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21 PICTURE 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 1. NAME Shariff Ibrahim H. Albani 3. POLITICAL PARTY 4. DATE OF BIRTH January 14, PLACE OF BIRTH: 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 9. ELEMENTARY LEVEL NAME OF SCHOOL 6.NICKNAME: Bongao, Tawi-tawi INCLUSIVE DATES OF ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED SECONDARY COLLEGE Universidad de Zamboanga, Zamboanga City (Bachelor of Science in Criminology) 1994 GRADUATE STUDIES Manuel L. Quezon University (Masters Degree in Public Administration) 1999 III. A. ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: They must be accountable in doing illegal recruitment and must be punishable by the law. B. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: Placement Fee must be free because the OFW they're the one brought billion USD uplifting economy of our country. C. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: If I will be elected as. I will introduce a very good flat form program in order to eliminate poverty as what the Muslim country did. Like: (Brunei, Dubai, Malaysia, and Indonesia). D. EMPLOYER ABUSE: As a, I will strongly request the attention of the Ambassador's and the labor attache to do their duty and responsibility to protect our OFW in all cause. E. F. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: As a, I will call the attention of OWWA to use their contingency funds for emergency evacuation. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: They must be accountable and punishable by law. G. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: Must be free because OFW they are the one who earning foreign currency to uplift the economic condition of our country that is their privilege to free from the taxation and duties. Page 1 of 2

22 PICTURE 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 1. NAME Shariff Ibrahim H. Albani H. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: 6.NICKNAME: I. The Government must give a full scholarship/insurance livelihood. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: My stand, we have to establish a WIN WIN solution because that resources are not only intended for Philippine or for China, but its intended for man kind. Talking about territory under UNCLUS decision China and Philippines are both signatory. China and Philippines must work together and must be the example of the Unity to the ASIAN country and preparation for the 21 century. J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: As a, I will use my network to organized funding in addition to the contingency funds of the OWWA. Page 2 of 2

23 1. NAME Alexander Alimmudin J. Ali Aldin Ali 3. POLITICAL PARTY Partido ng Manggagawa at Magsasaka 4. DATE OF BIRTH August 26, PLACE OF BIRTH: Manila 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: Maria Jzennxhelle Siatan II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 9. LEVEL NAME OF SCHOOL INCLUSIVE DATES OF ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED ELEMENTARY SECONDARY COLLEGE Jose Abad Santos Memorial School - PWU Jose Abad Santos Memorial School - PWU (1st HS) Muscat Private School - Muscat, Oman (2nd and 3rd HS) Jose Abad Santos Memorial School - PWU (4th HS) San Beda College, Manila (AB Philosophy and HRD) GRADUATE STUDIES University of the Philippines Diliman Institute of Islamic Studies (MA in Islamic Studies) Note: on-leave III. A. ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: On the short term, (1) stricter implementation of laws against illegal recruitment. (2) Enactment of a law that will grant DOLE-POEA Police prosecutorial powers against illegal recruitment for faster resolution of cases filed against those caught and charged. This will send a very strong message that our government is serious about this issue. (3) Intensification of intelligence gathering against unscrupulous individuals/organizations and immediate filing of appropriate charges. (4) Streamlining and simplification of the entire recruitment process for job placements from both POEA and POEA-accredited agencies. Simply put, this is to plug gaps which often lead to illegal recruitment practices. This includes stronger participation of all stakeholders. In the long term, (5) encouragement of local investments (industrialization) that leads to locally-placed employment opportunities that actually sustain livelihood for all Filipinos, reducing if not eliminating, the need to seek employment abroad. B. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: (1) Include the rationalization of collection of placement fees in the attempt to simplify the recruitment process. A thorough study must be conducted if collection of placement fees from job seekers can actually be eliminated totally and instead be passed on to employers wanting to hire Filipinos. (2) In the meantime, the government through POEA must promote a "no-fees collected" policy ot ensure at the least that only minimal/standardized fees are collected from job seekers and (3) that either of these policies are strictly enforced, monitored and if there are private placement agencies who do not follow, be meted the appropriate sanctions. (4) In the medium term, the government must promote as a policy that no placement or service fees are to be collected from job seekers. Page 1 of 3

24 1. NAME Alexander Alimmudin J. Ali Aldin Ali B. (5) I reiterate my stand on a comprehensive industrialization of our economy as it's the only way permanent employment can be made locally available. C. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: (1) Include financial literacy as a component of our general education curriculum. We have to short early rather than have this on an optional basis later on. (2) As an immediate measure, the government through DOLE-OWWA and BSP must work closely and provide financial literacy seminars to new and current overseas FIlipino workers. Savings and investment schemes must also be made available and be heavily promoted to all overseas Filipino workers. (3) Encourage our private banking sector to participate by intensifying their efforts to entice overseas Filipino workers to save and invest their hard-earned money and provide incentives to the private sector who will participate in this effort. (4) Provide support to NGOs that promote financial literacy and alternative sources of income. D. EMPLOYER ABUSE: (1) I stand by the move to industrialize our economy to generate local employment. It's the only way to get rid of the horror stories of Filipinos (mostly household workers) being abused by their employers. This issue is personal to me as I have witnessed the effects of employer abuses first hand. My father was Ambassador to Oman (1st) and Egypt ( ) and he fought hard and stood up against employer abuses. In fact, in Oman, he was called legendary by both diplomatic circle and host country. Before being Ambassador, he was Special Envoy assigned in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (2) Educate well our citizens. This way, should some of them decide to work abroad, they will be working as skilled and professionals (and hence, better able to protect themselves) and not as a household staff. It's time that our government, as a policy must not allow Filipinos to be deployed abroad as such. (3) In the meantime, reorient the way our diplomatic missions are structured, particularly where a large number of Filipinos are working as household staff, to reflect this evolution. Our diplomatic missions must shed off the stigma of being aloof to OFWs and really working for them, considering that we taxpayers are the ones paying their salaries. E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: We must always think long-term. Economic turmoil is a recurring event experienced by all economies. A strong and dynamic industrialized economy is still the only solution to this type of problem. As a, I will push the creation of more Economic Zones. Let working abroad be a desire or conscious decision rather than a necessity to our citizens. In the meantime, government must put in place alternative means of livelihood for laid-off overseas Filipinos. F. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: (1) The only way to solve the issue of corruption is to elect leaders who will not turn a blind eye on this menace. We have enough laws that protect the citizenry from this. Implementation of these laws should be strictly done. We must be more vigilant and report whenever corruption or abuses being committed by individuals whose main task is to serve the people. (2) Government must truly encourage our people to participate in the efforts to eradicate corruption; establish simple but strong mechanisms to combat this and assist them in filing complaints and charges. (3) Enact the FOI bill. (4) Expand the powers and capabilities of the Office of Ombudsman for faster investigation and filing of appropriate cases. Page 2 of 3

25 1. NAME Alexander Alimmudin J. Ali Aldin Ali G. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: I am for increasing the allowable amount before taxes and other duties are imposed on these Balikbayan boxes. H. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: This is a very high price to pay by going abroad to work. Families are left with no choice but to go through this. (1) I once more reiterate my stand that jobs be made available locally - jobs that actually sustain a family and not just meagre salaries that barely make ends meet. (2) While we reorient our economy, our government must at all cost help in the societal aspect of the OFW phenomenon. Every effort must be done to track, document and monitor all overseas worker families and if intervention is needed, quickly act to manage any issues that may negatively affect their already fragile situation. (3) Institutionalize in communities, religious congregations and schools/university a support group mechanism for children of overseas Filipino workers. I. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: It is a fact that we are one of the least capable in defending our territorial integrity in the region. We must not act in haste in addressing this issue. (1) We must assert our rights on these islands, especially those that are really ours historically. (2) This issue will neither be solved by military means nor by provoactive posturing. (3) Let us engage other claimants directly, like how we would talk to our neighbors. We must communicate with them sincerely and must not make actions which can be construed otherwise. J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: I am in favour of this. If elected, I will push for this in the senate. While we are industrializing our economy, we still must manage both migrant and overseas workers. Establishing a resource center will greatly help mitigate a number of issues confronting our modern day heroes. The center can be the mechanism to track, document, and monitor the statuses of families of Overseas workers and attend to their needs such as counselling and training for other means of livelihood. Page 3 of 3

26 1. NAME Rafael M. Alunan III Raffy ial Candidate 3. POLITICAL PARTY Bagumbayan 4. DATE OF BIRTH May 17, PLACE OF BIRTH: Manila 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: Elizabeth Jalbuena II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND INCLUSIVE DATES OF 9. LEVEL NAME OF SCHOOL ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED ELEMENTARY La Salle College (Bacolod) st/2nd Honors SECONDARY La Salle College (Bacolod) COLLEGE De La Salle College (Manila) Dean's List (5th Year) GRADUATE STUDIES Harvard Kennedy School of Government A-student III. A. ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: As a member of the Senate, I will exercise oversight of the Executive especially DFA/DOLE/OWWA/POEA/DOJ to see if they are performing as they should to protect and assist our OFWs. B. C. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: As a member of the Senate, I will exercise oversight of the Executive especially DFA/DOLE/OWWA/POEA/DOJ to see if they are performing as they should to protect and assist our OFWs. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: As a member of the Senate, I will exercise oversight of the Executive especially DFA/DOLE/OWWA/POEA/DOJ to see if they are performing as they should to protect and assist our OFWs. D. EMPLOYER ABUSE: As a member of the Senate, I will exercise oversight of the Executive especially DFA/DOLE/OWWA/POEA/DOJ to see if they are performing as they should to protect and assist our OFWs. E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: There is no quick fix it solution for the lack of domestic jobs. Nonetheless there should be contingency plans for redeploymment elsewhere. Agro-industrial development long-term. F. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: Government should not harbor criminals. Fire them and haul them to court. Page 1 of 2

27 1. NAME Rafael M. Alunan III Raffy ial Candidate G. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: H. Perhaps an exemption up to a certain limit. Needs careful study. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: Poverty reduction through agro-industrial development to reverse the dias pora, reunite the families and get nation-building underway. I. J. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: Pursue legal-diplomatic initiatives, build credible deterrence, build alliances, negotiate multilaterally. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: Yes. No-brains. Page 2 of 2

28 PICTURE 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 1. NAME Nariman Ambolodto Ina 3. POLITICAL PARTY Liberal Party - Daang Matuwid 4. DATE OF BIRTH February 14, PLACE OF BIRTH: Kabuntalan, Maguindanao 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: Suharto Ambolodto II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND INCLUSIVE DATES OF 9. LEVEL NAME OF SCHOOL ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED ELEMENTARY SECONDARY COLLEGE Cotabato City Pilot Elementary School Notre Dame of Cotabato School for Girls Notre Dame University GRADUATE STUDIES University of the Philippines III. A. ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: Illegal recruitment remains a big problem, especially against our poor citizens from the rural, far-flung areas, particularly in Mindanao. To combat illegal recruitment, I would propose in the Senate the following laws: a. Bigger budget for the POEA so it could set up regional centers and e-centers where OFWs can register and check the registration of their recruiters. b. Stiffer penalties, to include life imprisonment and the current maximum fine of up to P500,000 to P1 Million, for anyone involved in illegal recruitment of whatever scale. c. Stiffer penalties, including life imprisonment, against any government employee or official found involved in or conniving with illegal recruiters. d. Allocate more funding for the government's OFW reintegration readiness program. e. Preferential lending rates and a special window for returning OFWs in government and private banks. B. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: Law enforcement is a very important tool in ensuring that those who abuse the rights of and take advantage our people, especially our OFWs, would be found and made to face justice for their misdeeds. To ensure that our government law enforcement agencies are empowered to protect our OFWs, I would propose in the Senate the following measures: a. Additional funding for agencies that specialize on protecting our OFWs to provide training and skills to their personnel, including the ability to go after the money trail of those who abuse our OFWs. b. Creation of a Joint Congressional Oversight Committee for OFWs, with focus on ensuring the full implementation of current laws, and others that would be passed in the future, on the protection of the rights and the welfare of our OFWs. Page 1 of 3

29 PICTURE 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 1. NAME Nariman Ambolodto Ina C. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: A high savings rate is a very important factor in amassing capital that could be used for local industries that would help alleviate the dispora of our OFWs. a. While we have deregulated the financial and banking industry, they still need to be encouraged to put up facilities that are near or easily accessible to our OFWs in their place or country of work. b.we will also encourage programs in governmeent agencies in the Philippines to provide closer coordination with OFW families nationwide to encourage them to be wiser in the use of their hand-earned money. c. We shall also need to prove to our OFWs that the government is not going to waste their money by strengthening our campaign against corruption, as our Daang Matuwid Program has done in the past six years under President Benigno C. Aquino III and under our presidential candidate Secretary Mar Roxas and vice-presidential candidate Leni Robredo. D. EMPLOYER ABUSE: a. The DFA amd the DOLE have to increase cooperation and joint programs to provide legal and economic relief to any Filipino who suffer from abuse from their employers. b. This is going to be strengthened by the development of closer and people-centered cooperative work with the host governments, and their creation of a strong database program that would ensure we have information on employers and employees and local laws and customs to protect our OFWs. E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: We currently have a P2.5 Billion OFW protection fund that should be tapped in cases such as these, a no one shall be left behind under the Daang Matuwid, and I will propose in the Senate the following: F. a. Supplemental budget to ensure more funding for this assistance program for OFWs who would be laid off in case of any economic turmoil or conflict in their host countries and they need to be repatriated back to the Philippines. b. Better intelligence assessment by concerned government agencies, including the DFA and the DOLE to ensure we can preposition government personnel and resources in the countries where the OFWs face these kinds of turmoil in case they need immediate evacuation and/or repatriation. c. Under Daang Matuwid, we expect our economy to get better as investor confidence would remain strong because of lesser corruption CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: Under Daang Matuwid, those who violate the law must face justice. We will demand this when we are in the Senate, and we expect nothing less not only among airport and customs officials who serve our OFWs in our airports and seaports, but among all in government service. G. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: The country's entire tax system needs to be reviewed, and not just those that concern OFWs and their families, to ensure equitable and fair taxation among all Filipinos regardless of income and status. For OFWs, however, we need to give them preferential treatment because of the economic value of their contribution to the economy and give honor to the sacrifice they give in leaving their families in the country so they could earn good income. Page 2 of 3

30 PICTURE 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 1. NAME Nariman Ambolodto Ina H. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: The protection and promotion of the welfare and rights of OFWs must be a responsibility not only of the National Government but also of local government units, which have closer relationship with the families of OFWs as their constituents. Thus, LGUs must be empowered to provide social welfare and other economic assistance to OFWs' families in their communities through special funding. I will ask the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education to submit a report to the Senate and the Joint Congressional Oversight Committee on Higher Education on this growing problem and determine a more systematic and comprehensive program to find solutions. I will also ask the Department of Social Welfare and Development to submit a report if this problem is being addressed effectively both at the national and local levels. I. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: I shall support the continuation of the current policy of our National Government in protecting our territory, and the resolution of any issue concerning claims over disputed territories through multilateral forums and systems. I will also support the continued allocation of additional funds for the strengthening of our national maritime capabilities. I will support continued cooperation with our allies and neighbors in the maintenance of regional peace and cooperation. J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: This program is central to ensuring that all OFWs are given protection and access to our government wherever they are in the world, and thus it has my full support. I will ask the next President to ensure that the government establishes Migrant and Overseas Resource Centers in each country with a concentration of OFWs at the national and regional, or even provincial levels, so they will have a home away from home when working abroad. Page 3 of 3

31 PICTURE 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 1. NAME Godofredo V. Arquiza Mr. Senior Citizen 3. POLITICAL PARTY Senior Citizens Party - Independent 4. DATE OF BIRTH March 15, PLACE OF BIRTH: Tondo, Manila 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: Remedios Dulay Arquiza II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 9. LEVEL NAME OF SCHOOL INCLUSIVE DATES OF SCHOLARSHIP/ ATTENDANCE ACADEMIC HONORS From To RECEIVED ELEMENTARY Bonifacio Elementary School SECONDARY Cayetano S. Arellano High School COLLEGE University of the East B.S. B.A. MAJOR IN ACCOUNTING Passed C.P.A. exams 1974 GRADUATE STUDIES University of the East BACHELOR OF LAWS Passed the Bar III. A. ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: - Prevention is still worth more than a pound of cure. More information dissemination is necessary to prevent this. Local workers are easily tempted by a high salary abroad, some are not even aware of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights to which all countries are bound. - I also recommend stiffer penalties for illegal recruiters, because OFWs are the lifeblood of the Philippine economy in terms of remittances, and they sacrifice time with family just to seek employment abroad. - A safety net for victims of illegal recruiters is another thing that can be done. The government must provide livelihood programs or a source of income for these victims, because they can no longer recover the amount paid to the illegal recruiter. B. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: - There are now companies offering fly-now-pay-later plans at reasonable rates. - I will file legislation mandating the creation of an oversight committee that will be responsible for regulating the fees of recruitment agencies. C. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: - Educate our OFWS (even through an internet website) especially about financial literacy: savings rate, mutual funds, Unit Investment Trust Fund (UITF), the stock market, etc. The OWWA is already doing this for the reintegration of OFWs but the agency needs to more effectively disseminate its services. Some OFWs do not avail of such service at all but go directly into business, often resulting in loss of savings. Page 1 of 2

32 PICTURE 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 1. NAME Godofredo V. Arquiza Mr. Senior Citizen C. - The DTI should also make it easier for prospective small and medium entrepreneurs to open businesses across the country to enable the families of OFWs to start their own businesses. D. EMPLOYER ABUSE: There are many cases of employer abuse and our embassies must be ever-ready to provide legal, medical and immediate assistance to OFWS who are victims of such abuse. E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: - Livelihood Projects to enable the returnees to get back on their feet, small loans for OFWs planning to return to work in other countries. - DOLE-OWWA has a program called "Balik-Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay" where displaced / distressed workers can avail of either starter kits worth Php 7, or a livelihood assistance of Php 10, A legislative measure could be drafted with the end in view of providing such assistance on an avail now-pay later basis. F. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: I will file a bill intended to streamline airport operations so that corrupt officials and staff will not find loopholes in security to target unwary OFWs. G. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: I will draft a House Bill, which if enacted into law, will exempt all items sent through courier from being subjected to tax. This will amend the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines (TCCP) mandates that all items brought into the Philippines are subject to import duties. Items, including used items, brought to the Philippines as parcels mailed through the Australian Post or sent through courier services (LBC, DHL, Fedex, etc.) are subject to tax. H. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: - Most children of OFWs want to follow in the footsteps of the parent who went abroad. If the government can provide scholarships for outof-school youth, the same may be done for OFW children. - Upon the establishment of a Migrant Resource Center, counseling may be provided thereat for the spouse of the OFW with a broken family. I. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: - This is already being adjudicated by an international Court and we must abide by the decision of said Court. - Additionally, we must avoid instigating conflict through media with the contesting country. J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: - Each OFW pays a travel tax of P2, upon arrival from abroad, and the number of OFWS as of 2014 was already 2.3 million. - The taxes could be appropriated for the establishment and funding of a Migrant Center. Page 2 of 2

33 PICTURE 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 1. NAME Greco Antonious Beda B. Belgica Greco 3. POLITICAL PARTY PDP-LABAN 4. DATE OF BIRTH March 27, PLACE OF BIRTH: Manila 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: Niña Rizzi V. Belgica II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND INCLUSIVE DATES OF 9. LEVEL NAME OF SCHOOL ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED ELEMENTARY Miracle Life Christian Academy SECONDARY Miracle Life Christian Academy COLLEGE San Beda College, Manila GRADUATE STUDIES International Trade and Commerce 2000 Partial Scholarship III. A. ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: B. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: Direct hiring or a Non-Intervention Hiring Bill. C. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: D. EMPLOYER ABUSE: E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: Bring them home and secure their life, business, property here in the Philippines. F. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: Capital punishment for corrupt officials. Page 1 of 2

34 PICTURE 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 1. NAME Greco Antonious Beda B. Belgica Greco G. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: H. 10% Flat Rate Tax. To remove corruption, collection and discretion. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: I. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: 1)Negotiate with other countries J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: Ok. The best way to protect OFW's is to bring them home and secure them here. I am an OFW myself, I know what they feel. If not for corruption in government that makes us all poor, then we would have not left. Page 2 of 2

