President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has approved 21 priority measures for fast-tracked passage under the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council, but several proposals carry important implications for Overseas Filipino Workers and their families.
The Department of Economy, Planning, and Development said the administration wants the measures passed by June, calling them key to restoring public trust and improving public services. For OFWs, some of these bills could affect travel costs, inheritance matters, digital safety, and reintegration planning.
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Travel and financial matters
Among the priority measures is the proposed abolition of the travel tax. Most OFWs with valid Overseas Employment Certificates are already exempt. However, any revision may affect balikbayan dependents and funding streams tied to tourism and national programs.
The proposed Estate Tax Amnesty may provide relief for OFWs settling inherited land or property while abroad. Lower penalties and simplified processes could ease reintegration or property development plans.
Digital protection and child safety
The administration also prioritized amendments to laws on online child sexual abuse and exploitation materials. Many OSAEC cases affect vulnerable families of migrant workers. Stronger enforcement mechanisms may increase cross-border accountability.
The proposed Anti-Fake News and Disinformation Act may also be relevant to OFWs, who are frequent targets of fake recruitment schemes, online scams, and fraudulent investment offers.
Proposed amendments to the 4Ps Act and other social protection laws could impact families left behind who rely on conditional cash transfers and public services.
Other governance-focused bills — including the Anti-Political Dynasty Law and Right to Information Act — do not directly mention migrants but aim to improve institutional transparency and service delivery across government agencies that OFWs interact with, including DMW and OWWA.
According to DEPDev, the President endorsed the following priority bills:
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Anti-Political Dynasty Law
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Party-list System Reform Act
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Citizen Access and Disclosure of Expenditures for National Accountability (CADENA) Act
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Independent People’s Commission Act
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Amendments to the Bank Deposits Secrecy Law / BRIGHT Act
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Right to Information Act
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Amendments to the Coconut Farmers and Industry Trust Fund Act
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Amendments to the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) Act
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Amendments to the Masustansyang Pagkain Para sa Batang Pilipino Act
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Amendments to the GASTPE Act
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Classroom-Building Acceleration Program (CAP) Act
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Amendments to the OSAEC and CSAEM Act
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National Center for Geriatric Health Act
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Waste-to-Energy / Waste Treatment Technology Act
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Amendments to the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) / ERC Strengthening Bill
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Amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law / RICE Act
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Department of Water Resources Bill
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Estate Tax Amnesty
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Travel Tax Abolition
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Anti-Fake News and Disinformation Act
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Resetting the First Regular Elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)
The broader picture
While not every measure is migrant-specific, the LEDAC priority list reflects structural reforms that could influence economic stability, reintegration programs, and public trust — all of which affect Overseas Filipino Workers and their long-term planning.