Two foreign basketball players edged closer to suiting up for the Philippines in international competition after the Senate granted them Filipino citizenship on Monday, alongside a slate of legislation covering migrant worker protections, law enforcement oversight, and education equity.
House Bill Nos. 6640 and 6641, approved during the same session, confer Philippine nationality on Maodo Diouf and Elizabeth Jeanette Means — both under consideration for naturalization to bolster the country’s lineup in global tournaments.
Financial protections for OFWs featured prominently in the day’s legislative output. Senate Bill No. 1917, the proposed Overseas Filipino Workers’ Remittance Protection Act, places new obligations on banks, money transfer firms, and other financial intermediaries to cap and disclose remittance fees. The Department of Finance, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, and the Department of Migrant Workers would jointly determine the allowable fee range and enforce transparency in foreign exchange transactions. Unauthorized deductions from remittances would be prohibited, and institutions must display the peso equivalent of transfers.
“With the passage of Senate Bill No. 1917, or the Overseas Filipino Workers’ Remittance Protection Act, this chamber has taken a meaningful step towards safeguarding the hard-earned remittances of our migrant workers and ensuring that the fruits of their labor reach their loved ones fairly and transparently,” Senator Joel Villanueva said.
A companion measure, Senate Bill No. 1910, takes a different angle — requiring free financial literacy programs for OFWs and their families. Seminars covering money management, scam avoidance, and predatory lending would become mandatory components of pre-departure and post-arrival orientations.
Senator Raffy Tulfo said the bill’s passage “marked another significant step forward in safeguarding the well-being of migrant workers.” “The approval of this bill on third reading demonstrates our unwavering commitment to supporting OFWs, not only concerning their physical health and safety, but also in protecting their hard-earned money,” he added.
The Senate also passed Senate Bill No. 1908, compelling law enforcement officers across the Philippine National Police, National Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency to wear body-worn cameras during operations.
Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito, who backed the measure, said it protects both sides of the enforcement equation. “Civilians will be protected from alleged irregularities in raids while law enforcers will not be accused of corruption and tampering,” Ejercito said.
Schools in remote communities would receive dedicated government attention under Senate Bill No. 1937, the GIDA Schools Act. Senator Loren Legarda said the law ensures learners in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas get access to safe and adequate facilities. “The bill also strengthens planning and coordination through the development of a National GIDA Schools Mapping System, which will guide infrastructure planning, resource allocation, and policy interventions for underserved communities,” Legarda said.
The chamber also declared April as Philippine Veterans’ Month through Senate Bill No. 1719, formally recognizing the sacrifices of Filipino veterans and directing programs toward their welfare and that of their dependents.