35 1. NAME Walden Bello Walden 3. POLITICAL PARTY Independent 4. DATE OF BIRTH November 11, PLACE OF BIRTH: Cardona, Rizal 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: Suranuch Thongsila II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND INCLUSIVE DATES OF 9. LEVEL NAME OF SCHOOL ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED ELEMENTARY SECONDARY COLLEGE Ateneo de Manila University Ateneo de Manila University Ateneo de Manila University A.B. GRADUATE STUDIES III. A. ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: Princeton University Princeton University ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) M.A Ph.D. - Crack down on them. Higher penalties for illegal recruiters. - Expand the budget for legal services and reintegration of overseas workers. - Establish stronger penalties for illegal recruiters. - Fully implement laws abolishing placement fees. - Aggressively negotiate bilateral labor agreements with all countries that host Filipino workers that would give them decent wages and provide legal protection and unionization rights for them. - Establish a Department of Overseas Workers Affairs to more effectively respond to the welfare and interests of our OFWs. - Establishment and budget for Migrant and Overseas Resource Center. - Prosecute officials who engage in sexually exploiting or trafficking OFWs. - Filing of administrative and criminal charges and dismissal of corrupt airport officials and staff members - Elimination of taxes and import duties on balikbayan boxes - Work closely with sending countries to increase their collective power vis-vis receiving countries so as to eventually set the terms of deployment of migrant workers and come up with a transnational regulatory framework that would protect them from abuse and promote their interests. - Devise a national economic strategy that would produce decent jobs and wages at home and thus reduce the pressure to seek work overseas. - Financial support for all education-related expenses of OFWs. - Government-subsidized counseling and financial support for counseling services for OFW families. Page 1 of 4

36 1. NAME Walden Bello Walden B. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: - Abolish placement fees and imprison violators. - Expand the budget for legal services and reintegration of overseas workers. - Establish stronger penalties for illegal recruiters. - Fully implement laws abolishing placement fees. - Aggressively negotiate bilateral labor agreements with all countries that host Filipino workers that would give them decent wages and provide legal protection and unionization rights for them. - Establish a Department of Overseas Workers Affairs to more effectively respond to the welfare and interests of our OFWs. - Establishment and budget for Migrant and Overseas Resource Center. - Prosecute officials who engage in sexually exploiting or trafficking OFWs. - Filing of administrative and criminal charges and dismissal of corrupt airport officials and staff members - Elimination of taxes and import duties on balikbayan boxes - Work closely with sending countries to increase their collective power vis-vis receiving countries so as to eventually set the terms of deployment of migrant workers and come up with a transnational regulatory framework that would protect them from abuse and promote their interests. - Devise a national economic strategy that would produce decent jobs and wages at home and thus reduce the pressure to seek work overseas. - Financial support for all education-related expenses of OFWs. - Government-subsidized counseling and financial support for counseling services for OFW families. C. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: - Raise wages, redistribute land. - Stop exploitation of labor by capital by passing the Security of Tenure Act and phasing out all contractual labor by Tighten up occupational safety regime and pass legislation that would dissolve companies engaged in serious violations of occupational safety, starting with prosecution and dissolution of Kentex. - Grant full trade union rights to the public sector. - Institutionalize collective bargaining by industry. - Support the unionization of domestic workers. - Establishment of decent unemployment compensation for up to three years after lay-off. D. EMPLOYER ABUSE: - Prosecute and imprison abusive employers. - Stop exploitation of labor by capital by passing the Security of Tenure Act and phasing out all contractual labor by Tighten up occupational safety regime and pass legislation that would dissolve companies engaged in serious violations of occupational safety, starting with prosecution and dissolution of Kentex. - Grant full trade union rights to the public sector. - Institutionalize collective bargaining by industry. - Support the unionization of domestic workers. - Establishment of decent unemployment compensation for up to three years after lay-off. Page 2 of 4

37 1. NAME Walden Bello Walden E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: - Regularize work. Institute unemployment insurance and composition. - Stop exploitation of labor by capital by passing the Security of Tenure Act and phasing out all contractual labor by Tighten up occupational safety regime and pass legislation that would dissolve companies engaged in serious violations of occupational safety, starting with prosecution and dissolution of Kentex. - Grant full trade union rights to the public sector. - Institutionalize collective bargaining by industry. - Support the unionization of domestic workers. - Establishment of decent unemployment compensation for up to three years after lay-off. F. G. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: File administrative and criminal charges. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: Disagree. No taxes and duties on balikbayan boxes. H. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: -Financial support from government and council. - Expand the budget for legal services and reintegration of overseas workers. - Establish stronger penalties for illegal recruiters. - Fully implement laws abolishing placement fees. - Aggressively negotiate bilateral labor agreements with all countries that host Filipino workers that would give them decent wages and provide legal protection and unionization rights for them. - Establish a Department of Overseas Workers Affairs to more effectively respond to the welfare and interests of our OFWs. - Establishment and budget for Migrant and Overseas Resource Center. - Prosecute officials who engage in sexually exploiting or trafficking OFWs. - Filing of administrative and criminal charges and dismissal of corrupt airport officials and staff members - Elimination of taxes and import duties on balikbayan boxes - Work closely with sending countries to increase their collective power vis-vis receiving countries so as to eventually set the terms of deployment of migrant workers and come up with a transnational regulatory framework that would protect them from abuse and promote their interests. - Devise a national economic strategy that would produce decent jobs and wages at home and thus reduce the pressure to seek work overseas. - Financial support for all education-related expenses of OFWs. - Government-subsidized counseling and financial support for counseling services for OFW families. Page 3 of 4

38 1. NAME Walden Bello Walden I. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: - I support this. I authored bill to rename South China Sea to West Philippine Sea. - Follow a foreign policy based on the principle of non-alignment and independence from the superpowers. - Repeal VFA and EDCA. - Reject China s Nine-Dash-Line claim to 90 per cent of the West Philippine Sea. - Devise a military strategy focused on creating a credible naval defense. - Press Asean and China to begin negotiations on a Code of Conduct in the West Philippine Sea. - Continue to pursue the legal track to Spratly claims in the Hague. - Renegotiate ASEAN Economic Community to promote true regionalism, not neoliberal regionalism that will only benefit transnational corporations. - Promote South-South regional and international agreements. J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: - Expand the budget for legal services and reintegration of overseas workers. - Establish stronger penalties for illegal recruiters. - Fully implement laws abolishing placement fees. - Aggressively negotiate bilateral labor agreements with all countries that host Filipino workers that would give them decent wages and provide legal protection and unionization rights for them. - Establish a Department of Overseas Workers Affairs to more effectively respond to the welfare and interests of our OFWs. - Establishment and budget for Migrant and Overseas Resource Center. - Prosecute officials who engage in sexually exploiting or trafficking OFWs. - Filing of administrative and criminal charges and dismissal of corrupt airport officials and staff members - Elimination of taxes and import duties on balikbayan boxes - Work closely with sending countries to increase their collective power vis-vis receiving countries so as to eventually set the terms of deployment of migrant workers and come up with a transnational regulatory framework that would protect them from abuse and promote their interests. - Devise a national economic strategy that would produce decent jobs and wages at home and thus reduce the pressure to seek work overseas. - Financial support for all education-related expenses of OFWs. - Government-subsidized counseling and financial support for counseling services for OFW families. Page 4 of 4

39 1. NAME Sandra Martinez Cam Sandra 3. POLITICAL PARTY Puwersa ng Masang Pilipino 4. DATE OF BIRTH 08 October PLACE OF BIRTH: Batuan, Masbate 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND INCLUSIVE DATES OF 9. LEVEL NAME OF SCHOOL ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED ELEMENTARY SECONDARY COLLEGE Batuan Elementary School Masbate National Comprehensive High School (Formerly Masbate High School) Manuel L. Quezon University (A.B. Journalism) GRADUATE STUDIES III. A. ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: B. Will strengthen POEA's mandate and strictly implement the law. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: Will set a standard ceiling rate on each categories of overseas employment. C. D. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: Will strictly implement a mandatory membership and coverage program with Social Security System. EMPLOYER ABUSE: Will take an active and vigilant stance in safeguarding the rights of OFWs through modern technology. E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: Will provide financial and employment assistances through National/Local Government Units. F. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: Will take an active and vigilant stance in safeguarding the rights of passengers through proper monitoring means with aid from moderm technology. G. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: Will make sure that the rates are affordable. Page 1 of 2

40 1. NAME Sandra Martinez Cam Sandra H. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: Enact a law where in every Filipino Family will have atleast one(1) member should be given a Technical Educations and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) with coorperation with Local Government Units(L.G.U) I. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: Will represent a diplomatic but yet an assertive dialogue with other claimants. J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: Will Increase the legal assistance fund for Overseas Filipino Workers(OFW)- Litigants. Page 2 of 2

41 1. NAME Melchor G. Chavez Mel 3. POLITICAL PARTY 4. DATE OF BIRTH August 6, PLACE OF BIRTH: 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 9. LEVEL PMM - WPP NAME OF SCHOOL Kidapawan City, North Cotabato Susana P. Chavez INCLUSIVE DATES OF ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED ELEMENTARY SECONDARY COLLEGE Sikitan Elementary School Notre Dame University Notre Dame University (A.B. Political Science) with Honors with Honors GRADUATE STUDIES III. A. ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: Criminal action and total ban in the recruitment business. B. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: Issue a warning to reduce fees or permanent closure of agency and where legal and feasible refund excessive fees to applicants. C. D. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: Proper counsels and monitoring. EMPLOYER ABUSE: There is no international agency that takes care of overseas workers. Work with Commission on Human Rights in Geneva to set up international court or agency to take care of OFWs on employer abuse. E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: Philippine Government Intervention thru diplomatic action and aid of OWWA. F. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: Criminal action and dismissal from offices. Damages payment for OFWs who miss or lose their employment. G. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: Taxing and imposing customs duties is harsh as working abroad is the result of our government not able to provide job for our workers. Page 1 of 2

42 1. NAME Melchor G. Chavez Mel H. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: Loneliness abroad encourages the workers into a relationship which result in abandonment of legal families and failure to provide the needs of children. I. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: It is a question of a claim based on tradition in contrast to the Philippine claim based on international law duly signed by parties. J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: OWWA is not enough, the Department of Labor must have a permanent body duly provided with budget to take care of our modern heroes who have given economic wealth to our country. Page 2 of 2

43 1. NAME Leila Norma Eulalia Josefa M. De Lima Leila 3. POLITICAL PARTY 4. DATE OF BIRTH August 27, PLACE OF BIRTH: 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 9. LEVEL Liberal Party (LP) NAME OF SCHOOL Iriga City, Camarines Sur INCLUSIVE DATES OF ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED ELEMENTARY SECONDARY COLLEGE La Consolacion Academy (now La Consolacion College) La Consolacion Academy (now La Consolacion College) De La Salle University (Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science) Class Valedictorian Class Valedictorian GRADUATE STUDIES San Beda College of Law, Mendiola, Manila City (Bachelor of Laws) Class Salutatorian III. A. ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: 1. Strengthen the DOJ-led Inter-Agency Council Against Human Trafficking; 2. Review the law on illegal recruitment based on study of overseas employment profiles and demographics to fine-tune regulations per OFW sector; 3. Review immigration regulations enforced at airports geared towards protecting victims of illegal recruitment and human trafficking; 4. Modernize/ computerize inter-agency information and data-sharing between the DOLE, DOJ, Bureau of Immigration, PNP, NBI, and other law enforcement agencies involved in the drive against illegal recruitment and human trafficking; 5. Strengthen special anti-trafficking investigation and prosecution teams. B. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: 1. Review labor laws and policies regulating placement fees; 2. Enhance policies and laws on regulations against onerous OFW contracts; 3. Enhance government intervention and support in OFW placement activities; 4. Review placement fee exemption policies for possible expansion to other sectors; 5. Explore viability of providing government incentives to recruitment agencies with low or exempt placement fees. C. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: 1. Provide local government financial counseling support to OFW families at the barangay level; 2. Link and coordinate OFW families to micro-financing and small and medium-scale business support programs of government; Page 1 of 3

44 1. NAME Leila Norma Eulalia Josefa M. De Lima Leila C. 3. Institutionalize financial management orientation courses for OFW families; 4. Strengthen laws against and crack down on investment and pyramiding scams victimizing OFWs; 5. Draw up comprehensive government policy response to the impact and consequences of commercialization and consumerist culture on OFW families. D. EMPLOYER ABUSE: 1. Reinforce Labor Attache complement in all countries with high incidents of employer abuse to achieve a realistic ratio between the OFW population and embassy personnel tasked to provide aid and support to OFWs; 2. Tap into OFW communities and their organizations for networking in the monitoring and reporting of cases of employer abuse; 3. Institute DFA/DOLE quick response teams to rescue and aid OFWs in distress, especially those under threat of harm or even death; 4. Prioritize hiring of personnel with experience in migrant assistance work and with deep roots in Filipino migrant communities in critical deployment countries; 5. Ensure full social support services and benefits to victims of employer abuse. E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: 1. Catalog available local jobs in construction, transport and the logistics sectors for semi- and low-skilled OFWs; 2. Continue economic policies on job and investment-generation for returning OFWs; 3. Expand TESDA services for vocational course trainings geared towards acquiring alternative employment opportunities; 4. Facilitate employment of returning OFWs in government and public-private partnership construction and infrastructure projects; 5. Study viability of an emergency relief fund for returning OFWs. F. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: 1. Ensure proper management of airport facilities by experienced and competent executives through the implementation of strict management qualification procedures; 2. Ensure operation of airport surveillance facilities such as CCTVs; 3. Conduct joint integrity, efficiency and coordination training seminars among various government agencies operating at airports including Immigration, Customs, PNP, Airport Police, etc.; 4. Modernize airport facilities and services; 5. Establish OFW complaint centers in major international airports manned by officials and personnel detailed from the Office of the Ombudsman and the Office of the President for immediate initiation of administrative and criminal action against airport officials complained of. G. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: 1. Implement strict inspection guidelines; 2. Identify and implement measures against smuggling through balikbayan boxes; 3. Identify and prosecute entities utilizing balikbayan boxes for smuggling; 4. Maintain duty-free limit on balikbayan boxes; 5. Modernize customs facilities for inspection such as x-rays. Page 2 of 3

45 1. NAME Leila Norma Eulalia Josefa M. De Lima Leila H. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: 1. Expand social counseling services for OFW families; 2. Initiate academe-government discourse and long-range planning on social impact of OFW phenomenon on the Filipino family; 3. Establish OFW family children peer support groups at the local levels in coordination with NGOs and CSOs; 4. Expand government scholarship programs especially in rural areas with high concentration of OFW families; 5. Improve Family Code provisions on the protection of the Filipino family and provide avenues for post-separation remedies regardless of legal separation or separation-in-fact cases. I. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: 1. Maintain UNCLOS arbitration as primary foreign policy strategy in dealing with West Philippine Sea issue vis a vis China; 2. Explore strategic alliances with ASEAN West Philippine Sea stakeholders such as Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia; 3. Improve and enhance alliances with US, Japan and Australia to counter an emerging Chinese expansionism and aggressive military buildup; 4. Continue and expand AFP modernization towards territorial defense and domain-awareness capability upgrades, primarily in the airspace and marine areas, and amend the Government Procurement Law to accommodate alternative but competitive procurement methods, other than public bidding, for highly specialized and big-ticket defense items; 5. Pursue aggressively military-equipment exchange/ purchase agreements/ programs with the US, Japan, Korea, Australia and other first world allies that regularly dispose of their modern military equipment. J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: 1. Increase GAA budget for MWOFRC; 2. Expand MWOFRC services to include male OFWs in distress; 3. Explore budget sources through donations from international NGOs and civic organizations operating in host countries, and other entities, for the exclusive use of MWOFRCs, subject to government auditing rules; 4. Establish links with Filipino migrant community organizations, NGOs, and support groups; 5. Enhance coordination system with other embassy personnel involved in the rescue and aid of OFWs in distress. Page 3 of 3

46 PICTURE 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 1. NAME FRANKLIN M. DRILON FRANK SENATOR 3. POLITICAL PARTY LIBERAL PARTY 4. DATE OF BIRTH NOV. 28, PLACE OF BIRTH: ILOILO CITY 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: MILAGROS DRILON II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND INCLUSIVE DATES OF ATTENDANCE 9. LEVEL NAME OF SCHOOL From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED ELEMENTARY SECONDARY COLLEGE BALUARTE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL UP ILOILO COLEGE HIGH SCHOOL UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES - DILIMAN GRADUATE STUDIES UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES COLLEGE OF LAW III. A. ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: -Together with POEA and OWWA, we will intensify public information programs on overseas employment laying down migrant workers' rights and providing the procedures and mechanisms in asserting these rights. B. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: - We recently passed the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) Act to boost the government's capability to respond to the needs of millions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and make more equitable the agency's collection policy for its land-based and seabased members. This addresses the unequal treatment of OFWs with regard to the payment of OWWA dues because, under the current OWWA policy, sea-based workers such as seafarers pay higher contribution to the OWWA than land-based workers. Land-based workers would only pay $25 for a two-year contract, while the seafarers would pay $25 every six months or a total of $100 for two years. C. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: - We will explore the establishment of programs on financial planning for our OFWs. D. EMPLOYER ABUSE: - We shall enhance personnel and service availability in foreign jurisdictions, provide mobile consular services as often as possible, and survey jurisdictions with additional need for POLO-OWWA officers. - We shall strategically map out the presence of OFWs abroad, especially in cities distant from capitals, where embassies or consular offices are located. Page 1 of 2

47 PICTURE 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 1. NAME FRANKLIN M. DRILON FRANK SENATOR E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: - We will provide our OFWs the opportunities to leverage their earnings for profitable businesses here in the Philippines. F. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: - We will push for the renovation and upgrading of facilities in our international airports, focusing on the installation of security devices such as CCTVs, in order to facilitate apprehension of erring airport staff. G. H. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: - We recently passed the Customs and Tariff Modernization Act, which will increase the de minimis value (amount below which no duties and taxes will be collected from P10 to P10,000, and will raise the tax exemption ceiling for packages sent by balikbayans and returning residents from P10,000 to P150,000. These updated rates will expedite the process of importation in the country. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: -Education is a right that should not be reserved to those who are well-off. OFWs, like each and every other working Filipino, must not be saddled with expensive fees to avail of quality education. I. J. -We recognize that the government cannot do this alone - therefore we will engage the private sector and civil society to address challenges brought about by familial separation for economic betterment. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: - We are committed to the peaceful settlement of conflicting claims in the West Philippine Sea in accordance with international law, in particular the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or the UNCLOS. Consistent with these norms, the Philippines has initiated arbitration proceedings with the appropriate UN tribunal with the firm hope that through international law, peace and justice will prevail. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: -We will urge the establishment of more resource centers for both our land-based and sea-based OFWs, considering the places where most OFWs are concentrated. Page 2 of 2

48 1. NAME Sherwin T. Gatchalian Win Congressman, 1st District, Valenzuela City 3. POLITICAL PARTY 4. DATE OF BIRTH April 6, PLACE OF BIRTH: 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 9. LEVEL Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) NAME OF SCHOOL Manila N/A INCLUSIVE DATES OF ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED ELEMENTARY SECONDARY COLLEGE Grace Christian School Grace Christian School Boston University, Boston, Massachussets, USA GRADUATE STUDIES III. A. ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: Illegal recruitment can be prevented through the development of a government-led and government-operated centralized registry containing information on all accredited recruitment and deployment offices. Applicants will be electronically registered into the registry and subsequently funneled to properly accredited recruitment and deployment offices. Through this system, all processes and transactions will be recorded, monitored, and assessed by the government through the POEA. In addition, applicants will not be allowed to proceed to their country of employment without credentials acquired from the POEA. The system will thus prevent illegal recruitment by (1) ensuring that applicants only transact with accredited offices, (2) providing applicants with easily accessible electronic records, and (3) preventing illegal recruitment agencies from flourishing through preventing them from sending Filipinos abroad. B. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: The centralized registry mentioned in the preceding item serves another function. It equips the government --- more specifically the POEA/OWWA with the capacity to monitor and assess placement fees being offered by accredited recruitment and deployment offices. Through the centralized registry, the POEA/OWWA can ensure that placement fees are within acceptable parameters. It also provides applicants with vital knowledge regarding placement fees. Applicants can easily access the periodically updated fee listing and avoid price gouging practices by less scrupulous agencies. Through this system, errant recruitment and deployment offices that are perceived to be overchanging applicants can be easily reported to the POEA. SImilarly, applicants can easily report hidden surcharges, and fees imposed by recruitment and deployment offices given that they can easily refer to the centralized POEA registry. C. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: The government, through the POEA and OWWA, currently provides access to financial literacy programs to OFWs and their families. The goal is to strengthen these programs. The POEA, with the help of the SEC, can identify and endorse financial institutions that could design financial programs for OFWs and their families. Page 1 of 3

