The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) has expressed strong support for House Bill 08560, or the Overseas Filipino Workers’ Left Behind-Children Protection Act, which aims to safeguard the welfare of children whose parents are working abroad. The bill seeks to establish protective measures, including temporary guardianship, regular communication, and monitoring by local officials and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
“Through HB 08560, we seek to mitigate these risks and promote the well-being of these vulnerable children by establishing protective mechanisms such as temporary guardianship, regular communication between parents and children, and stringent monitoring by local officials and the DSWD,” the CHR stated in a Manila Times report.
The proposed bill highlights the responsibility of OFW parents to appoint a trusted guardian to ensure their children’s safety. The system will allow continuous emotional and financial support, with barangay officials and the DSWD tasked to monitor compliance.
The CHR emphasized the importance of this initiative, quoting the 1987 Constitution’s Article 15, Section 3, which defends children’s rights to proper care, nutrition, and protection from neglect and abuse.
“We recognize the efforts of Rep. Marissa ‘Del Mar’ Magsino of the OFW Partylist for proposing this crucial legislation,” the CHR said, underlining the importance of safeguarding the development of children left behind by OFWs.
