http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=599348&publicationSubCategoryId=200
MANILA, Philippines – A migrant rights group has called on President Aquino to scrap the memorandum circular of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) that requires Filipinos working abroad compulsory membership to PAG-IBIG housing program.
“It is only an additional burden to already struggling OFWs and their families amid the increases of the prices of basic commodities and services,” said John Leonard Monterona, Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator.
He said making OFWs’ membership to PAG-IBIG mandatory is an attack to one’s freedom of choice especially if OFWs and their families have never been consulted prior to its implementation.
“Thus, MC-06, though its proponent would say that it is in accordance with the Home Development Mutual Fund law, is in violation to individual’s freedom to choose that an OFW and his family think what is best for them,” he added.
Monterona said there is already an existing optional housing loan facility for OFWs provided by PAG-IBIG.
He added under the optional housing loan program, OFWs and their dependents would not be forced to get a loan from PAG-IBIG.