49 1. NAME Sherwin T. Gatchalian Win Congressman, 1st District, Valenzuela City C. Partnerships with financial experts can help families of OFWs choose from the menu of financial services. Fostering stronger partnerships with local and international banks would allow OFWs to send remittances directly into bank accounts --- at lower cost. OFWs could then enroll themselves in programs that would automatically channel pre-specified proportions of their monthly remittances into mutual funds, retirement programs, and/or pension plans --- increasing their control over their finances. The government should also broaden access to their designed to encourage entrepreneurship. The goal is to help OFWs allocate a greater fraction earnings on money making investment and/or entrepreneurial opportunities. D. EMPLOYER ABUSE: The government must equip Philippine embassies with a greater capacity to care for our OFWs. Embassies must be given access to the centralized registry mentioned above. Through the registry, embassies can keep close tabs on our OFWs. OFWs can register their smartphones (or be provided with smartphones --- perhaps on a subsidized payment plan) in order to keep embassies, the POEA, and the national government apprised of their situation. OFWs unable to contact their closest embassy over protracted periods of time will be flagged as endangered. Through smartphone technology and a set of dedicated protocols, the national government - through the POEA/OWWA and the relevant Philippine embassy can send assistance to a beleaguered OFW in the soonest time possible. E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: The state of the global economy is beyond our control. The global economy is subject to headwinds and tailwinds precipitated by emerging trends in regional economies. The best that we can do is to provide our OFWs with (1) the expanded capacity to relocate away from struggling economies (the centralized registry will contain detailed information on OFW skillsets which will allow the government to provide them with opportunities for repatriation and subsequent redeployment), (2) opportunities to leverage their earnings for profitable businesses here in the Philippines (aforementioned programs on financial literacy and entrepreneurship can serve as means to develop OFW safety nets upon repatriation), and (3) pursue preferential labor agreements with countries with high OFW populations (the strategy is to ensure that OFWs will not be subjected to discriminatory hiring and firing practices in times of economic distress). F. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: Unwiedly and bloated bureaucracies provide unscrupulous government officials with plenty of opportunities to engage in corrupt, rent-seeking practices. Put simply, the more opportunities for face-to-face interactions, the more opportunities for rent-seeking. The strategy, therefore, would be to eliminate these spaces for corruption. Automated check-in and payment processes, for example, will limit the opportunities for airport officials to extract rent from OFWs. Reviewing the manner in which airport contraband is treated is another strategy to reduce opportunities for rent-seeking. Contraband that will prove harmless on their own should simply be discarded --- instead of treated as grounds for incarceration (as was the case with bullets in the "tanim-bala" scam). To further deter corrupt practices, CCTV cameras should be installed on every counter that involves human interaction. The footage should be easily accessible by government oversight agencies as well as the general public. G. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: OFW remittances already constitute a significant part of the Philippine economy. OFW remittances include substantial multiplier effects that serve to drive the Philippine economy forward. The removal of taxes and customs duties from Balikbayan boxes is one way of recognizing --- and rewarding, the contributions of our OFWs to the Philippine economy. Removing taxes and customs duties from Balikbayan boxes is an indirect, yet elegant way of providing a subsidy to our OFWs. Page 2 of 3

50 1. NAME Sherwin T. Gatchalian Win Congressman, 1st District, Valenzuela City H. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: - Protracted periods of separation can take a tremendous toll on families. In order to address the problem of broken families, the POEA, in partnership with the DSWD, can provide OFWs and the families of OFWs access to psychiatric counselling services. Social workers, trained in psychiatry, could provide periodic counseling services to the children of OFWs. This confers an ancillary benefit - maintaining the emotional health and stability of the children of OFWs is the key to ensuring that they do not turn to dangerous drugs and engage in violent behavior. - In order to ease the burden on OFWs the government must work towards broadening access to high-quality primary, secondary, and tertiary education. Education is a right that should not be reserved to those who are well-off. OFWs, like each and every other working Filipino, must not be saddled with expensive fees to avail of quality education. I. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: The Philippine must remain steadfast in its struggle for its sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea. Beyond redoubling our efforts in international tribunals, we must work towards forging geopolitical partnerships and alliances with key players in the ASEAN Region and East Asian Region. Strategic geopolitical alliances with Singapore, Japan, and South Korea will help the Philippines secure broad-based international support for its claim over the West Philippine Sea (Singapore, Japan, and South Korea, after all would be against China control over the West Philippine Sea given that it would compromise their existing shipping lanes). Fostering partnerships with other ASEAN and East Asian countries will also serve to combat perceptions that the Philippines is furthering U.S. and/or Western interests. J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: I wholeheartedly support the establishment of a fully funded Migrant and Overseas Resource Center. This agency should serve as the hub for the aforementioned integrated electronic OFW registry. The agency should be designed to look after the welfare of OFWs. More specifically, the agency --- as an extension of the POEA, will be designed to help combat illegal recruitment, assist OFWs find employment through the centralized electronic registry, facilitate speedy repatriation in times of crisis, serve as the conduit for legal assistance for OFWs in legal distress, promote financial literacy among OFWs and their families, and provide psychiatric counseling to families of OFWs. Page 3 of 3

51 1. NAME Teofisto D. Guingona III TG 3. POLITICAL PARTY Liberal Party 4. DATE OF BIRTH April 19, PLACE OF BIRTH: 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 9. LEVEL NAME OF SCHOOL Manila Atty. Ma. Victoria G. Guingona INCLUSIVE DATES OF ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED ELEMENTARY SECONDARY COLLEGE Ateneo de Manila University Ateneo de Manila University Ateneo de Manila University GRADUATE STUDIES Ateneo de Manila University Law School III. A. ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: Immediate non-band Aid solutions are needed to reform the recruitment system, and even eliminate any possible connivance between illegal recruiters and some unscruplous overseas employment officials. B. Apart from its regulatory function, POEA must also serve as our migrant workers' first line of defense in identifying legitimate recruitment companies and protecting the integrity of work documents. The POEA website must also serve as a speedy access to a list of recruitment agencies, licensed or not, that have faced multiple complaints. A massive cleanup of POEA registry is needed to rid it of repeat violator agencies; therefore, cases must be filed and fines must be imposed. Conversely, a more rigorous screening and approval procedure for new licenses must be implemented. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: Pre-employment orientation services should be intesified and expanded, because it is in the knowledge of existing guidelines that OFWs can arm themselves against the abuse of high placement fees. Aspiring migrant workers who have no capacity to attend or access POEA's free seminar, by financial or geographic constraints, may be assisted by regional offices or local help desks created by LGUs. Cases of recruitment agencies with exorbitant placement fees must immediately result in the cancellation of license on first incident. It is also essential that we continue bilateral agreements that aim to lower, if not completely abolish, placement fees required by different countries. C. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: Savings is the only legitimate source of capital. With OFW remittances hitting close to ten percent (10%) of the Philippine GDP., savings representing just a fraction of this amount embodies an awesome business capital that migrant workers can look forward to when they are done with jobs overseas. Page 1 of 3

52 1. NAME Teofisto D. Guingona III TG C. Instead of big businesses enjoying the fruits of the sweat of OFWs --- instead of suffering abject poverty and joblessness on their return -- the hour has come for migrant workers, in cooperation with government agencies dealing with investments, to build a gigantic capital out of forced OFW savings that reward them with proceeds and give them priority employment when they come back. D. EMPLOYER ABUSE: Most prone to abuse are young, unskilled, and undocumented Filipinos. First, government should infuse prospective women OFWs with skills before their departure. Second, Bureau of Immigration should tighten controls on migrant workers using tourist visas in all exit points throughout the country. Third, POEA should be more active in monitoring countries marred by rampant cases of abuse and cancel them as OFW destinations, where necessary. Lastly, our labor attaches abroad should be given more funds to defend, protect, and seek justice for abused OFWs. Erring foreign employers must be punished. E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: The resilience of the OFWs has been proven many times over. Economic turmoil of global proportions has failed to dampen the demand for their services. Filipinos remain the prized and preferred employees over all others because of their incomparable traits, values, and work ethic. But wars and strife, especially in the Middle East, represent danger and are threats to their safety. The government must immediately identify strife-torn countries where OFW lives may be in danger and be equipped to evacuate OFWs en masse at short notice. These we owe to the OFWs. F. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: A one-stop help desk for OFWs should be established in all of the country's entry and exit points. It provides, legal, security, and facilitation for every returning and exiting migrant worker. While there are inconsistent efforts to do this, it takes a law to fund the service and make it mandatory, effective, and relevant. This is a top priority task for this senator. G. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: The value of the balikbayan box should be upgraded in consideration of inflationary pressures in OFW host countries. In the Philippines, they should be given a hero's welcome, free from manual searches and red tape. H. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: Out of changing socio-economic landscape, the country is now seeing a surge in separations and broken families. Government should be tasked with equipping single parents with incentives and resources to rear entire families and ensure that the education of children is not hindered by change. This is a critical area in which government lacks focus. Together with OFWs and the many single parents, this is a challenge that we must face. I. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: While our adherence to peace and the Law of the Sea must be lauded, it is not enough to contain the issue as if it were a mere Foreign Affairs issue. It is an issue that local government, fisher folks, farmers, academe, scientists, seagoing vessel, operators, brother Muslims, and the people who are directly affected must fight for over the issue, government must initiate a widespread program of education and empowerment. Page 2 of 3

53 1. NAME Teofisto D. Guingona III TG J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: Knowing that we cannot do without the contributions of the OFW, it is a shame that government has failed to establish a Migrant and Overseas Resource Center, a comprehensive think-tank for studying, monitoring, evaluating, and planning the condition, interest, and growth of migrant workers. We cannot do without a Migrant and Overseas Resource Center and it should be established at the soonest time in view of internal and global changes that are happening right before our eyes. Page 3 of 3

54 PICTURE 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 1. NAME Ana Theresia N. Hontiveros Risa Chairperson 3. POLITICAL PARTY 4. DATE OF BIRTH February 24, PLACE OF BIRTH: 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 9. LEVEL Akbayan NAME OF SCHOOL Manila Francisco B. Baraquel Jr. INCLUSIVE DATES OF ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED ELEMENTARY St. Scholastica's College, Manila Scholarship (Gr. 7) SECONDARY St. Scholastica's College, Manila Scholarship; High Honors; Scholastican Award COLLEGE Ateneo de Manila University Cum Laude; Departmental Award for Social Science GRADUATE STUDIES III. A. ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: Naniniwala ako na mahalaga masugpo ang illegal recruitment at human trafficking. Mahalagang maigarantiya natin sa mga biktima ng ganitong krimen ang mabilis na prosecution at conviction sa mga gumagawa ng ganitong modus. Bahagi nito ang pagpapadali ng access to justice ng mga biktima gaya ng pagbibigay ng abogadong tututok sa kaso nila Mabisang paraan rin ang pagsulong ng mas madaling proseso ng illegal recruitment at employment channels upang labanan ang illegal recruitment. Legal recruitment and employment na S imple, A ffordable, F ast at garantisado ang E xpedient R epatriation. Simple dahil padadaliin ang proseso para makahanap ng trabaho sa ligtas at legal na paraan. Affordable dahil hindi na kailangang gumastos ng malaking halaga. Gagawin nating mabilis para hindi maghintay ng matagal para makapangibang bansa. Higit sa lahat titiyakin natin na garantisado para sa lahat ng OFWs na may nakahandang repatriation kung sakaling maipit sila sa panganib. B. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: Naniniwala akong hindi dapat magbayad ng placement fee ang kahit sinong manggagawa, lalo na ang ating mga OFWs, upang makakuha ng trabaho. Page 1 of 3

55 PICTURE 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 1. NAME Ana Theresia N. Hontiveros Risa Chairperson C. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: Dapat lamang na ang pinaghirapan ng ating mga OFW ang siyang magpapaunlad sa pamilya nila. Kailangang pahalagahan ang mga pinaghirapan ng ating mga bagong bayani habang sila'y nagtatrabaho sa ibang bansa kaya naman dapat may access ang OFWs at ang kanilang mga pamilya sa financial literacy programs. Dapat bahagi ng mga programang ito ang tuluy-tuloy na impormasyon tungkol sa kahalagahan ng pag-iimpok o savings, at ang mga available, OFW-friendly savings and investment opportunities. Dapat ding siguruhin ng gobyerno na ang mga financial services na ginagamit ng mga OFWs at sumisingil ng reasonable at murang fees, lalo na sa usapin ng remittances. Mahalagang maging aktibo at mapagbantay ang gobyerno sa anumang uri ng scams na pinagsasamantalahan ang ating mga OFWs at ang kanilang pamilya. Marami nang mga naglipanang mga manloloko na pinagiinteresan ang kaunting naiipon ng ating mga OFWs. Dapat silang panagutin at ikulong at tuldukan ang kanilang masamang gawain. D. EMPLOYER ABUSE: Nakakagalit ang mga kwento ng abuso sa ating mga kababayan. Karapatan ng bawat mamamayan natin ang magtrabaho nang may dangal at dignidad. Responsibilidad ng gobyerno na maging mapagmatyag laban sa abusadong employers. Kailangan maging pro-active ang ating mga consulates, embassies at POLOs at regular nilang kumustahin ang ating mga OFWs. Kailangan palakasin ang Assistance to Nationals offices ng ating mga embahada at Labor Offices (POLOS) upang makapagbigay sila ng mga lingap sa biktima ng abuso gaya ng legal assistance at psycho-social counselling. Kailangan rin maging gender responsive ang ating mga opisyal lalo na't marami sa mga nagiging biktima ng abuso ay kababaihan. Kailangan rin ng database ng mga blacklisted employers upang hindi na sila makapangabuso pa ng iba. Sa isang banda, mahalaga rin na ang aggressive ang gobyerno sa pagkakaroon ng Bilateral Agreements sa pagitan ng Pilipinas at ng mga destination countries. May responsibilidad din ang mga bansang ito na igarantiya ang kaligtasan ng ating mga mamamayan. E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: Pangunahing sagot dito ay ang pagkakaroon ng isang vibrant economy sa sarili nating bansa upang bansa upang hindi na mag-ibang bansa ang mga Pilipino. Pero habang hindi pa ito nakakamit, kailangan may proteksyon tayo sa mga kababayan nating matatanggal sa trabaho dahil sa iba't ibang mga krisis abroad. Kagaya ng nabanggit ko, dapat may mabilis na repatriation para sa mga OFWs na nasa gitna na panganib. Bago pa man mangyari itong mangyari itong mga krisis, dapat regular na ina-update ng gobyerno ang alert levels. Kilalanin rin natin na may improvement sa mga nangyayaring repatriation efforts ng gobyerno sa mga dating krisis kagaya ng sa Libya. Kung may pagkukulang, alamin ano ang dapat iimprove para sa mga susunod na mangyayaring krisis. Page 2 of 3

56 PICTURE 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 1. NAME Ana Theresia N. Hontiveros Risa Chairperson F. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: Nararapat lamang na sampahan ng criminal at administrative cases ang mga opisyales nating nagsasamantala sa ating mga OFWs. Kailangang pagtibayin natin ang responsibility ng mga officials na may direct supervision sa kanilang mga staff na nangaabuso. Dapat rin na bigyan ng mas mabigat na parusa ang mga diplomatic officials at staff natin abroad na sangkot sa pangaabuso sa ating mga OFWs. SIla ang dapat nagtatanggol sa ating mga kababayan kaya dapat mabigat rin ang paruso sa mga ginagawa nilang sumisira sa tiwala at respeto ng ating mga kababayan. G. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: Kailangan maintindihan ng mga opisyal at personnel ng gobyerno na ang balikbayan boxes na pinadadala o inuuwi ng ating mga OFWs ay higit pa sa isang simpleng box ng imported goods. OFWs take their lives with them when they go abroad and when they go home. Ang mga balikbayan box na bitbit niya paguwi ay naglalaman ng ilang taong karanasan at ng kanyang pinaghirapan sa abroad. Hindi rin niya nalilimutan ang kaniyang naiwan, kung kaya naman nagpapadala siya sa mga balikbayan boxes na pasalubong sa mga minamahal na hindi niya nakita ng matagal. Dapat nating kilalanin ang kahalagahan ng mga balikbayan boxes sa ating mga OFWs, at dapat nating respetuhin ang kanilang mga inuuwi at ipinapasalubong para sa kanilang pamilya. Dapat lamang na i-streamline ang mga proseso para sa ating mga OFWs na may uwi o padalang balikbayan box para sa kanilang mga pamilya. H. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: Dapat linawin natin na hindi ibig sabihin na dahil si nanay o tatay ay nagtatrabaho sa ibang bansa ay magreresulta na ito sa isang broken family. Dapat banda ang gobyerno na magbigay ng suporta at kalinga sa mga pamilyang naiiwan sa Pilipinas. Kailangang maging bahagi ng kalinga na ito ang pagbibigay ng gobyerno ng mga serbisyo tulad ng libreng tawag o video calls sa mga OFWs at sa kanilang pamilya lalo na at napakaraming advances sa information and communication technology (ICT) na magbibigay ng murang paraan upang siguruhin na connected ang mga pamilya kahit malayo sila sa isa't isa. Dapat ay may mekanismo rin ang gobyerno para magkita kita ang mga pamilya at anak ng mga OFWs para meron silang community at social support system para may karamay sila sa pagharap sa mga problema na naidudulot ng pagkawalay sa magulang o kapamilya. I. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: Ang Pilipinas ay para sa Pilipino. Ipinagmamalaki ko na ang aking partido, ang Akbayan, ang isa sa nauna at nangungunang boses laban sa panghihimasok ng China sa West Philippine Sea at lumalaban para sa soberenya ng ating bansa. J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: Para sa akin, kung nasaang sulok ng mundo ang Pilipino dapat naroon din at nararamdaman ang presensya ng ating pamahalaan. Mahalaga na may available at accessible na opisina ng ating gobyerno na handang magbigay ng serbisyo at kalinga sa ating mga kababayan. Page 3 of 3

57 1. NAME Princess Jacel Kiram Princess Jacel 3. POLITICAL PARTY United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) 4. DATE OF BIRTH October 11, PLACE OF BIRTH: Manila, Philippines 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: Moh Yusop R. Hasan II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 9. LEVEL NAME OF SCHOOL INCLUSIVE DATES OF ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED ELEMENTARY SECONDARY COLLEGE Philippine Christian University Philippine Normal University Philippine Normal University De La Salle University Philippine College of Health and Science GRADUATE STUDIES III. A. ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: - We have enough laws In the philippines covering illegal recruitment, which can be found mainly in republic act No (otherwise knows as the migrant workers and overseas filipinos Act of 1995) as amended by Republic Act No For simple illegal recuitment, the penalty is imprisonment ranging from 6 years and one day up to 12 years plus a fine of 200,000 to 500,000. for illegal recruitment that amounts to economic sabotage (meaning, large scale or syndicated), the penalty is lifetime imprisonment plus a fine of 500,000-1,000,000. B. - The penalty is severe enough and the list of punishable acts covers a lot of ground. What remains to be done is to strictly enforce the law. The government should set up an efficient mechanism to punish wrongdoers and provide all possible assistance to victims. this is what i intend to work on if elected as senator. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: - "Excessive collection of placement fee" is the first of the 12 punishable acts enumerated under section 6 of RA meaning, the penalty to be imposed should be 6-12 years in prison and a fine of 200,000 to 500,000; or lifetime imprisonment and a fine ranging from 500,000 to 1,000, But oftentimes, the kind of penalty we read in papers is for POEA to slap a preventive suspension order to the erring recruitment agencies. in one particular case after issusing a preventive suspension order to a recruitment agency, the POEA chief"reminded Filipino jobseekers to avoid licensed recruiter who violated the government's placement fee policy." as one news report put in. - But what happened to the cases themeselves? have they been properly procecuted in court? or are complaints settled out of court throught brivery? if elected senator, i would like to look into this matter. i want this problem to be solved the right way--not by reminding jobseekers to avoid violators.. but by placing violators behind bars. Page 1 of 3

