Reactions from overseas Filipino workers poured in after The Global Filipino Magazine shared news about a proposed Senate measure seeking to reduce remittance fees by 50 percent, with many commenters questioning whether the move would meaningfully ease their financial burden.
On TGFM’s social media platforms, several OFWs argued that remittance charges are not their most pressing concern. One commenter, Andro S. Baldehueza, wrote, “Bank charge lang naman ang binabayaran talaga so walang masyadong effect sa mga OFW gusto namin service libreng health care para sa mga family namin wince sabi nyo nga bagong bayani kami.” Others echoed the view that structural support, rather than transactional savings, should be prioritized.
Some users pointed out that the actual peso value of remittance fees is relatively small. Meg Sentoy Siaotong commented, “We paid a mere amount of 200 pesos every month for remittance fee kaya walang epekto yong proposal mo. Mag isip ka ng batas with major positive impact for ofws like reducing philhealth monthly premiums.” Another user, Lynn Garcia, added, “200 pesos charge nmin magpadala papunta pinas 200 pesos ang bawas sa claim sa pinas.”
Calls for broader social protection featured prominently in the discussion. Rex Onday succinctly posted, “Retirement plan for ofw,” while Overly Detoyato wrote, “Pension for ofw.” Others suggested government-backed healthcare as a more urgent intervention. Shine Plus commented, “Mas maganda kung mag focus kayo sa mga health insurance namin kesa yang mga remittance. Mas kelangan namin yun kapag pede na kami mag retire.”
Several commenters framed their responses around lived experience after returning home. Windy Salinas wrote, “Pa epal na Naman…kung talagang may malasakit Kyo sa OFW… Free health Care Ang ibigay nyo…take note… Free health care… dahil pag uwi Ng mga OFW for good…mga baldado na…wala pang Libreng health care….” Another commenter, Jann Jann, urged investment in public hospitals instead of symbolic measures, saying, “Mas maigi na magfucos kayo sa mga public Hospital bumili ng mga high tech medical machineries na one stop lang lahat ng kailangan meron sa isang Hospital na yon.”
Some responses proposed alternative policy directions altogether. Juan T. Ahmad commented, “13th month pay for OFW from Philippine government if they truly cares OFW.” Arlaine Juntilla Silla suggested tax reforms, writing, “Added to that proposed bill, why don’t you propose a bill eliminating taxes, most especially the estate taxes, for people who have been OFWs for many years and are now residing in the Philippines?”
Others questioned existing overseas labor processes. Christopher Javier wrote, “It’s better Kung wala na Yang contract verification para SA mga ofw.oahirap pa Yan kumuha SA polo.” Meanwhile, Anthony Lazaro Dela Cruz posted a sarcastic suggestion, saying, “Hinde nmn lahat ng OFw natutulungan nyo. Dapat mag isip po kayo nung pangkalahatan na ung bawat isa makikinabang.”
