for the rights and welfare of OFWs.
He is an author of RA 10002 or the “Migrant and Overseas Filipinos Act of 2009” which endeavored to give more protection to OFWs, as well as RA 11641 which created the Department of Migrant Workers.
The lawmaker also underscored his plans to push for more policies that would uplift Filipinos both at home and abroad.
Revilla has filed SBN 1512 or the “Bagong Bayani Ward Act” which, once legislated, will ensure that government hospitals will always have a dedicated ward for OFWs.
He also authored SBN 985 which will give security up to the last centavo so that OFWs will not fall prey to abuses that threaten their hard-earned money.
With SBN 265 or the “Overseas Filipino Workers Credit Assistance”, the senator pushes to alleviate the financial strain on OFWs who have to shell out huge amounts even prior to leaving the country to work in order to comply with the requirements of their contract by offering credit assistance at a preferred rate of not more than 6% per annum which shall be payable within 12 to 24 months.
And with SBN 1280 likewise authored by him, diagnostic, laboratory and other examination services which are required for their employment shall be covered free of charge by PhilHealth.
At an impromptu meet-and-greet session with Filipinos at the Lucky Plaza Mall on Orchard Road the following day, the “Aksyon sa Tunay na Buhay” public servant took the opportunity to listen to the stories of the OFWs who gathered there, going on to 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,” Bong Revilla said.
Revilla expressed his deep gratitude for the warm welcome and assured OFWs that their struggles and triumphs will always be at the forefront of his legislative priorities.