58 1. NAME Princess Jacel Kiram Princess Jacel C. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: - "Pag-iimpok" used to be a cherished virtue among filipinos; and "alkansiya" used to be a common household item. The government and the private sector should consider undertaking an earnest campaign to ecourage OFWs, and filipon in general to save once again. - Incidentally, the social security system(sss) offers two layers of insurance benefits of OFWs. the first layes, which is compulsory, is the regular OFW Coverage program first implemented in 1995 and designed to provide OFWs with a source of income after retirement. - A second layer-- the SSS Flexi-fund program-- was added in 2001 due to many complaints that the first one was insufficient. this second layer, where membership is voluntary, provides member with a pension was adopted as the national provident Fund for OFWs. - If elected as senator, what i can do is to study the possibility and desirability of making membership in the national provident fund for OFWs compulsory to our overseas workers. D. EMPLOYER ABUSE: It is the duty of the state to provide protection to filipinos wherever they may be, be at home or abroad. In this regard, the Philippines maintains embassy-run shelters for distressed migrant workers in foreign countries where there are big concentrations of OFWs, especially in the Middle East. Unfortunately, instead of being a source of support and a safe haven for OFWs, Philippines embassies have been accused from time to time of being uncaring, even of being abusive themselves. In mid-2013, a controversy erupted when some OFWs accused certain embassy officials of molestation and pimping in what has been as "sex repatriation" scandal. We should a law reforming the way Philippine embassies and embassy-managed shelters are being tun to ensure that they are truly safe havens for distressed and abused OFWs. We should also provide greater legal assistance, financial support and counselling service to OFWs who have been abused by their employees. E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: - Economic turmoil and the consequent mass lay-off is an ever-present possibility in our time. War and natural disasters can also occur suddenly and result to distress, death, injury and dislocation of our OFWs. - What the Philippine Senate can do is to require the national government through appropriate legislation to review and strengthen our contingency plans and programs for such unfortunate occurences. Funding for such contingencies should also be specifically spelled out and included in our annual apportionment of the national budget. F. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: - The tanim-bala scandal of last year is still fresh in our national memory. The nation was in uproar, tourists became fearful, and we were shamed as a nation in the eyes of the world. Yet until now, despite the Senate probe on the airport scam, nobody has been jailed and punished. There is a general feeling or perception that the alleged culprits are being protected by those in power. - The national government should adopt a zero tolerance on corrupt airport officials and staff--nay, on all corrupt government officers. One proven act of corruption and they should be kicked out from service, not just suspended or reshuffled, waiting for another oppurtune time to engage once more in their nefarious deeds. Page 2 of 3

59 1. NAME Princess Jacel Kiram Princess Jacel G. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND IMPORT DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: - The Bureau of Customs cannot on its own proper or authority impose taxed and import duties on balikbayan boxes. - The House of Representatives is the proper body to initiate such a move because the Contitution entrusted it with money matters in the same way that the House of s has been entrusted with foreign affairs. - Section 24, Article VI of the Philippine Constitution state that "All appropriation, revenue of tariff bills, bills authorizing increase of the public debt, bills of local application, and private bills shall originate exclusively in the House of Representatives, but the Senate may propose or concur with amendments." - Balikbayan boxes are duty-free and tax-free packages and should remain that way considering the great sacrificies of OFWs for their respective families and their vital contribution to keeping our national economy afloat fot the past several decades. H. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: - Seeking greener pastures abroad should be a choice, not a necessity. That can only happen if the Philippines becomes prosperous and abounding in job oppurtunies. - Except if the couple go abroad together, working in a foreign country usually means breaking up families, physically speaking. Loneliness can lead to infidelity and the break up of marriage. Also, the absence of one parent causes imbalance in parental care,influence and guidance over the growing child. This could result to psychological problems and the inability of the child to finish studies. - The solution to the problems of broken families and children's inability to finish studies should be holistic because the problem is also holistic. We should reform our economy, society, politics, education and everything else. I. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: - Our national territory is our national patrimony that cannot be waived or surrendered. Since time immemorial, citizens of various countries sacrifice and die in defense of territory. Filipinos should do likewise Filipinos cannot do otherwise. - Territory is sacred, vital, existential and irreplaceable. When territorial claim conflicts with economics and look for other oppurtunities elsewhere. J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: Establishing and funding a Migrant Resource Center is a good idea. Anything meant to help overseas Filipino workers is a good idea and should be supported.. The Migrant Resource Center can serve as the core of, and later evolve into, a full-pledged Department of Migrants and Overseas Workers. Page 3 of 3

60 1. NAME Vanessa "Alma" Moreno Lacsamana Alma/Ness 3. POLITICAL PARTY 4. DATE OF BIRTH May 25, PLACE OF BIRTH: 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 9. LEVEL United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) NAME OF SCHOOL Cervantes, Ilocos Sur Fahad U. Salic INCLUSIVE DATES OF ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED ELEMENTARY SECONDARY COLLEGE San Carlos University Cebu Southwestern University Cebu University of Makati Karilagan Finishing School GRADUATE STUDIES III. A. ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: B. C. - All cases of illegal recruitment, whether filed by one or more complaint, should be made non-bailable; - Money judgments should be Php50, per victim but not less than double the money paid by the victim; - In cases where the victim has been deployed but was apprehended and imprisoned abroad or deported back to the Philippines, the crime committed by the illegal recruiter should be categorized as grave felony and meted with the appropriate penalty of imprisonment plus an appropriate compensation for the victim HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: - Categorization of jobs offered abroad from low grade-skilled to high grade non-skilled; - Standardization and regulation of placement fees based on the category of the job; - Penalize agencies who do not comply with the standard fees set for the job category; - Placement fees that are subject to salary deduction should comply with the standard fees set for the job category; INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: - Institute a cooperative that will be compose of respected and retired (who are willing and also came from working abroad) officers. If the organization exists, campaign and disseminate information to all overseas Filipino workers through its database. - Investigation all lending companies that offered high interest to all OFWs. - Include in the final orientation the ability of spending/saving money especially after the end of their contract; Page 1 of 2

61 1. NAME Vanessa "Alma" Moreno Lacsamana Alma/Ness D. EMPLOYER ABUSE: E. - Establish a special task force that would exclusively attend victims of employer abuse and to provide the immediate needs of the victim like medical attention, legal assistance, shelter and daily sustenance; - The local recruitment agency should be made solidarily liable with the foreign principal and/or employer on the ground of negligence in ensuring the safety of the OFW in the job where he/she was placed; - Insufficient meals, sleep deprivation, no day-off, non-payment of wages, verbal and physical abuse constitute Employer abuse; RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: - If confined to one company or establishment, formulate a program to minimize the effect of the economic turmoil and allow the company to recover, like: F. G. 1. Reduction of work hours in order to reduce, if not altogether avoid, the mass lay-off; 2. Temporary suspension of certain benefits like fringe benefits (if any), paid leaves, and the like; 3. Improvised compensation package for voluntary resignation and/or early retirement; CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: - Immediate transfer to an office that do not deal directly with passengers upon receipt of a complaint or report; - Immediate filing of criminal complaint and suspension pending preliminary investigation; - If found guilty, permanent disqualification from holding government office; IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: - Balikbayan boxes should be totally exempted from taxes and custom duties; - Similar items and goods numbering twenty (20) or less should not be categorized as commercial quantity considering the extended family culture of Filipinos; - Even assuming that the OFWs are occasionally sending goods in commercial quantity that his/her family members are selling, they still should not be subjected to taxes and custom duties because this is one way that the OFWs are helping their families earn an income for their subsistence and to supplement the remittance from abroad; H. I. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: - Creation of a Special Task Force by the OWWA and the DSWD to respond to please by OFWs who are faced with family problems like a philandering spouse and/or children who are neglected in order to Provide counseling for the family members; 2. Ensure the enrollment of the children in public schools; 3. Appoint a special guardian for the children if both parents are working abroad; TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: - Full support for the effort being undertaken by government to fight for the Philippine claim to the islands within the West Philippine Sea that is clearly within the territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines; - Full support for the all the efforts to strengthen the Philippine military forces in order to provide the country with capability to defend its territories; - Full support for the creation of an Asean or International cooperative movement in protecting the West Philippine Sea; J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: Agree hundred percent. Our overseas workers have made the biggest contribution to the economy with their remittances that have reached millions of dollars. It's about time that the government allocates a budget that would directly benefit them. Page 2 of 2

62 1. NAME Panfilo Morena Lacson Ping 3. POLITICAL PARTY Independent 4. DATE OF BIRTH June 1, PLACE OF BIRTH: 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 9. LEVEL NAME OF SCHOOL Imus, Cavite Alice De Perio INCLUSIVE DATES OF ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED ELEMENTARY SECONDARY COLLEGE Bayang Luma Elemenrary School Imus Institute Philippine Military Academy GRADUATE STUDIES Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila III. A. ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: As a member of the 12th Congress, senatorial candidate Panfilo M. Lacson was one of the principal authors of Republic Act No. 9208, the Anti- Trafficking in Persons Act of a legislative milestone. B. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: This is where a compassionate government has a role to play. Most OFWs risk life, limb, a quiet family life, and loneliness because of lack of employment opportunities at home. Most prefer working at home than abroad if only they can find a decent, well-paying job at home. Rather than overburdening them with indecent placement fees, OFWs deserve to be assisted by their government by collecting minimal fees and by streamlining other requirements. In addition to high placement fees, OFWs face bureaucratic red tape in the processing of their overseas employment certificate. The number of steps needed to be able to work abroad should be reduced drastically. Moreover, in order to reduce the costs of obtaining the required permits by OFWs by going to Manila, the processing of documents should be deconcentrated to regional offices. C. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: Most OFWs are already heavily in debt even before they get deployed abroad because of the cost of travel and other related costs (processing of documents, recruitment fee for some). Hence, one way of helping OFWs save money is for the government to reduce the transactions costs of overseas employment. Page 1 of 2

63 1. NAME Panfilo Morena Lacson Ping C. There is no clear, attractive government program to mobilize OFW remittances. Often times, savings are frittered away by investing in jeepneys and tricycles, which sometimes turn out to be poor investments. As an alternative, the government may float low-denomination dollar infrastructure bonds which would give attractive payoff for OFWs. For example, the government may float a $10 billion infrastructure bond in multiple of $ In return for handsome interest rates, OFWs may then help the Philippine government finance its much needed infrastructures. It's a win-win situation. D. EMPLOYER ABUSE: Here the government has a role to play. They should carefully collate data on which countries and firms are good employers. They should then prioritize deployment to countries which treat foreign workers fairly. Recruiters with bad reputation should be blacklisted. As a medium-term goal, the Philippine government should gradually change the nature of overseas eployment --- from domestic helpers and blue collar workers to professionals (accountants, lawyers, doctors, nurses, chefs, etc.). E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: With a slowing global economy, the rising violence in war-torn countries in the Middle East, and the contracting economies of oil exporting countries owing to plummeting oil prices, there is a real risk of mass layoffs in some countries importing foreign workers. The cost of repatriation should be the joint responsibility of the government, the OFW (though some form of insurance), and the recruiter. The assignment of responsibility and cost should be written in the employment contract. F. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: This is a law and order issue. The laws should be strictly enforced. With the power to hire comes the power to fire. Corrupt or incompetent officials should be removed from office. Period. No ifs and buts about it. G. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: There are laws and regulations for bringing in goods and personal effects for qualified returning residents. These laws, regulations and rules should be strictly enforced. Personal effects of returning residents are tax-exempt. Congress should review if Balikbayan boxes unaccompanied by returning residents should be taxed. H. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: These are the unintended social costs of overseas employment. Government intervention in this area is perhaps inappropriate because it means interfering with family affairs. The responsibility of government is to provide an economic environment that would lead to the creation of a lot of opportunities for Filipinos to work at home, resulting in a strong likelihood that the family will be whole and children can be strictly monitored by their parents. As an immediate response, the government can provide counselling for troubled OFW families. I. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: This is a complicated issue with serious international political and economic implications. It is incumbent upon the President of the Republic of the Philippines to keep the territorial integrity of the Republic intact. J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: I think between the DOLE and the Department of Foreign Affairs, there are enough resources to manage and regulate overseas Filipino workers. In the meantime, the Government should continue to support all international organizations that protect migrant workers --- those within the United Nations and other non-governmental organizations. Page 2 of 2

64 1. NAME Rey Langit Rey SENATOR 3. POLITICAL PARTY 4. DATE OF BIRTH September PLACE OF BIRTH: 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 9. LEVEL UNA NAME OF SCHOOL Tondo Manila Estrellita Langit INCLUSIVE DATES OF ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED ELEMENTARY SECONDARY COLLEGE GRADUATE STUDIES F.G. Calderon Elementary School Far Eastern University Boy High School Far Eastern University School Bachelor of Science in Commerce Far Eastern University Second Year Law (Proper) III. A. ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: Despite the aggressive information campaign, illegal recuitment continues to plague our fellow who are dreaming of getting a better job overseas so that they can better provide for their families. I believe that there is a need to revisit the law and push for stricter penalties againts unscrupulous recruiters who take advantage of hapless would-be OFWs. B. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: C. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: No amout of money will be sufficient for the OFWs'relative back in the philippines. I would like to explore the possibility of creating legislation that would require the concerned government agency/ies to sell property (house and lot) to OFWs at very affordable terms to encourage OFWs to invest their hard-earned money in property/ies asset/s for their future. D. EMPLOYER ABUSE: There is an urgent need to review the law that protects OFWs againts abuses. We should initiate bilateral agreements (between the government of the philippines and other countries, initially where there are high incidents of abuse) that would protect OFWs from abusive employers. there also has to be an aggressive information campaign targeted at OFWs traveling to these hotspot so that they would be informed of the culture and way of life of their future employer's countries prior to their departure. E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: This problem is imminent which is why we have to be prepared with a program for returning OFWs that would help them get back on their feet despite the unplanned return. Seed funds for their livelihood here as well as training are some ideas so that they will continue to be productive members of society. Page 1 of 2

65 1. NAME Rey Langit Rey SENATOR F. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: The impact of this "Laglag bala" phenomena is not confined to one sector and has hurt the philippine economy and reputation as a whole. The government's refusal to immediately identify accountable officials is an affront and an injustice to our unsung hereos. there should be a thorough investigation and all those who are found to be behind this despicable scam be put to justice. G. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: H. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: Families are meant to stay together but the diaspora caused by overseas employment have been ripping filipino families apart for decades now. Decades ago, in the years before the internet and mobile phones came into use, i had already seen the need to bridge the gap between OFWs and the families they left behind across thousand of miles. Through my radio program to saudi with love, i strove to reconnect families with their loved ones abroad through free overseas phone calls, the only available means of communication then, other than snail mail. i have seen for my self the value of staying in touch, of constant communication in keeping relationship and families whole. no amount of money can compensate the loss brought about by broken families. thus, along with continuos education and in-depth orientation for OFWs leaving the country and the families they will be leaving behind, the goverment must exert every and all effort to make sure that someday there will be no need for filipinos to go abroad for decent work. I would also like to push for the universal free education for the childern of OFWs until college, provided they fulfill certain ( above average grades, high percentage of attendance etc.). I. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: Page 2 of 2

66 1. NAME Mark T. Lapid Mark 3. POLITICAL PARTY Aksyon Demokratiko/Koalisyong Daang Matuwid 4. DATE OF BIRTH February 16, PLACE OF BIRTH: 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 9. LEVEL NAME OF SCHOOL Poblacion, Porac, Pampanga Tanya Garcia INCLUSIVE DATES OF ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED ELEMENTARY SECONDARY COLLEGE Saint Vincent High School Saint Vincent High School Bachelor of Science in Management (Angeles University Foundation, Angeles City) GRADUATE STUDIES Masters in Development Management University of the Philippines, Los Baños Executive Leadership Program Standford University, San Francisco, USA Leaders in Development Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education, Cambridge, MA, USA III. A. ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: We already have R.A or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of At the time of its enactment, stiff penalties were already imposed; however, the law was enacted 20 years ago and its high time to revisit it. We may need to impose higher penalties and increase the capabilities of the POEA to go after saboteurs. The exploitation of poor families must stop. B. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: While placement fees help recruitment agencies service our migrant workers, we should consider limiting the fees to ensure equal opportunities for all migrant workers. This will prevent practices such as salary deduction and others resorting to various loans that further burden our migrant workers. C. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: Considering high placement fees, migrant workers find it difficult to save money immediately when they go abroad. In the long term, we should inculcate financial literacy and fiscal management both for the migrant workers and the families they leave behind. We should enact laws like inclusion of fiscal management subjects in our K-12 curriculum. Page 1 of 2

67 1. NAME Mark T. Lapid Mark D. EMPLOYER ABUSE: Employer abuse is a force majeure. To ensure the welfare of the migrant workers, POEA should check on the data of employer with cases of abuse to migrant workers regardless of the nationality of their employees whom they supposedly abuse. Out recruitment agencies should not expose our migrant workers to their employers. Another is to impose penalties on recruitment agencies that has high incidents of repatriated workers due to abuse. In the near future, we envision that there will be more opportunities in our country that would prevent our people from working abroad. E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: While this is constant global reality, our government should ready to take in displaced migrant workers: 1) Help them find jobs that match their skills, 2) Offer livelihood assistance in the form of grants enabling them to start up business which they may use to pursue their dreams for their families, 3) Strengthen tourism that could rival or better our neighboring countries to provide even more jobs and businesses through tourism. F. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: After according due process, erring officials and stff should be fired immediately. To prevent this we should look into raising their salaries and give more incentives so as not to lure them into corruption. G. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: Our migrant workers have labored so hard to be able to send these balikbayan boxes and it is sad that some has taken advantage of their hardwork. We should study easing the taxes imposed to these balikbayan boxes. There are already proposals as to the extent of the amount that are being leived. We will support what just and most beneficial to our migrant workers. H. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: Disfunctional families are result of one or two parents working abroad. We see that through making tourism the prime source of jobs and livelihood, we'd be able to lessen if not eliminate such. I. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: We should assert our claim and we should exert all effort to exhaust all legal and diplomatic channels toward peaceful settlement of terriorial dispute. J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: RA 8042 provides for the establishment of migrant workers and overseas Filipino resouce center. The Law is very clear on its functions; however we need to further its responsibilities to ensure that our migrant workers are protected and well taken care of. Page 2 of 2

68 PICTURE 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 1. NAME Dante V. Liban Dante 3. POLITICAL PARTY 4. DATE OF BIRTH January 7, PLACE OF BIRTH: 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 9. LEVEL Independent NAME OF SCHOOL Manila Marvina Reina Liban INCLUSIVE DATES OF ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED ELEMENTARY SECONDARY COLLEGE GRADUATE STUDIES Quirino Elementary School Trinity College of Quezon City High School University of the Philippines Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration University of Manila Bachelor of Laws Southeast Asia Interdisciplinary Development Institute - School of Organization Development - Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy First Honor Valedictorian III. A. ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: As principal author of congressional resolution creating the committee on ofws, and having served as its first committee chairman, congress was able to directly address the problems confronting our overseas filipino workers, particularly the issues of illegal recruitment, contract subsitution, high placement fees, employers abuse as well as philippine embassy/consulate's apathy and inaction. Under my watch the committee on ofws held on-site investigations in host countries thereby providing our ofws and their respective families opportunities to immediately enlist congressional actions! B. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: I propose the establishment of new department on overseas filipino workers, separate & distinct from the department of labor & employment, which will manage our overseas employment program, professionally promote & globally market our human resources, and provide adequate support & protection, including a viable retirement or pension plan. Poea, owwa, polos, cof and a new commission on ofw labor relations. The new department will ensure our ofws that their plight, concerns, problems, particulary employer's abuse will be directly heard by the president and his cabinet. C. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: Cases of mass lay-off due to economic turmoil or even unrest in the host country will be readily addressed to by the president and his cabinet, and urgent, concrete actions be undertaken through the new department on ofws whose head will be a regular department secretary. Ad hoc remedies will be a thing of the past; regular and professional actions will be the order of the day. Page 1 of 2

69 PICTURE 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 1. NAME Dante V. Liban Dante D. EMPLOYER ABUSE: I propose to re-file a bill creating a special overseas workers bank (owb) which will be owned by registered & certified overseas filipino workers. With the yearly dollar remittances amounting to tens of billions of dollars, the special bank will surely grow into a strong universal bank thereby empowering our ofws with financial clout, and later on with economic muscle. For the first 5 years, the proposed owb will be managed by professional bankers & managers until such time ofws who are experts in bank management & other ofw financial consultants can gradually take over. Qualified children of ofws, especially those who majored in banking & finance will form the rank & file of the bank. As stockholders and co-owners, our ofws will be inspired to save and invest their savings into his/her own bank. E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: Corrupt officials and staff must be summarily suspended, removed from the agency, and if evidence so warrants, be dismissed from the service. F. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: As a respected member of the international community of nations, we must pursue our territorial claim over west philippine sea, invoking and adhering to applicable international laws, treaties and conventions. G. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: Establishment of a providential fund is necessary to address the financial needs of broken families, particularly family subsistence and schooling of children. Strategically, there is a need to put up a focused family crisis center which shall address non-financial concerns. H. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: Establishment of a providential fund is necessary to address the financial needs of broken families, particularly family subsistence and schooling of children. Strategically, there is a need to put up a focused family crisis center which shall address non-financial concerns. During my 9-year service in congress, to ensure that families left behind by departing ofw who were my constituents, i provided financial -food assistance good for four (4) months, enough time for the ofw to receive his/her salaries, and remit the same to the family! I. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: Page 2 of 2

70 1. NAME Gen. Romeo R. Maganto Tomagan 3. POLITICAL PARTY 4. DATE OF BIRTH March 30, PLACE OF BIRTH: 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 9. LEVEL Lakas - CMD NAME OF SCHOOL Tupi, South Cotabato Deceased INCLUSIVE DATES OF ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED ELEMENTARY SECONDARY COLLEGE Tupi Central School, Tupi South Cotabato Gen. Paulino Santos Memorial Institute Bachelor of Science in Criminology Philippine College of Criminology, Manila GRADUATE STUDIES III. A. ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: Bachelor of Laws, Manila Law School Masters of Science in Criminology, PhD in Crim ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) Illegal recruiters MUST be criminally sanctioned and a case MUST be filed against them by POEA and their licenses must be cancelled irrevocably. I will pass a bill and will make sure to create a law that all enforcement agencies MUST have a strict enforcement and implementation of anti-illegal recruitment. I will also create an independent TASK FORCE under my office to make sure that justice for our modern heroes will be served immediately. B. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: Placement Fees and other miscellaneous charges MUST be regulated. As far as Manpower Agencies is concerned, ONLY MINIMAL AMOUNT and UNIFORMED PLACEMENT FEE MUST be imposed to include the health insurance and other benefits for our overseas workers. C. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: All OFWs should be insured by their respective manpower agencies until the duration of their contract. So that when they go home and unable to save money for some reasons or another, they could claim rebates. I will create a program under my office that will enable and enrich their knowledge on how to save money and the importance of saving for their family's future. D. EMPLOYER ABUSE: The Philippine Government MUST provide assistance to our OFWs on their problems abroad. I will create a law that documented or undocumented, our government MUST be under obligation to protect our citizens. Page 1 of 3

71 1. NAME Gen. Romeo R. Maganto Tomagan D. As Filipino citizens, they have the right to ask help and receive full support from their mother country. After all, they are helping to boost our economy through their dollar remittances. There MUST be no Filipinos left behind. E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: I will create a law that our government MUST be under obligation to provide our OVERSEAS WORKERS employment in case of Economic turmoil and give them assistance accordingly. The government must also prioritize the affected workers for a job opportunity in the country. In case the government cannot accommodate the volume of workers, it must work hand and hand with our allies that are able to provide and seek help from them for job and employment opportunities. F. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: I will create a law that corrupt and abusive airport officials and staff MUST be administratively and criminally sanctioned and be punished by the law. G. And upon conviction should suffer imprisonment of not more than six (6) years and will be banned from holding any government position for life. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: I will create a law that taxes MUST not be imposed on Balikbayan Boxes, if the items in the box/es is less than Php300, pesos. It will only be taxable if it is more than Php300, In that law, I will state that NO Custom or Immigration officials or employees can open the box without notifying the owner. Only if the box contains drugs, firearms and other contrabands which is shown in the xray machines, only then the customs or enforcement agency official can open it. Any violator will be administratively and criminally sanctioned and upon conviction will be banned from holding any government position for life. H. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: I always believe that Education is our key to success. And that, Family is the basic unit of our society. Yet a small and basic unit, it is the most powerful and most influential in terms of building one's self in preparation for a bright future that awaits an individual. "Family First", this is one of the programs that I will personally create and support under my office should I will be given a chance in the Senate. Page 2 of 3

72 1. NAME Gen. Romeo R. Maganto Tomagan H. In this program, I will support and give moral and livelihood assistance to those OFW families that needs it the most. This program will serve as their guiding light that will nurture and encourage victims of broken families that life must go on despite. I will make sure that "Family First" (MAGANTO's Program in the Senate) will strongly uphold the dignity of our beloved OFWs and countrymen. In addition to this, I will also create a law, TO INSIST THE RIGHT OF EVERY FILIPINO CITIZEN TO PROPER EDUCATION and HEALTH BENEFITS, FREE ACCESS AND USE OF ALL GOVERNMENT MEDICAL FACILITIES IN THE COUNTRY. I. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: ARTIKULO DOS NI MAGANTO: "IPAGTATANGGOL KO ANG ATING TERIYORYO AT HANDANG IALAY ANG BUHAY PARA SA MGA PILIPINO." Minsan ko ng ibinigay ang aking buhay para sa bayan. At ako ay ginawaran ng "Distinguished Conduct Star Medal" (next to Medal of Valor) noong 1987 sa pakikipaglaban para sa ating demokrasya. At ngayon, hindi ako magdadalawang isip na ialay at ibigay muli ang aking natitirang panahon ng aking buhay upang PROTEKTAHAN at IPAGTANGGOL ang ating pambansang Teritoryo para sa mga Pilipino. I will create a law that will encourage every Filipino citizen to strengthen our forces, to be more patriotic and uphold our dignity as Filipinos and be a pride of our nation. West Philippine Sea is for every Filipino citizen. It is ours. Let us protect and fight for it by all means. J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: ARTIKULO SINGKO NI MAGANTO: "KAY MAGANTO, BIDA ANG MGA PILIPINO." (Ang artikulong ito ay para sa lahat ng mga Pilipinong naghahangad ng isang mapayapa, maunlad at matatag na pamumuhay.) Part I: PARA SA MGA OFW "Ang Misyon ko ay maglingkod ng tapat at totoo sa ating bayan at sa buong Sambayanang Pilipino. Kasabay nito ang aking prinsipyong hindi kailanman nabibili ng kahit na ano. Manindigan ako sa TAMA at TOTOO para sa isang MAKABULUHAN at MAKATOTOHANANG layunib para sa lahat." With these, I will allocate and approve a budget for Migrant and Overseas Resources Center for our Overseas Filipinos around the world. This will strengthen and boost the moral of our Kababayans abroad even if they're oceans away from home. And we shall call it "DANGAL ng PINOY CENTER" (DPC). This will provide shelter and comfort to them always. This will also be used or utilize as and augment or auxiliary of our embassy in different parts of the world. I believe that we must be connected consistently to be able for us to be united in one common goal and that is my advocacy. IBALIK PO NATIN ANG DANGAL NG MGA PILIPINO! Page 3 of 3

73 1. NAME Eduardo B. Manzano Edu ial Candidate 3. POLITICAL PARTY Independent 4. DATE OF BIRTH September 14, PLACE OF BIRTH: 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 9. LEVEL NAME OF SCHOOL USA INCLUSIVE DATES OF ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED ELEMENTARY SECONDARY COLLEGE De La Salle College La Salle Greenhills U.S Air Force De La Salle University GRADUATE STUDIES III. A. ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: Despite the stringent measures imposed by POEA on recruitment agencies as mandated by RA 10022, which amends RA 8042, also known as the 1995 Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act, illegal recruitment, not to mention illegal human trafficking, continues to rise. The biggest challenge is not only in the enforcement of the law but also on the investigation and prosecution of erring recruitment agencies and the prevention of illegal recruitment. As part of my OFW agenda, I plan to take the following actions: (1) Introduce a bill creating special courts on illegal recruitment to expedite the resolution of cases and successful prosecution of illegal recruiters; (2) Meet with the various private recruitment associations to help in the institutionalization of the best ethical practices among themselves through fiscal and administrative incentives; (3) Ensure strict compliance of the mandatory establishment of migrant desks in all LGUs, especially in areas where illegal recruitment remains rampant. B. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: While POEA prescribes fees and costs chargeable to hired workers, and further prohibits the collection of placement fee among HSWs, there is a need to review this policy with an end-view of rationalizing the imposition of other related fees. AS part of my OFW agenda, I plan to take the following actions: (1) Introduce ammendments to the law that would mandate private recruitment associations to make public the actual costs of the recruitment, documentation and placement of hired workers. This provision would prevent recruitment agencies from exacting exorbitant fees and unnecessary imposing other fees, including the payment of "training fee" especially among HSWs; (2) Call on the DOLE to initiate a bilateral labor agreement that would prescribe a ceiling on the fees being collected and charged to hired workers, and make the costs of recruitment transparent to the public for the local and foreign recruitment agencies under their service contract agreements. Page 1 of 3

74 1. NAME Eduardo B. Manzano Edu ial Candidate C. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: We have more than empirical and anecdotal evident to support our claims that our hardworking OFWs could hardly allot their hard-earned money for savings. After spending their best years trying to send money to their families they left behind, the sad reality is that they often find themselves empty-handed. It is therefore important not only on the part of the government but also among private recruitment agencies to teach our OFWs on how to manage their salaries and invest on low-risk ventures. As part of my OFWs agenda, I plan to take the following: (1) Fund public and private programs on financial literacy for OFWs and their dependents, in partnership with migrant workers' groups and civil society organizations on this worthwhile endeavor; (2) Make it easy for OFWs to access bank loans, especially in pursuit of their long-hopedfor dream of buying a house for their family and venture into productive and high-yielding businesses. D. EMPLOYER ABUSE: Majority of the maltreatment, exploitation and abuses committed against our OFWs are common among HSWs who by the very nature of their job have to live in the private homes of their foreign employers. The incidents of maltreatment and abuse among HSWs can be minimized if we can assure a good living and working conditions of our workers in a foreign land. As part of my OFW agenda, I plan to propose the following: (1) Push for the live-out arrangement among HSWs in their employment contract; (2) increase deployment of POLO officers who shall monitor and report strict compliance with international labor standards on the living and working conditions of our workers, especially in those countries where there are HSWs; (3) Strengthen PDOS among our most vulnerable workers, giving them adequate trainings and information about the foreign countries' culture and society and thus, making them prepared to cope up with foreign works. E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: Our OFWs are always at risk of being laid off not only in the event of economic turmoil in foreign countries but also at the outbreak of conflict or civil war. It should be realized that overseas employment opportunities do not last forever. It is not even a panacea to the poverty they experience in our country. As part of my OFW agenda, I plan to do the following: (1) Review and mandate and structure of the National Reintegration Center for OFWs and provide more funds for them to make its programs and services more attuned to their needs; (2) Call on the recruitment agencies to negotiate for a contingency program in the event of economic turmoil or conflict. which may include, inter alia, a livelihood and financial assistance to the returning OFWs; (3) Push for the immediate passage of a law establishing OFW Entrepreneurship Fund that would serve as a guarantee fund for non-collateralized business loans for OFWs. F. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: My long years of public service first as vice mayor of Makati City and then as chairman of Optical Media Board showed how I have always stood up against graft and corruption. It is sad that our airports have become a haven for opportunists and extortionists victimizing our OFWs. As part of my OFW agenda, I plan to do the following: (1) Hold the MIAA accountable in investigating and presecuting these corrupt airport officials and staff, especially those involve in "tanim-bala" modus, conduct periodic lifestyle check on airport officials and staff and their immediate families; (2) Review MIAA's existing attrition policy where "performing" public servants are given monetary incentives and promotions for reaching a quota of the job the public paid for; (3) Compel the MIAA to suspend the collection of PhP550 aiport terminal fee for continually violating the exemption granted by law to OFWs and submit itself to audit for the unrefunded fees it has collected since Feb. 1, Page 2 of 3

75 1. NAME Eduardo B. Manzano Edu ial Candidate G. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: I welcome and support the legislative measure increasing the total "dutiable" value of these balikbayan boxes not to exceed more than PhP1,150,000, and other provisions in Section 800 of CTMA. We hope that this provision in the proposed law remains in tact as this has long been overdued. However, I believe that we need to put in place adequate measures to safeguard these OFW boxes against theft or being ransacked by some unscrupulous individuals. H. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: The social cost of migration bears heavily on OFW families, especially among the children or dependents. Our 1987 Constitution prescribes that the family is the basic unit of our society, and it is therefore important that the government extends full support to keep the family from disintegration. As part of my OFW agenda, I plan to do the following: (1) Introduce a legislative measure that would provide scholarship grants and tuition fee discounts to qualified and deserving dependents of OFWs in state universities and colleges and other state-run institutions and training centers; (2) Push for the immediate passage of a law providing free, stable and reliable public wireliess internet access in all public buildings, terminals, parks and plazas in the country to allow all, including OFWs' dependents to communicate to their loved ones abroad. I. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: While it is ideal to resolve regional conflict under the auspices of the ASEAN and compel China to honor the pertinent laws and documents relevant to the dispute between the Philippines and China and among other claimant-countries, such as the 1982 UNCLOS, 1992 ASEAN Declaration on the South China Sea, and the 2022 ASEAN Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, I believe we need to support our state position on the case, including pursuing the case before international tribunal courts. But mindful that these ASEAN declarations are non-binding and our inadequate external defense capability, I also believe that we need to pursue multi-lateral cooperation to develop the area while not abandoning our sovereignty claim over these contested islands. These conteseted islands are said to be rich in oil and natural gas resources and we need to forge cooperation to explore and develop its potentials to our advantage. J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: While I support any measure that would provide complete and timely information for departing OFWs, including the establishment for migrant and overseas resource center, I am more inclined to push for the creation of a Department of Migration and Development in lieu of the proposed Department of OFWs in order to put welfare services, reintegration and protection of Filipino migrants on top of the national agenda. The cretion of migrant and overseas resource center may be incorporated in the functions and responsibilities of the Department of Migration and Development in order to address not only the complex demands and increasing expectations of our OFWs but also, most importantly, to harness the development potential of migration for the country and the migrants themselves. This Department is envisioned to unifty and streamline the delivery of government services to OFWs and their dependents, putting the POEA and OWWA and their attached respective bureaus and offices under its one-stop-shop entity. Page 3 of 3

76 1. NAME Atty. Allan Montaño 3. POLITICAL PARTY UNA 4. DATE OF BIRTH July 15, PLACE OF BIRTH: 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 9. LEVEL NAME OF SCHOOL Banga, South Cotabato Aida Malfarta-Montaño INCLUSIVE DATES OF ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED ELEMENTARY SECONDARY COLLEGE El Nonok Elementary School (El Nonok, Banga, South Cotabato) Notre Dame of Banga (Banga, South Cotabato) Central Philippines University - AB Political Science (Jaro, Iloilo City) GRADUATE STUDIES Central Philippines University - Bachelor of Laws (Jaro, Iloilo City) III. A. ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) must be given more resources to curb and prevent illegal recruitment. The further success of these efforts, however depend on: (1) a vigilant citizenship that reports illegal recruitment activities in the community; (2) active monitoring by the POEA and DOLE and proper coordination with the PNP and the NBI; and (3) better regional and international coordination between Philippine authorities and their counterparts abroad in the case building, evidence gathering, prosecution and conviction of illegal recruiters in both country of origin and country of destination of OFWs, since well-funded international syndicates run these evil operations. It is also crucial to tap existing international networks of lawyers, who could greatly help in the rescue and repatriation of OFW victims of illegal recruitment and trafficking in persons. B. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: In principal, I believe that placement fees being charged by private recruitment placement agencies should be borne by the employer. At present, only domestic workers are exempted from paying placement fees. At the minimum, the same exemption should be applied to other jobs categorized as low skilled. Placement fees for other skilled workers, should placement fees continue to be exacted from them, should not amount to a one-time fee of more than 50% of the net monthly salary of the worker. C. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: Saving for the future is a mentality that all workers should have. Since OFWs earn more, their potential to save and profit from these savings in the future is greater. OFWs should learn and master financial literacy through awareness raising and education programs, which cover among others, prioritizing the essentials when purchasing, knowing the importance of savings, safe channels for remitting money to loved ones at home, going into enterpreneurship and investing one's savings. Government should complement this by providing safe forced savings schemes for OFWs, offering, and guiding them towards investments that are secured and reaching out to OFWs' families so as to prevent them from spending too much on consumer goods beyond essentials. Page 1 of 3

77 1. NAME D. EMPLOYER ABUSE: Atty. Allan Montaño Abuse is the major risk OFWs face. Making sure that private recruitment and placement agencies in the country and their partners abroad are legitimate and accredited is one way of ensuring accountability should something untoward happen to our workers. If there is abusem OFWs should be able to report these or ask to be rescued through a hotline or similar means with the use of text messaging and social media. OFWs should take seriously the Pre-Employment and Pre-Departure Orientation Seminars they attend. Workers should also attend Pre-Decision Seminars so they can decide intelligently on working abroad as a choice, rather than looking at it as the only option. Government should be ready to provide all legal, health, psycho-social and related services to OFWs in distress. A concrete way of preventing abuse, too, is establishing more Bilateral Labor Agreements between the Philippines and host countries of OFWs. E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: The risk of mass lay-offs in case of economic turmoil is real, as with political upheavals in OFW host countries. This emphasizes the need for ample social protection for OFWs. It is in this regard where the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) policy for livelihood assistance becomes very relevant. In addition, the National Reintegration Center Office, which offers skills training and entrepreneurial opportunities for returning OFWs should be strengthened. F. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: The victimize not only OFWs, but tourists from other countries, too. Thus, they offend our modern day heroes who have kept our country afloat, and foreigners who boost tourism, one of the industries that we regard as key generator of employment. Appropriate charges should be filed against corrupt officials. They should be jailed and barred from government service forever. G. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: Balikbayan boxes should not be taxed. It is but a small favor of OFWs for the sacrifices they have done. Balikbayan boxes are an extension of the Filipino custom of "pasalubong" for family and friends. These are not even really totally free of charge since OFWs pay for the shipping costs. H. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: OFWs are leaving their families behind. This validates the theory of the feminization of labor migration. These women, most of the time, are also mothers and by migrating for work --- often times to care for the children of their foreign employers --- they give up the chance to raise and care for their own children back home. This is the social cost of labor migration no amount of money can pay for. Not to underestimate the ability of fathers to care for their children, but something as basic as breastmilk for their child is lost if her mother is abroad. Under the circumstance modern technological means to communicate across oceans should be made accessible and affordable to OFWs and their families. Facilities that will allow OFWs to transact with schools for the payment of tuition and other school fees for their children should be explored. I. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: In setting maritime and territorial disputes, the Philippine Government has to continue with its peaceful diplomatic channels and international arbitration and at the same time establish its presence by building structures in the territories that ought to belong to the Philippines, which we had been claiming pursuant to United Nation Convention on Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS). Page 2 of 3

78 1. NAME Atty. Allan Montaño J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: This is a good idea. Among others, this could pave the way to tap OFWs as investors for our poor rural areas. If only 10% of the more than US $25 billion OFW remittances would be invested on average of US $2.5 billion per year in their home villages and regions, it would amount to more than 100 billion peso investments with hundreds of thousand potential jobs being created. The investment will be assured of 12% return on investment with sovereign guarantee to ensure that no single centavo of OFW investment will be lost, but on the contrary will profit. We will set up a powerful body on national level with branches in every region of the country to assist them in identifying investment opportunities in their home areas, linking up with each other, overcoming bureaucratic obstacles in the registration process, protect them against interventions, discrimination or intimidation from local dystanies and business cartels and promote them through training in entrepreneurial skills and through linkages to business credits. Page 3 of 3

79 PICTURE 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 1. NAME Ramon Enriquez Montaño Mon 3. POLITICAL PARTY People's Reform Party 4. DATE OF BIRTH March 13, PLACE OF BIRTH: Cebu City 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: Fe P. Montaño (Deceased) II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 9. LEVEL NAME OF SCHOOL INCLUSIVE DATES OF ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED ELEMENTARY SECONDARY COLLEGE Colegio de Sto. Niño, Cebu City Colegio de Sto. Niño, Cebu City Philippine Military Academy Valedictorian Valedictorian GRADUATE STUDIES Defence Resources Management US Naval Post School, Montery, California 1980 III. A. ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: B. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: C. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: D. EMPLOYER ABUSE:

80 E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: F. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: G. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: H. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: I. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER:

81 1. NAME Getulio P. Napeñas Leo 3. POLITICAL PARTY 4. DATE OF BIRTH July 18, PLACE OF BIRTH: 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 9. LEVEL United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) NAME OF SCHOOL Luna, La Union Grace L. Napeñas INCLUSIVE DATES OF ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED ELEMENTARY SECONDARY COLLEGE Cantoria Central School La Union High School Philippine Military Academy Fort Del Pilar, Baguio City GRADUATE STUDIES Master in Business Administration-Tep Pamantasan Lungsod ng Maynila Master in Public Administration, AMA University Level 7 Executive Diploma in , Strategic Management Chartered Management Institute, United Kingdom III. A. ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: - Establish a dedicated office/agency to handle cases. - Review law and provide stronger provision and stiffer penalties. - Punishment of death penalty to mass illegal recruitment. - Aggressive enforcement of the law by enforcers. - Listing of legitimate recruitment agencies in LGUs offices up to the Brgys. B. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: - Government to intervene and regulate the high placement fees. - Aggressive enforcement of laws and stiffer penalties. - Government to provide loans with minimal interest. C. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: - Automatic deduction of amount from OFWs salary and deposited directly to banks. - OFW's family in the country to undergo training on small business management. - Inculcate trifty attitude to OFWs. Page 1 of 2

82 1. NAME Getulio P. Napeñas Leo D. EMPLOYER ABUSE: - Enhance embassy's monitoring of OFWs. - Strong coordination with host government agencies. - Provisions in the contract to safeguard OFWs from employer abuse. E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: - OFWs to secure appropriate insurance. - Government to support returning home OFWs. - Seek other employment in other countries. F. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: - CCTV in all areas of the airport. - Lifestyle check of airport officials and staff. - Enhance the benefits of employees. - Heavy penalties to offenders. G. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: - Provide custom duties and taxes manuals/regulation to leaving passengers. - Opening of balikbayan boxes shall not be done unless in the presence of owner. H. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: - Enhance pre-departure orientation of OFWs. - Inculcate family virtues and values. I. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: - Diplomatic solution through intervention of international bodies. - Participation of ASEAN nations in the peaceful solution especially other claimant countries. - Strengthen the Air Force and Navy. - Strengthen foreign policy. J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: - Enhance/secure budget of DOLE to support the centers. Office building and temporary shelters Salary of employees Operating and Maintenance Expenses - Provide manuals for OFWs. Page 2 of 2

83 1. NAME Susan V. Ople Toots ial Candidate 3. POLITICAL PARTY Nacionalista Party 4. DATE OF BIRTH February 9, PLACE OF BIRTH: Manila 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND INCLUSIVE DATES OF ATTENDANCE 9. LEVEL NAME OF SCHOOL From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED ELEMENTARY SECONDARY COLLEGE St. Theresa's College Quezon City St. Theresa's College Quezon City Exchange Student, Sandusky High School, Michigan, USA University of Santo Tomas GRADUATE STUDIES III. A. ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: Kennedy School of Government Harvard University ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST FIVE (5) ACTIONS/PLANS ON THE SUBJECTS LISTED BELOW AND IN NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) Josephine Vernon Award for Excellence in Communication Kennedy School Alumni Achievement Award Shut down foreign-owned and foreign-operated recruitment agencies; ban foreigners engaged in the illegal recruitment of OFWs for life. B. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: On high recruitment costs, review all mandatory fees being charged against OFWs such as for PhilHealth membership to prevent OFWs from getting into debt prior to even leaving the country. C. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: Mandatory financial literacy seminars for OFWs and their families prior to departure and while onsite. This will prevent OFWs and families from becoming victims of scams. D. EMPLOYER ABUSE: 24/7 quick response system to be in place in all embassies and consulates worldwide to address complaints of human trafficking and maltreatment; establish/improve on-site shelter and legal assistance services. Page 1 of 2

84 1. NAME Susan V. Ople Toots ial Candidate E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: Bilateral labor agreements to be forged, and use of diplomatic channels to ensure that our workers are not wrongfully terminated without proper notice and terminal benefits. F. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: All airport personnel should wear easily readable IDs; more CCTV cameras; human rights training for airport personnel; streamline airport security personnel to ensure non-duplication of duties, clearer accountability. G. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: Will support the proposed CMTA which extends up to PHP150,000 tax-free balikbayan box for OFWs; continuous monitoring to ensure respect for balikbayan boxes. H. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: More scholarships for OFW children; a program for free computer literacy for OFWs so that they can continue to communicate with their children while abroad. I. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: Make ongoing efforts to assert our national sovereignty over Philippine territory a subject to be taught in school; maintain dialogue on nonsecurity concerns with China while supporting the ASEAN Declaration on peaceful resolution of territorial disputes. J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: Ensure that the law is followed and that embassy shelters are not used for sexual harassment and other illicit intenbtions by wayward embassy personnel; amend the Anti-Sexual Harassment Law to include ambassadors and all diplomatic personnel. Page 2 of 2

85 PICTURE 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 1. NAME Sergio Osmeña III Serge 3. POLITICAL PARTY Independent Candidate 4. DATE OF BIRTH December 13, PLACE OF BIRTH: 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 9. LEVEL NAME OF SCHOOL Manila Isabel Lopez Osmeña INCLUSIVE DATES OF ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED ELEMENTARY SECONDARY COLLEGE De La Salle College, Manila Beaumont College, Berkshire, England Harvard College, Cambridge, Massachussets Georgetown University, Washington DC DNG 1962 DNG GRADUATE STUDIES III. A. ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: Ensure that illegal recruitment cases are given priority by government prosecutors. B. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: Ensure that recruitment agencies comply with POEA rules and regulations on the collection of placement fees. C. D. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: Support non-government organizations (NGOs) and volunteer groups helping OFWs learn how to handle their finances. EMPLOYER ABUSE: Provide legal assistance to victims. E. F. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: Prioritize the redeployment of workers affected by the mass lay-off. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: Investigate illegal schemes by corrupt airport officials such as the "tanim-bala" controversy. G. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: Support pending amendments to existing laws increasing the non-taxable limit for balikbayan box. Page 1 of 2

86 PICTURE 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 1. NAME Sergio Osmeña III Serge H. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: Encourage the formationof NGOs and support groups for broken families of OFWs. I. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: Continue to support the government's stand protecting the integrity of the Philippine territory in the West Philippine Sea. J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: Support the budgetary and operational requirements of the Migrant and Overseas Resource Centers to help distressed OFWs. Page 2 of 2

87 PICTURE 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 1. NAME Emmanuel D. Pacquiao Manny 3. POLITICAL PARTY 4. DATE OF BIRTH December 17, PLACE OF BIRTH: 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 9. LEVEL United Nationalist Alliance - Peoples Champ Movement (UNA-PCM) NAME OF SCHOOL Gen. Santos City, Philippines Jinkee Jamora Pacquiao INCLUSIVE DATES OF ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED ELEMENTARY SECONDARY COLLEGE Saway Saavedra Elementary School Department of Education - ALS Notre Dame of Dadiangas University GRADUATE STUDIES III. A. ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: Southwestern University Development Academy of the Philippines ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) The best solution is to make quality jobs available here in the Philippines. We need to give incentives to companies that invest locally, especially to those that provide due protection to their employees. After all,migration for employment is not entirely a solution but an indication of a much bigger societal problem. Nevertheless, the government must address the perennial problem of illegal recruitment through strict enforcement of laws governing the recruitment of manpower. The government must send a clear message to those who engage in this illegal activity that they will face heavy problems. We must bring to court these illegal people who engage in this kind of crime. We need to give protection to those who fall prey to this kind of activity. More importantly, we must educate our kababayans of their rights so as to successfully end this problem. B. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: Strict reinforcement of the law is the key to solving this problem. Recruitment agencies that are found to have been collecting high or excessive placement fees from applicants must immediately have their icense cancelled. This government may need to implement a onestrike policy against agencies that engage in this kind of anomalous activity. More importantly, we also need to intensify our campaign to educate migrant workers of their rights. Filipinos who are seeking employment abroad must be informed that fees charged by their agencies must be in accordance to the allowable fees prescribed by law. Moreover, they must be thoroughly informed that some countries disallow placement fee collection. Applicants must be encouraged to report agencies that defy this policy. C. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: The government must consistently conduct financial literacy programs, targeting overseas Filipino workers and their families. They must be well informed of their options on how to invest their hand-earned money. Engaging in micro, small and medium enterprises must be encouraged too. Consequently, we must devise concrete steps in easing the way business is done in our country. We must eliminate complex business regulations and red tape faced by startup business and investors. Page 1 of 2

88 PICTURE 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 1. NAME Emmanuel D. Pacquiao Manny D. EMPLOYER ABUSE: Communication lines between overseas Filipino workers and Philippine embassies must be open and available at all times. Swift assistance must be made accessible to our kababayans abroad. Moreover, to protect our migrant workers from abusive employers, we must implement a system wherein we scrutinize the level of professionalism and quality of welfare programs and facilities offered by foreign employers. Ultimately, OFWs must be well-briefed of their rights as migrant workers. Before leaving the country for employment, they must be holistically prepared, through various trainings and seminars offered by the government. E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: The government must strengthen its existing reintegration programs for returning overseas Filipino workers, especially those affected by mass lay-off in countries with economic turmoil. Migrant workers must be made informed of various options they can take such as availing loans offered by the government and other local bank institutions. F. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: Victims of corrupt airport officials and staff must be encouraged to report these illegal activities so as to put an end to this anomaly. Speedy investigation must be conducted to penalize erring airport officials and staff. We must be strict in the conducts of our airport employees. All employees who are charged with cases of exorting money or harassing passengers must be relieved from duty while facing administrative investigation. G. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: H. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: Government programs assisting overseas Filipino workers and their families must be made accessible. It must be made known to them that the government offers scholarship programs for deserving migrant workers and/or their immediate descendants are available. I. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: The Philippine government must exhaust all means to protect its national territory and maritime domain. However, territorial disputes must be solved through peaceful means. Any actions that can provoke or exacerbate tension must be avoided by parties involved. J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: Page 2 of 2

89 PICTURE 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 1. NAME 3. POLITICAL PARTY 4. DATE OF BIRTH 7. PLACE OF BIRTH: 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 9. ELEMENTARY SECONDARY LEVEL Cresente C. Paez NAME OF SCHOOL Priscilla Villanueva Paez INCLUSIVE DATES OF ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED COLLEGE University of Southern Mindanao (Agriculture major in Agricultural Engineering) GRADUATE STUDIES III. A. ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: University of San Jose Recoletos (Masters Degree in Business Management) Asian Institute of Management (Basic Management Program) ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) B. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: C. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: D. EMPLOYER ABUSE:

90 E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: F. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: G. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: H. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: I. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER:

91 PICTURE 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 1. NAME Samuel Duldulao Pagdilao Jr. Sir Tsip 3. POLITICAL PARTY 4. DATE OF BIRTH February 13, PLACE OF BIRTH: 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 9. LEVEL Independent NAME OF SCHOOL Cotabato City Ma. Rosella Paño Pagdilao INCLUSIVE DATES OF ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED ELEMENTARY SECONDARY COLLEGE Dadiangas West Elementary School Mindanao State University - General Santos Philippine Military Academy GRADUATE STUDIES University of Santo Tomas Manuel L. Quezon University III. A. ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: a. Professionalize overseas employment recruitment, to include issues of human rights, anti-crime modules, and proper training of recruits. b. Strengthen regulations on agency accreditation. c. Include background checks on employers, and on the legality and legitimacy of the employment agreements the agency enters with foreign entities d. Require BIR certification that the recruitment agency pays taxes on a regular basis, in order to weed out the legal ones from the illegal entities e. Hold well-publicized recruitment fairs to entice potential overseas workers to apply to legal firms f. Increase penalties for human trafficking and swindling for illegal recruiters B. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: a. Cut the placement fee to the equivalent of half-month salary in pesos, to be paid in six months b. Should it be impossible to cut the placement fee and should it remain at one month s salary equivalent, installment should be in a one year c. Agencies should invest half of a recruit s placement fee into insurance policies or in other ventures that will ensure high yields and insurance for the safety of the OFWs d. Prohibit the holding of a recruit s departure just because of unpaid placement fees e. Require BIR certification that the recruitment agency pays taxes on a regular basis, in order to weed out the legal ones from the illegal entities Page 1 of 3

92 PICTURE 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 1. NAME Samuel Duldulao Pagdilao Jr. Sir Tsip C. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: a. Open low-fund high-interest accounts exclusively for OFWs b. Use the half of a placement fee for an insurance policy with unit investment trust fund D. EMPLOYER ABUSE: a. Mandate the embassies abroad to act swiftly by claiming custody of reported abused OFWs b. Agents of the embassy should conduct an annual door-to-door check of the OFWs condition and safety. c. Prosecute abusive employers in the name of the People of the Republic of the Philippines, subject to private international law d. Designate Filipino lawyers for the cases of abused OFWs E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: a. For OFWs in the provinces, provide funds for agricultural businesses, like poultry farming, cattle raising, vegetable farming, etc., complete with skills training and startup capital from the government. b. OWWA should regularly check on the ventures of repatriated OFWs c. For unwilling-to-return OFWs, embassies/consulates should open up a job fair for laid-off OFWs d. State should invest in industries where our OFWs excel, in order to create jobs that will deter overseas employment, and will ensure jobs for returning OFWs F. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: a. CCTV installed in airports, with some booth-based staff having a camera near them, recording their transactions. b. Establish a mechanism to report incidents of bribery and extortion to DOTC and to the DILG c. Criminal offense should be given to corrupt airport officials and staff d. High-level management should have a limited stint of three years G. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: a. Balikbayan boxes should be free from custom dues, as a manifestation of our gratitude for OFWs b. Checking of balikbayan boxes should be done only by a modern hi-tech and contact-less scanner c. Heavy taxes should be placed on cigarettes and other tobacco-based products, and liquor H. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: a. Effectively implement educational assistance laws of the country b. Publicize the educational assistance laws on national TV and radio. c. Dependents of OFWs should enjoy quality education at little or no cost d. Children from Broken families should receive substantial allowance from their families I. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: a. Modernize the AFP, PNP, and Philippine Coast Guard to effectively counter military aggression on our rightful territories in WPS b. Establish joint economic cooperation with parity rights with other WPS claimants, on the basis of commercial, industrial, scientific, and environmental grounds c. Establish a mechanism for our uniformed personnel to effectively protect Filipino fishermen. d. Continue the diplomatic means of solving the WPS dispute Page 2 of 3

93 PICTURE 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 1. NAME Samuel Duldulao Pagdilao Jr. Sir Tsip J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: a. Establish MORCs in places where Filipinos have a high concentration, like Singapore, Hong Kong, Riyadh, Dubai, and Kuwait. b. Include seminars on labor rights and a mandatory continuing skills training for the OFWs c. Establish centers that will house runaway abused OFWs d. Include telephone units, free Wi-Fi access and computer units to provide a means of communication to their families in the Philippines e. Host social gatherings for Filipino communities abroad. Page 3 of 3

94 PICTURE 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 1. NAME Jovito S. Palparan Jr. Jovi/Jun 3. POLITICAL PARTY 4. DATE OF BIRTH September 11, PLACE OF BIRTH: 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 9. LEVEL NAME OF SCHOOL Maria Evangelina F. Palparan INCLUSIVE DATES OF ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED SECONDARY COLLEGE ELEMENTARY Concepcion Elementary School City Central Elementary School Camp Evangelista Elementary School Cathedral High School (not St. Mary's) University of the East, Manila (BS in Business Administration - Accounting) III. A. GRADUATE STUDIES ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: Philippine Christian University (Masters of Business Administration - HMC) National Defense College of the Philippines (Master of National Security Administration) ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) a. The Government shall create a super employment agency that will find employment for Filipinos in countries where the Philippines has deplomatic relations. Under the Labor Department this agency will furhter create Placement Sub-Agencies which will coordinate with the DOLE counterparts in foreign countries to have inventories of job vacancies and other job opportunities and enter into contracts for Filipino workers to protect the workers' rights. Prospective employers are evaluated the Placement Sub-Agencies in coordination with agencies of host countries. b. In the Philippines Recruitment Sub-Agencies (RSA)will be created in stratgic locations nationwide that will process apllicants for overseas employment free of fees and processing expenditures except fair for travel abroad which will be charged on a Travel-Now-Pay Later schem. Priority targets will be those living in rural areas and in squatter colonies in urban centers. One (1) able bodied person, twenty-four years old and above from every family that do not have decent income shall be ermarked for employment abroad with non-college graduates as priority. identify prospective DSWD will assist the Super Agency in determining propective trainees/ofws from poor communities. c. In coordination with TESDA Training Cells will be created in target communities nationwide to train applicants or prospective OFWs who do not possess required skills for employment. Trainings will be focused on jobs available abroad. Trainings will include Rights and Responsiblities of OFWs, the legal system of targetted countries and cultural education on said countries of employment. DSWD will augment TESDA Training Cells with experts on family values; d. In coordination with DSWD support activities such as counselling will be undertaken for the families of OFWs left behind in the Philippines. Mutual support among families of OFWs will be encouraged and supported. Page 1 of 4

95 PICTURE 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 1. NAME Jovito S. Palparan Jr. Jovi/Jun B. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: a. The Government shall create a super employment agency that will find employment for Filipinos in countries where the Philippines has deplomatic relations. Under the Labor Department this agency will furhter create Placement Sub-Agencies which will coordinate with the DOLE counterparts in foreign countries to have inventories of job vacancies and other job opportunities and enter into contracts for Filipino workers to protect the workers' rights. Prospective employers are evaluated the Placement Sub-Agencies in coordination with agencies of host countries. b. In the Philippines Recruitment Sub-Agencies (RSA)will be created in stratgic locations nationwide that will process apllicants for overseas employment free of fees and processing expenditures except fair for travel abroad which will be charged on a Travel-Now-Pay Later schem. Priority targets will be those living in rural areas and in squatter colonies in urban centers. One (1) able bodied person, twenty-four years old and above from every family that do not have decent income shall be ermarked for employment abroad with non-college graduates as priority. identify prospective DSWD will assist the Super Agency in determining propective trainees/ofws from poor communities. c. In coordination with TESDA Training Cells will be created in target communities nationwide to train applicants or prospective OFWs who do not possess required skills for employment. Trainings will be focused on jobs available abroad. Trainings will include Rights and Responsiblities of OFWs, the legal system of targetted countries and cultural education on said countries of employment. DSWD will augment TESDA Training Cells with experts on family values; d. In coordination with DSWD support activities such as counselling will be undertaken for the families of OFWs left behind in the Philippines. Mutual support among families of OFWs will be encouraged and supported. C. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: The support activities such as counselling undertaken for the families of OFWs left behind in the Philippines and the mutual support among families of OFWs will naturally touch the the importance of wise and productive money management. D. EMPLOYER ABUSE: a. The Government shall create a super employment agency that will find employment for Filipinos in countries where the Philippines has deplomatic relations. Under the Labor Department this agency will furhter create Placement Sub-Agencies which will coordinate with the DOLE counterparts in foreign countries to have inventories of job vacancies and other job opportunities and enter into contracts for Filipino workers to protect the workers' rights. Prospective employers are evaluated the Placement Sub-Agencies in coordination with agencies of host countries. b. In the Philippines Recruitment Sub-Agencies (RSA)will be created in stratgic locations nationwide that will process apllicants for overseas employment free of fees and processing expenditures except fair for travel abroad which will be charged on a Travel-Now-Pay Later schem. Priority targets will be those living in rural areas and in squatter colonies in urban centers. One (1) able bodied person, twenty-four years old and above from every family that do not have decent income shall be ermarked for employment abroad with non-college graduates as priority. identify prospective DSWD will assist the Super Agency in determining propective trainees/ofws from poor communities. c. In coordination with TESDA Training Cells will be created in target communities nationwide to train applicants or prospective OFWs who do not possess required skills for employment. Trainings will be focused on jobs available abroad. Trainings will include Rights and Responsiblities of OFWs, the legal system of targetted countries and cultural education on said countries of employment. DSWD will augment TESDA Training Cells with experts on family values; d. In coordination with DSWD support activities such as counselling will be undertaken for the families of OFWs left behind in the Philippines. Mutual support among families of OFWs will be encouraged and supported. Page 2 of 4

96 PICTURE 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 1. NAME Jovito S. Palparan Jr. Jovi/Jun E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: F. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: 1. A law shall be passed to giving the NAIA General Manager punitive power such as suspension, demotion, removal from position and or dismissal from the service of corrupt officials/employees working in the Airport even if they come from different government agencies such as the PNP and Customs. 2. A Counter Intelligence Unit be created under the command of the NAIA General Manager to monitor and guide the GM on the prevention of corruption activities in the airport. 3. A policy or regulation shall be adapted by the Airport Management to remove from office an immediate supervisor if more than one of his men are involved in corrupt activities or if incidents of corruption had happened twice or more in his department. 4. Repeal or modification of the law on possession of ammunition such that possession of one or two ammunitoion of small caliber firearm shall not be a crime but maybe confiscated if cought in the airport. G. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: H. Boxes containing items for personal and home use only even if they are valuable items may not be taxed. But if the volume is undeniably for commercial purposes, they may be taxed and custom duties maybe imposed. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: a. The Government shall create a super employment agency that will find employment for Filipinos in countries where the Philippines has deplomatic relations. Under the Labor Department this agency will furhter create Placement Sub-Agencies which will coordinate with the DOLE counterparts in foreign countries to have inventories of job vacancies and other job opportunities and enter into contracts for Filipino workers to protect the workers' rights. Prospective employers are evaluated the Placement Sub-Agencies in coordination with agencies of host countries. b. In the Philippines Recruitment Sub-Agencies (RSA)will be created in stratgic locations nationwide that will process apllicants for overseas employment free of fees and processing expenditures except fair for travel abroad which will be charged on a Travel-Now-Pay Later schem. Priority targets will be those living in rural areas and in squatter colonies in urban centers. One (1) able bodied person, twenty-four years old and above from every family that do not have decent income shall be ermarked for employment abroad with non-college graduates as priority. identify prospective DSWD will assist the Super Agency in determining propective trainees/ofws from poor communities. c. In coordination with TESDA Training Cells will be created in target communities nationwide to train applicants or prospective OFWs who do not possess required skills for employment. Trainings will be focused on jobs available abroad. Trainings will include Rights and Responsiblities of OFWs, the legal system of targetted countries and cultural education on said countries of employment. DSWD will augment TESDA Training Cells with experts on family values; d. In coordination with DSWD support activities such as counselling will be undertaken for the families of OFWs left behind in the Philippines. Mutual support among families of OFWs will be encouraged and supported. Page 3 of 4

97 PICTURE 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 1. NAME Jovito S. Palparan Jr. Jovi/Jun I. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: 1. Continue legal efforts to enforce UNCLOS to have full control of the West Phil Sea. 2. Bring back the US Bases (Clark and Subic) and allow the construction of US Bases in the Visayas (Naval Base in Guiuan, Easter Samar or Air Base in Palawan) and in Mindanao (Army Training Camp in Davao Del Sur or Surigao Sur and Air Base in Zamboanga). This will result to the following: (a) The threat of external attacks against the Philippines is unlikely to happen since the US will not allow it to happen with the presence of US bases. (b) The Phil is strategically located in th world map both for military and economic purposes and without the strong presence of an ally such as the US, threats of external attacks or occupation are not impossible. But more serious is the fact that because of our location it is inevitable that the Philippines will become a battle ground of a war between superpowers if we assume a neutral position such as the present situation. If this happens we have no one to turn to and no one will be sympathetic in the face of devastations of our country and people. (c) US Forces will naturally patrol the West Philippines Sea. This will cause China to stop constructions in more islands/corrals/shouls in WPS and slow down present constructions and movements in the area. (d) Armed Forces of the Phil will improve/upgrade its assets and capabilities with US assistance and able to plan a crediblr defense of the WPS. (e) Economic activities (fishermen) will resume with less threat in the WPS. The US bases will also bring in tremendous economic activities including employment. 3. Strenghten the AFP external Defense Capabilities. (a) Crafting of a West Philippine Sea Defense Plan, (b) Procurement of naval and air assets deployable in West Phil Sea, (c) Strengthen the reserve force for external defense purposes, (d) Modernize the Special Operations Command as an AFP command with air and naval capabilities for external defense purposes, (e) Occupation and development of vacant islands/shoals in the West Phil Sea, and (f) Adopt a Forward Defense Strategy by strenghten defense cooperation with countries in Asia. J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: a. The Government shall create a super employment agency that will find employment for Filipinos in countries where the Philippines has deplomatic relations. Under the Labor Department this agency will furhter create Placement Sub-Agencies which will coordinate with the DOLE counterparts in foreign countries to have inventories of job vacancies and other job opportunities and enter into contracts for Filipino workers to protect the workers' rights. Prospective employers are evaluated the Placement Sub-Agencies in coordination with agencies of host countries. b. In the Philippines Recruitment Sub-Agencies (RSA)will be created in stratgic locations nationwide that will process apllicants for overseas employment free of fees and processing expenditures except fair for travel abroad which will be charged on a Travel-Now-Pay Later schem. Priority targets will be those living in rural areas and in squatter colonies in urban centers. One (1) able bodied person, twenty-four years old and above from every family that do not have decent income shall be ermarked for employment abroad with non-college graduates as priority. identify prospective DSWD will assist the Super Agency in determining propective trainees/ofws from poor communities. c. In coordination with TESDA Training Cells will be created in target communities nationwide to train applicants or prospective OFWs who do not possess required skills for employment. Trainings will be focused on jobs available abroad. Trainings will include Rights and Responsiblities of OFWs, the legal system of targetted countries and cultural education on said countries of employment. DSWD will augment TESDA Training Cells with experts on family values; d. In coordination with DSWD support activities such as counselling will be undertaken for the families of OFWs left behind in the Philippines. Mutual support among families of OFWs will be encouraged and supported. Page 4 of 4

98 PICTURE 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 1. NAME Francis Pancratius Nepomuceno Pangilinan Kiko 3. POLITICAL PARTY Liberal Party 4. DATE OF BIRTH August 24, PLACE OF BIRTH: 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 9. LEVEL NAME OF SCHOOL Manila Sharon Cuneta-Pangilinan INCLUSIVE DATES OF ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED ELEMENTARY SECONDARY COLLEGE GRADUATE STUDIES La Salle Greenhills La Salle Greenhills Bachelor of Arts in English Major in Comparative Literature University of the Philippines Diliman Bachelor of Laws College of Law University of the Philippines Diliman Masters in Public Administration Area of Concentration: Strategic Management John F. Kennedy School of Government Harvard University III. A. ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: We call to strengthen the implementation of Republic Act No , which amended the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995 as amended. We already have the law in place that further ensures the welfare of our OFWs. However, we need to be vigilant in ensuring that measure are in place, and that it is being effected so that our OFWs and their families are ably supported. B. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: There should be a strict implementation and monitoring of agencies and their respective placement fees, and ensure that these fees are always made for the emergency utilization of the OFW. C. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: We encourage the OWWA to explore the possibility of a trust fund measure as a fail-safe for OFW and their families. Financial literacy must be included into seminars/workshops fot OFW. We should also focus on capacity building, starting business (small to medium enterprises) and entrepreneurship. Save, and invest. D. EMPLOYER ABUSE: Page 1 of 2

99 PICTURE 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 1. NAME Francis Pancratius Nepomuceno Pangilinan Kiko E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: We recommend that the legal assistance fund for OFWs, as mentioned in Section 25 of Republic Act 8042, be doubled. F. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: This is clearly a violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, or RA 3019, for which the actions are severe. G. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: Let us not double the tax imposed upon our OFWs. The products they have purchased for their loved ones have already been through due taxation in the country of origin. H. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: The government should put in place more investments in the rural areas, particularly in the agricultural sector to provide fot additional/supplementary incomes to rural communities and OFW families. I. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: We adhere to the rule of law and resorted to international arbitration on the issue of the West Philippine Sea. Pending the decision from the arbitral tribunal we hope for continuous peace and stability of the region J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: We will support any measure that will provide for and increase budget of the migrant and overseas resource center, as established in RA Page 2 of 2

100 1. NAME Carlos Jericho Petilla Icot 3. POLITICAL PARTY Liberal Party 4. DATE OF BIRTH April 29, PLACE OF BIRTH: 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 9. LEVEL NAME OF SCHOOL Tacloban City Frances Ann B. Petilla INCLUSIVE DATES OF ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED ELEMENTARY SECONDARY COLLEGE Leyte State College High School Leyte National High School Ateneo High School Ateneo de Manila University GRADUATE STUDIES III. A. ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: - Implementation of regular and random monitoring of recruitment agencies to check if they are complying with laws, rules and regulations. - Imposition of stricter penalties for those convicted of illegal recruitment. B. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: - Propose a cap/limit on the imposition of placement fees. This cap/limit should be computed only after a public hearing and consultation has been conducted. - Propose a budget for the establishment of a fund that may be used to cover for the placement fees of OFW applicants under an "Apply Now, Pay Later" Program. C. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: Establishment of a program that will give free trainings and seminars to OFWs and their families on how to save and use their money (i.e. use for investments, livelihood and other opportunities) D. EMPLOYER ABUSE: Propose bilateral agreements between the Philippines and other countries wherein the agreement will provide for stricter penalties for erring or abusive employers. Page 1 of 2

101 1. NAME Carlos Jericho Petilla Icot E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: Establishment of a centre that will give assistance to OFWs who will be laid off due to economic turmoil, calamities, and similar reasons. The centre will also establish a fund that will used as financial assistance to the returning OFWs. F. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: - Implement stricter penalties for those abusive and erring airport staff/officials. - Establish an OFW Help Desk in each of the major international airports nationwide. G. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: Propose a law that will provide for an exemption on payment of taxes and custom duties on balikbayan boxes. H. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: Establishment of a centre that will provide for counselling services for the family of OFWs. The centre is aimed at providing activities and avenues that will enhance the social, emotional and psychological well-being of all the members of the family. I. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: Propose the conduct of bilateral discussions and other amicable ways to settle territorial disputes with other Asian countries and wlso discuss the protection of all affected OFWs to the country involved. J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: Establishment of a centre that will give assistance to migrant workers and OFWs. The centre will provide for legal services, counselling services, and similar support services. Page 2 of 2

102 1. NAME Roman Romulo Roman 3. POLITICAL PARTY 4. DATE OF BIRTH February 28, PLACE OF BIRTH: 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 9. LEVEL Independent NAME OF SCHOOL Quezon City Shalani Soledad INCLUSIVE DATES OF ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED ELEMENTARY SECONDARY COLLEGE Ateneo de Manila University Paref Southridge School University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City GRADUATE STUDIES University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City III. A. ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: Our law on illegal recruitment already provides stiff penalties. As such, the implementation thereof and the information dissemination against illegal recruitment needs to be improved. The mechanisms for legal assistance being provided to victims of illegal recruitment should be enhanced as their cooperation are vital in prosecuting and convicting illegal recruiters. The primary reason our people are leaving is because of lack of employment opportunities here. We need to create more jobs in the country. As such: I have authored the Data Privacy Act which has helped to entice global corporations to establish micro, small, and medium enterprises that facilitate local job creation, production and trade in the country thereby creating thousands of jobs. B. I am also one ot the authors of the Go Negosyo Act that seeks to encourage the establishment of micro, small and medium enterprises that will facilitate local job creation, production and trade in the country. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: I am the co-author of the HB No which seeks to establish a Credit Assistance Program for our overseas workers. Under said bill, an OFW may avail of a loan that 50t from the OWWA to pay for recruitment expenses including placement fees, documentations costs and plane tickets, among others. Moreover, considering some employment laws in certain countries already prohibit the collection of placement fees, I am inclined to file a bill towards this end that might even include other unnecessary fees that are burdensome to our OFWs. Page 1 of 3

103 1. NAME Roman Romulo Roman B. But I feel that it is vitally important to educate our people, through more effective information systems, about their OFW rights so that they will not be fooled in paying excessive placement fees. In this regard, I intend to enable the relevant agencies including the PIA, to enhance or if need be, change, the current information systems primarily through budgetary support. C. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: This is a common problem of many of our OFWs either as a result of excessive fees imposed on them or their prioritizing unimportant things etc. Government should do more. It should conduct financial consulting and provide easily accessible saving guides that will advise our OFWs on how to manage their resources and save money. Together with legislation reducing if not abolishing placements fees and other overseas fees, such as financial counseling and savings guidance information systems should be established in order for our OFWs not be indebted up to their neck thereby ensuring financial security for them. D. EMPLOYER ABUSE: Abuse whether physical, emotional, sexual cannot be tolerated. We owe it to our modern day heroes that our embassies and consular offices abroad are fully prepared to handle situations of such abuse. They should be legally protected and psychologically counselled thru appropriate desks available in embassies and consular offices. For this, the legal assistance fund should be further increased considering the number of our OFWs spread throughout the globe. E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: A comprehensive assistance program for distressed OFWs must be established and fully funded by the national government. Alternative livelihood training programs should be provided to them. Investment programs tuned towards OFW savings should be promoted so that whatever they were able to save, they can invest in economic activities that will provide them a steady source of income. Amounts for Start-up kits may need to be increased. Educational assistance for their children (scholarships, grants-in-aid, loans) thru the UniFAST Law which I authored will also be of great help to them in times of economic turmoil. F. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: The administration should be firmer in its handling of this matter. It should prosecute to the fullest those who are responsible for the corruption and other felonious acts in our airports and not downplay it as a trivial matter. In light of the "laglag bala" issue, only one office should be directing the security operations in our airports so that responsibility can easily be pinpointed. In addition, more operational CCTV should be installed in our airports to prevent many illegal activities from happening there. Page 2 of 3

104 1. NAME Roman Romulo Roman G. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: The Bureau of Customs (BOC) should run after syndicated smugglers, instead of "nickel-and-diming" the balikbayan boxes of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs). As such, I have filed House Resolution 2311 seeking an inquiry into the matter in order to stop the invasive and discriminatory acts against the very people whom we called modern day heroes of our country. H. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: As Chairman of the Committee on Higher and Technical Education, I authored and sponsored several laws that will grant scholarships, grants in aid and loans to our students as well as laws that will make access to education easier. Said laws are as follows: 1. Iskolar ng Bayan Law; 2. Unified Student Financial Assistance System for Tertiary Education (UNIFAST) Act; 3. Ladderized Education Act; and 4. Open Distance Learning Act. We hope that thru said laws and the creation of more jobs in the country, many of our countrymen need not to go to foreign countries to provide a living for their families which sometimes unfortunately result in broken families. I. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: The arbitration case filed by the Philippine government should be supported as I always believe that right makes might not the other way around. But at the same time, our relationship with China should not be defined only by this issue. There are many other areas wherein both countries can cooperate, collaborate and work side by side. Considering the importance of China, the Philippines should cultivate its economic relationship with it without of course sacrificing its territorial integrity. Our recent decision to join the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is a step in the right direction towards attainment of said goal. J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: I am supportive of the establishment of said center and will push for an appropriation in order that its noble purpose will be fully realized. All functions emanating from the legislations and assistance systems I proposed herein should become the responsibility of this resource center. Page 3 of 3

105 1. NAME Gen. Dionisio Reyes Santiago (Ret) Dionix 3. POLITICAL PARTY Independent 4. DATE OF BIRTH April 8, PLACE OF BIRTH: 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 9. LEVEL NAME OF SCHOOL Sipac, Navotas City Hermogena M. Santiago INCLUSIVE DATES OF ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED ELEMENTARY SECONDARY COLLEGE Navotas Elementary School Jose Rizal High School Mechanical Engineering- Mapua Insitute of Technology Bachelor of Science- Philippine Military Academy GRADUATE STUDIES III. A. ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: Master in Public Administration- UP Manila Master in Public Administration- Seattle University, Seattle USA ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST FIVE (5) ACTIONS/PLANS ON THE SUBJECTS LISTED BELOW AND IN NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) OFWs need to be protected that the job description, living conditions, and salary grade offered to them before leaving Philippine shores is the same job description, living conditions, and salary grade that will be fulfilled upon arriving in the host country. Recruitment Laws have to be strengthened to avoid circumvention. I plan to introduce stringent penalties and fines to disable illegal recruitment activities. A comprehensive information drive must be provided to migrant work applicants, with improved access to Embassy, POEA, and OWWA services. B. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: A common situation is that OFWs are burdened with high placement fees that are deducted from the first few month s salary, leaving the OFW with almost nothing for food and transportation expenses after sending the much-needed remittances back home. When voted to office, I will push for flexible payment plans for placement fees, wherein such fees will be payable in regular reasonable instalments upon deployment. I will establish government-imposed placement fee brackets, depending on location of employment, educational attainment, expertise, demand and position of migrant worker. There should also be a government-assisted placement service in order to avoid expensive fees set by private agencies. Unnecessary permits and processes will be removed to decrease placement fee costs. C. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: OFWs go abroad to earn money for their family, and aim to save enough so they can be reunited with their family for good. Unfortunately at the end of contract, OFWs need to renew their employment contracts because the money intended for a savings account, end up paying for assorted government and bank fees. In order to avoid this cycle of living paycheck to paycheck, I plan to introduce tax exemptions for very low income earners, and tax adjustments with bracketing depending on income. Page 1 of 3

106 1. NAME Gen. Dionisio Reyes Santiago (Ret) Dionix C. Current Bank policies on OFW remittances need to be reviewed in order to decrease remittance fees. There should also be special investment plans and interest rates for OFWs, with decreased risk and hassle-free banking for OFWs sending money home. Finally, I will also legislate to streamline setting up your own business in order to empower families of OFWs in the country to establish their own livelihood. D. EMPLOYER ABUSE: Employer abuse gets media attention when our OFWs are on death row already or at death s door due to medical complications. But employer abuse happens quietly when passports, food or adequate rest are withheld from our OFWs, or when they are tasked with jobs that are not included in their employment contracts. There must be improved accessibility of Embassies for our OFWs to file complaints, seek legal assistance or find safe refuge. Extensive background checks on employers must be undertaken, with OWWA assistance in receiving employee contracts and reviewing employee terms. An information drive on importance of proper documentation, coupled with bilateral agreements with host countries regarding OFW welfare is essential. E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: Job security is one of the major concerns of OFWs. We need to provide economic relief assistance to OFWs affected by mass lay-offs due to economic turmoil in the host countries. I plan to place mechanisms that will allow coordination with local companies for temporary absorption of displaced OFW workers. There should also be scholarship and benefit packages for dependents of the laid off OFWs. There must be livelihood programs to promote establishment of SMEs for OFWs who decide to return to the Philippines, including TESDA Vocational and Technical courses for those who are considering switching to a different industry or specialization. F. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: Corrupt airport officials and staff usually engage in illegal activities to further their personal intrests. The recent 'tanim-bala' controversy is an example of how these people find ways to extort money from unsuspecting victims. Many Filipinos, who spent a considerable amount of time abroad, fell prey to this controversy because they had no idea on who to ask help from. I believe that the public's access to legal assistance in times of airport mishaps must be improved. Also, an information drive on the rights and responsibilities of passengers is necessary. G. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: The Balikbayan Box is a symbol of the OFW. Our OFWs lovingly call them alakansiya because they fill the box gradually every time there is a garage sale, a clearance event or Holiday specials. Once filled, they seal it and ship it to their loved ones in the Philippines. I oppose the imposition of additional taxes and custom duties on Balikbayan Boxes. However, there must be a provision for tax brackets/schedules depending on the number and cost of goods brought in cases of excessive importation of goods beyond the nontaxable limit on declared value. Confiscated goods due to inability to pay taxes and customs duties should have holding periods without demurrage and storage fees when claimed within deadlines in order to make it possible for OFW families to reclaim them at a later date when they can raise the funds. H. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: Families with an absentee parent due to Overseas Contract Work is not automatically a broken family. The family only becomes broken when the absentee parent forgets his/her marital vows, and consequently abandons the family back at home. Page 2 of 3

107 1. NAME Gen. Dionisio Reyes Santiago (Ret) Dionix H. Although living apart greatly increases the temptation to stray, counselling centers for OFWs and their families will greatly help in dealing with issues of depression, loneliness and stress. I will push for a review of contract terms to decrease the usual current minimum of two years duration of overseas stay of OFW workers, so that families will be reunited sooner. There must be livelihood support for broken families caused by Overseas Employment, and immediate financial relief for families abandoned by the OFW. I will push for a special Scholarship and Tuition payment plan for children with OFW parents. I. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: I am open to bilateral talks with China, and will consider the possibility of joint explorations with China. I will push for a bigger Defense Budget, so that we can modernize the Armed Forces. A review of existing treaties such as United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Sea (UNCLOS) must be undertaken in order to identify ways to leverage our position. J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE: I will enact laws to provide a budget for Overseas Resource Centers, so that we can employ competent people to serve our OFWs. We also need to improve existing Overseas Resource Centers, and to establish Overseas Resource Centers where they are needed. Page 3 of 3

108 1. NAME Vicente C. Sotto Tito 3. POLITICAL PARTY 4. DATE OF BIRTH August 24, PLACE OF BIRTH: 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 9. LEVEL Nationalist People's Coaliton (NPC) NAME OF SCHOOL Manila Helen Gamboa-Sotto INCLUSIVE DATES OF ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED ELEMENTARY SECONDARY COLLEGE Colegio De San Juan De Letran Colegio De San Juan De Letran Colegio De San Juan De Letran GRADUATE STUDIES John F. Kennedy School of Government Harvard Institute for International Development Harvard 2000 III. A. ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: 1.Strengthen the supervision and regulation of employment agencies 2.Legislate policies on mandatory lecture series for prospective OFWs re: recruitment, how to spot illegal recruiters/agencies, how to avoid to become a victim of illegal recruitment, and right of employees, among others B. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: 1. Information Campaigns about placement fees especially in cases where no placement fee is allowed/placement fee is prohibited. C. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: 1. Launch livelihood programs specifiacally for the relatives of the OFWs. D. EMPLOYER ABUSE: 1.Provide OFWs list of numbers of government offices in the country where they are at that they can contact in case of emergency (hotline numbers) 2.Provide additional funding/support(health/medical and legal, among other) for OFWs, particularly in cases of employer abuse. 3.Conduct of mobile consular services in areas far from the main consular office. Page 1 of 3

109 1. NAME Vicente C. Sotto Tito E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: 1. Improve the benefits provident to the OFWs under the SSS OFW coverage Program 2. Enchance the national provident fund for OFWs (SSS-flexi fund program) to encourage OFWs to invest in the program 3. Boost information campaign on the different services and benefits that the OWWa offers to OFWs (through different social media platform or concerned agencies' website). F. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: 1. Empower OFWs to report cases of corruption, and aid them in the prosecution of the erring government employees. 2. Speedy disposition of criminal and administrative cases filed againts government officials and employees. 3. Modify/Sticter qualifications in hiring process for airport personel. G. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: 1. Apprise OFWs of items which can be sent duty and tax free in accordance with philippine laws. 2. Amend existing law (Tariff and customs code) modifying the coverage of duty and tax-free balikbayan boxes for the benefit of the OFWs (i.e. increasing the threshold for duty and tax-free balikbayan boxes. 3. Increase funding for state-of-the art x-ray scanning equipment to ensure that while balikbayan boxes are thoroughly scanned, there will be no need for them to be opened. H. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: 1. Providing free calls(whether video or voice chat) to OFWs and their relatives. 2. Free, fast and realiable internet access for filipinos in and out of the country. 3. Goverment and private telecommunications company tie-up program providing cheaper, if not free, voice abd video calls for OFWs and their relatives. I. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: 1.Pursue the case before the international courts 2.Maintain and enchance diplomatic relations with other countries 3.Seek the aid of other neighboring countries for the diplomatic resolution of the dispute Page 2 of 3

110 1. NAME Vicente C. Sotto Tito J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: 1. Ensure the full and fast implementation of the provision on the creation of migrant workers and other overseas filipinos resource center(mworfrc) under the republic act 8042, otherwise knows as migrant workers and overseas filipinos act of 1995, as amended by RA10022, and under the joint manual of operation in providing assistance to migrant workers and other filipinos overseas. 2. Strengthen overseas workers welfare administration(owwa). Page 3 of 3

111 1. NAME Francis N. Tolentino Tulong Tino 3. POLITICAL PARTY 4. DATE OF BIRTH January 3, PLACE OF BIRTH: 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 9. LEVEL Independent NAME OF SCHOOL Guinobatan, Albay N/A INCLUSIVE DATES OF ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED ELEMENTARY SECONDARY COLLEGE Tagaytay Elementary School Lourdes School of Mandaluyong Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy Ateneo de Manila University Bachelor of Laws Ateneo de Manila University Doctor of Judicial Science (International Environment Law) Tulane University Law School (New Orleans, Louisiana, USA) Candidate, SJD GRADUATE STUDIES Master of Laws (LLM) University of London (England) Specializing in Public International Law Master on National Security Administration (MNSA) National Defense College the Philippines with Merit (Second Honors) Rank # 6 out of 55 Graduates III. A. ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: Graduate Diploma in Public Administration Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service New York University According to POEA, illegal recruitment cases are piling up in courts with disposition rate of only 17.2%. I shall push for the Legal Assistance Fund (LAF) to be used for on-the-job training of top law school graduated for 3 years with the Department of Justice to assist victims of illegal recruitment. In the 2015 General Appropriations Act (GAA), appropriation for LAF was increased to P100 million. Special Provision No. 11 of the 2015 DFA budget provides that LAF "shall be treated as a Special Fund in the National Treasury and its balances, including the amount appropriated herein which forms part of the Fund shall not revert back to the General Fund." The LAF should be made available from the time of arrest or filing of charges up to the trial, and at all levels of appeal, for migrant workers facing charges with prescribed penalty of life imprisonment or death. Page 1 of 4

112 1. NAME Francis N. Tolentino Tulong Tino B. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: The exorbitant placement fees in various forms imposed by agencies on would-be OFWs ranging from P20,000 to P120,000 or salary deduction add to undue burden on our modern-day heroes. - Manpower agencies should be strictly monitored by the government through the database in item no Existing legal measures should be revisited to ensure that high sanctions should be imposed on criminals behind abusive and cunning recruitment schemes. * DOLE Department Order No. 34, Series of 1996 * POEA Governing Board Resolution No. 2, Series of 1998 * PEOA Memorandum Circular No. 14, Series of 1999 * POEA Governing Board Resolution No. 6, Series of 2006 * POEA Rules and Regulations 2002 (Section 2B, Rule 1, Part 6) C. D. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: I shall push for policy recommendations where the Philippine government will negotiate bilateral agreements to reduce taxes on the income of OFWs. This will enable OFWs to generate savings. EMPLOYER ABUSE: I will push policy recommendations/legislation to: - Include workers' rights and responsibilities, differences in law and culture between Philippines and host country, terms of employment, acces to legal/other assistance, and case studies of distressed workers in Pre-Departure Orientation Seminars. - Include in POEA database the foreign counterparts/partners of recruitment agencies with directory of officers/contacts, ethical/professional standing, systems/processes, welfare programs, human/technical resources to unsure high standard of worker protection. - Establish a model contract of employment, based on minimum required terms/conditions, and ensure that pay or compensation stated therein is based on mandated minimum wage of host country. - Require recruitment agencies to submit periodic reports on workers' well-being, and self-reports of workers. - Amend RA 8042 and IRR so that legal assistance fund is available from the time of arrest or changing up to trial, as well as at all levels of appeal for migrant workers facing charges with penalties of life imprisonment/death. E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: 2014 statistics from Philippine Statistics Authority show that 56% of OFWs are deployed in Western Asia, a region often experiencing politicoeconomic turmoil. Globally, almost every country is affected by international financial crises. I shall push for policy recommendations/legislation requiring: - The DFA and POEA to formulate country-specific contingency plans/protocols for identifying at-risk OFWs in politically volatile and economically precarious locations, and step-by-step procedures for rescuing OFWs. - The government to forge social security agreements with receiving states re: provision of social security benefits to OFWs. - The POEA, with concerned agencies and academic institutions, to provide financial management seminars online or in classroom settings presenting options for investments in business, mutual funds, and health and life insurance. - The POEA to use the OFW database for job referrals to the private sector in the Philippines and within ASEAN in hiring returning/repatriating OFWs. Page 2 of 4

113 1. NAME Francis N. Tolentino Tulong Tino F. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: There are numerous reports of corruption in our international and domestic airports, the most recent of which is "tanim bala". CNN Philippines reports that police have recorded 30 alleged cases between January and November I will push policy recommendations/legislation on: - BOC to produce a list of what is taxable and what is not so lack of information is not used to harass, filch or extort money from OFWs. - CCTV should be installed and enhanced in all airports to ensure high order of security. - Ensure protocols for intelligence-sharing among immigration officers, national government, police, and airport security. - Streamline the overlapping jurisdiction among various agencies in charge of airport security. - Amend laws involving CAAP (RA 9497) and OTS (EO 311) regarding conflicting regulatory and operations functions to ensure clear lines of authority/responsibility. G. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: I shall push for policy recommendations/legislations to: - Put a halt to opening of balikbayan boxes and arbitrarily imposing customs duties on the contents of every box pending a clear operationalization of what is of 'commercial quantity'. - Launch a measure information drive to inform OFWs about what is taxable. A comprehensive guide should be made available to OFWs via consular offices, shipping offices, and MORCs. H. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: While we assist existing OFWs, we should work to stop te deployment of OFWs and spare them from costly family problems by promoting the concept of "Bayani sa Sariling Bayan" coupled with an "Adopt-an-Island Program" linking countries to specific islands in the Philippines as development partners. For existing OFWs, I will introduce policy recommendations/legislation that: 1. Will allow OFWs to take vacations at least once a year and be with their families. 2. Will study measures to facilitate reuniting families (i.e. the spouse and the dependent young children left behind in the Philippines) with the breadwinner in the place of work overseas, whenever appropriate. Ask the receiving states and/or employers, if within their means, to provide free education for dependent children of OFWs as one of the benefits of employment. 3. Increase the fund for and number of beneficiaries of various scholarship programs under OWWA, such as the Education for Development Scholarship Program (EDSP). I. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: We must stand our ground and promote the engagement of ASEAN in the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea as a bloc. I also support EDCA in view of the recent Supreme Court decision on EDCA because we must have a new global outlook in order to secure regional peace. I will also push for a whole of ASEAN effort for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response in the region. Page 3 of 4

114 1. NAME Francis N. Tolentino Tulong Tino J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: In the mid-1980s, Government started setting up Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipino Resource Centres in Singapore, Bahrain, and United Arab Emirates recognizing support needed by large numbers of OFWs. I will push for policy recommendations/legislation to: 1. Create a comprehensive and interactive database of the existing network of MIgrant and Overseas Resource Centers (MORCs) facilitate sharing of information related to legal procedures, as well as the cross-fertilization of good practices and transnational practices for migrant protection and empowerment. 2. Monitor and evaluate the work of MORCs to identify benefits they bring, and areas for improvement. 3. Strengthen the role of MORCs as stakeholders in migration policy, especially related to migration development and protection issues. 4. Develop capacities of local governments in integrating migration in development planning and in setting-up OFW Migration Source Centers, together with DepEd and CHED, for programs and services that minimize social cost of migration and maximize its development potential. Page 4 of 4

115 PICTURE 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 1. NAME Diosdado T. Valeroso 6.NICKNAME: Dado 3. POLITICAL PARTY Partido Lakas ng Masa 4. DATE OF BIRTH July 12, PLACE OF BIRTH: 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 9. LEVEL NAME OF SCHOOL Manila Eleanor D. Valeroso INCLUSIVE DATES OF ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED ELEMENTARY SECONDARY COLLEGE GRADUATE STUDIES Murphy Elementary School Pasong Tamo Elementary School Capitol Institute Philippine Maritime Institute Philippine Military Academy Asian Institute of Management Salutatorian III. A. ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: Prosecution and blacklisting of illegal recruiters; Suspend business operation of illegal recruiters. B. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: Stronger regulatory power by POEA and publication of standard fees. C. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: Encourage and promote savings through provident funds for OFWs. D. EMPLOYER ABUSE: Stronger legal assistance to our nationals abroad. E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: Reintegration program into mainstream economy. F. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: Weeding out of corrupt personnel; strict selective process and rotation of personnel. G. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: Exemption from taxes and duties specifically for "pasalubongs" not considered as commercial quantities. Page 1 of 2

116 PICTURE 1 1/2 X 1 1/2 1. NAME Diosdado T. Valeroso 6.NICKNAME: Dado H. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: Scholarship programs for single parents' children. I. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: Chinese occupation of our island is a clear violation of our territorial integrity and sovereignty. We must exhaust legal diplomats and foreign relations expertise to reclaim what rightfully belongs to us! J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: This must be included in our general appropriations that will sustain and promote the well-being and welfare of our OFWs, our new heroes! Page 2 of 2

117 1. NAME Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva Joel Tesdaman 3. POLITICAL PARTY 4. DATE OF BIRTH August 2, PLACE OF BIRTH: 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 9. LEVEL Citizens' Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) Party List NAME OF SCHOOL Bunlo, Bocaue, Bulacan Gladys Cruz-Villanueva INCLUSIVE DATES OF ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED ELEMENTARY SECONDARY COLLEGE GRADUATE STUDIES TVET Jesus Is Lord Christian School, Bocaue, Bulacan University of Santo Tomas High School, Manila BS Commerce (Major in Economics) University of Santo Tomas, Manila Special Studies in Business Administration Harvard University, Massachussets, USA Food and Beverage Services (FBS) NC III, TESDA, East Service Road, Taguig City Valedictorian Leadership Award III. A. ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: - Integrate the POEA, OWWA, and other offices in-charge with OFW concerns under a "Department for Overseas Filipino Workers" to avoid fragmentation or duplication of policies on the welfare and protection of OFWs and streamline the processes that OFWs go through when applying for jobs abroad. - Strengthen coordinate mechanisms among agencies that manage and coordinate job orders to widen overseas employment opportunities to FIlipinos. - Expand government partnerships with employment and manpower agencies for the recruitment, deployment, and protection of OFWs. - Provide incentives and/or recognition to employment agencies that have special program for the protection of Filipinos especially against illegal recruitment and human trafficking. - Deploy overseas Filipino workers only in countries that can guarantee that the rights of Filipino migrant workers are protected. Page 1 of 4

118 1. NAME Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva Joel Tesdaman B. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: - Link government databases containing information about licensed recruitment agenceis and develop a mobile application for the dissemination of information regarding recruitment of Filipino workers. - Cancel licenses or blacklist manpower agencies that collect exorbitant placement fees and other unauthorized payments including those that publish false information or documents in relation to recruitment or employment. - Prioritize deployment of Filipinos in countries disallowing the imposition of placement fees. - Improve the country's labor market information system and make this accessible to the public. - Establish a special fund for FIlipinos who have difficulty in raising money for their placement fees and processing of documents, including plane tickets, to deter the proliferation of loan sharks or illegal financing companies that prey on OFWs. C. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: - Create an "OFW Bank" that will serve as a bank remittance service provider and that will enjoin overseas workers to allocate portion of their income to savings. The bank can also provide training program for OFWs on how to properly invest their money and to avoid scams. - Establish "OFW Family Centers" in Local Government Units to provide counselling and to assist dependents of OFWs especially in fiancial management and to deter vulnerabilities such as abuse andbullying. - Widen government scholarships to children of OFWs, especially on technical education and skills development and in science and technology, engineering, and mathematics courses. D. EMPLOYER ABUSE: - Increase funds for medical, psycho-social, and legal assistance to distressed OFWs requiring treatment, hospitalization, counseling, and legal representation. - Create an office that will monitor and help OFWs in death row. - Train lawyers who can handle cases involving OFWs who are victims of abuses by their employers. - Expand the criminal jurisdiction of Philippine courts to offenses committed against Filipino overseas workers. - Build strong partnerships with foreign countries for the protection of OFWs in their jurisdiction. Page 2 of 4

119 1. NAME Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva Joel Tesdaman E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: - Establish an "OFW Assistance Fund" for Filipinos affected by economic turmoil in their places of work. - Expand government scholarship programs to returning OFWs, especially in skills development or technical and vocational education. - Expand onsite assessment for OFWs in countries with Filipino workers to widen their career options. - Assist and give incentives to OFWs who will invest in MSMEs by giving them access to resources and by developing their capacity for innovation and potentional to grow. - Given the immense talent and expertise of professionals and skilled workers who worked for many years abroad, the government should encourage and fund research proposals from returning OFWs especially on emerging industries. F. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: - Provide adequate "OFW Help Desks" in our international airports who can assist OFWs 24/7. - Implement the Anti-Red Tape Law in our airports and track down extortion scheme where victims are asked to pay huge amounts to avoid criminal charges. - Hire the "best" people to serve our airports and make sure they are properly compensated and incetivized to avoid fixing and bribery. G. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: - Increase exemption of Balikbayan Boxes from tax and custom duties. - Adopt a fast lane/priority lane for Balikbayan boxes. - Expand the "Citizen's Charter" under the current Anti-Red Tape Law to fast track the processing and releasing of BAlikbayan boxes to dependents of OFWs. H. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: - Create a special program under DepEd, CHED, and TESDA to help children of OFWs cope with the absence of their parents who are working overseas. - Provide tax incentives to airline companies that will offer discount or travel packages to OFWs or their dependents on a regular basis or as their employment contracts permit. - Establish an educational scholarship program for dependent of OFWs who suffered either death or permanent and temporal disability. Page 3 of 4

120 1. NAME Emmanuel Joel J. Villanueva Joel Tesdaman I. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: - Support the on-going arbitration in the UN to resolve the issue. - Defend our maritime entitlements under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea especially on our fishing rights and our rights to enforce our laws within the Exclusive Economic Zone. - Secure the support of ASEAN and otehr countries to assure peace and freedom of navigation in the disputed area. J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: - Rationalize the management of all Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Resource Centers (MWOFRC) at Foreign Service Posts of the country. - Increase penalties for Foreign Service officers who will be involved in "sex-for-flight" problem and other similar schemes. - Establish a centralized "call center" for OFWs that will handle distinct needs and address them properly and efficiently. Page 4 of 4

121 1. NAME Juan Miguel Zubiri Migz 3. POLITICAL PARTY 4. DATE OF BIRTH April 13, PLACE OF BIRTH: 5 SEX Male Female 8. NAME OF SPOUSE: II. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND 9. LEVEL Independent NAME OF SCHOOL Makati City Audrey Kay Tan-Zubiri INCLUSIVE DATES OF ATTENDANCE From To SCHOLARSHIP/ ACADEMIC HONORS RECEIVED ELEMENTARY SECONDARY COLLEGE Colegio San Agustin Colegio San Agustin University of the Philippines Los Baños (BS Agribusiness Management) GRADUATE STUDIES University of the Philippines (Open University) Masters in Environment and Natural Resources Management III. A. ACTION PLANS/PLATFORM OF GOVERNMENT ON ISSUES CONFRONTING THE OVERSEAS FILIPINOS ( ENUMERATE AT LEAST ONE TO THREE ACTIONS/PLANS AND NOT MORE THAN 150 WORDS PER SUBJECT) ILLEGAL RECRUITMENT: 1. Educate the OFW on their basic rights and empower them to file and prosecute action against their abusers including the violating agencies and/or erring government enforcers. 2. Strengthen the regulatory provisions of Republic Act 8042, otherwise known as Overseas Migrant Workers' Act. 3. Simplify the processing of required documents; make it easy for a layman to understand the terms of employment and contracts. 4. Establish a "one-stop-shop" in filing criminal cases against illegal recruiters to encourage the OFWs to fight for their rights and ensure the conviction of the culprits. 5. Strengthen and increase the presence the Philippine Overseas Labor offices which is mandated to protect Filipino workers abroad. B. HIGH PLACEMENT FEE: 1. Legislate on imposing a ceiling for placement fees. 2. Study the possible replication of the No Placement Fee Agreement between the Philippines and New Zealand. 3. Strengthen the regulatory provisions of Republic Act 8042, otherwise known as the Overseas Migrant Workers' Act. 4. Strengthen the powers of the POEA to prosecute against agencies imposing unreasonable placement fees. 5. Explore the possibility of appointing public lawyers that will handle OFW cases. Page 1 of 2

122 1. NAME Juan Miguel Zubiri Migz C. INABILITY TO SAVE MONEY: 1. Educate OFW families on how and where to invest their money. 2. Campaign on encouraging OFW families to do business in order to augment family income. D. EMPLOYER ABUSE: 1. Educate the OFW on their basic rights and empower them to file and prosecute action against their abusers including the violating agencies and/or erring government enforcers. 2. Strengthen the regulatory provisions of Republic Act 8042, otherwise known as Overseas Migrant Workers' Act. 3. Strengthen and increase the presence of the Philippine Overseas Labor offices which is mandated to protect Filipino workers abroad. 4. Establish a "one-stop-shop" in filing criminal cases against illegal recruiters to encourage the OFWs to fight for their rights and ensure the conviction of culprits. E. RISK OF MASS LAY-OFF IN CASE OF ECONOMIC TURMOIL: 1. Strengthen and increase the presence the Philippine Overseas Labor offices which is mandated to assist Filipino workers abroad facing mass layoffs. 2. Bolster institutions and resource centers that provide help to OFWs who are victims of corrupt airport officials. F. CORRUPT AIRPORT OFFICIALS AND STAFF: 1. Bolster institutions and resource centers that provide help to OFWs who are victims of corrupt airport officials and staff. 2. Establish a "one-stop-shop" in filing criminal cases against corrupt airport officials. G. IMPOSITION OF TAXES AND CUSTOM DUTIES ON BALIKBAYAN BOXES: 1. Review the taxes and fees imposed on balikbayan boxes. 2. Raise the tax-exempt value of balikbayan boxes brought in or sent by OFWs. H. BROKEN FAMILIES/CHILDREN INABILITY TO FINISH STUDIES: 1. Improve our communication networks to ensure its affordability and accessibility. 2. Build and organize a network of OFW Families that will serve as support group for the children. 3. Organize activities and seminars aimed at strengthening family ties. I. TERRITORIAL CLAIM OVER WEST PHILIPPINE SEA: 1. Support the cases filed against China over West Philippine Sea. 2. Push for peaceful talks with China. 3. Move the modernization of our military program where we can build a decent navy and air force to give credible deterrence to any country that would enroach to Philippine territory. 4. Continue to seek alliance with our neighbors in the region especially with the ASEANS. J. ESTABLISHMENT OF AND PROVIDING BUDGET FOR MIGRANT AND OVERSEAS RESOURCE CENTER: 1. Move for the inclusion in the next General Appropriation Act of a budget for the Migrant and Overseas Resource Center. Page 2 of 2