BONG REVILLA RECEIVES OVERWHELMING WELCOME FROM OFWs DURING HIS VISIT IN SINGAPORE

A sea of cheers, warm embraces, and excited smiles filled the streets of Singapore as Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. was welcomed with open arms by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) during his visit to the Lion City. The Senator’s visit was geared towards personally checking on their welfare and discussing his legislative initiatives and advocacies.

Filipinos swarmed the seasoned lawmaker, eager to personally meet him, shake his hand, hug him and express their gratitude for his visit and unwavering support for OFWs. Even with such limited time, Bong Revilla took a moment to engage with beloved Filipinos working and living in Singapore.

"The sacrifices of our OFWs are immeasurable, and their hard work fuels our nation’s progress— they are indeed our modern heroes. Narito tayo hindi lang upang makasama sila kundi upang mas mapakinggan pa ang kanilang pangangailangan at tiyakin na may kaagapay silang gobyerno," the solon said.

On Saturday (March 8), Bong Revilla sat down with leaders of various Filipino organizations to consult and share updates on his work in the Senate. He highlighted measures he championed that are now benefiting ordinary Filipinos, such as the “Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act” (RA 11997), “Anti-No Permit, No Exam Policy Act” (RA 11984), “Free College Entrance Examination Act” (RA 12006), “Expanded Centenarians Act” (RA 11982), and the “Permanent Validity of the Certificates of Live Birth, Death, and Marriage Act” (RA 11909).

He also shared how, through his work, he continues to advocate for the rights and welfare of OFWs. He is an author of RA 10002 or the “Migrant and Overseas Filipinos Act of 2009” which endeavoured to give more protection to OFWs who are in search of greener pastures in foreign countries — as well as RA 11641 which created the Department of Migrant Workers.

As he continues to champion OFWs globally, the lawmaker also discussed his plans to push for more policies that would uplift Filipinos both at home and abroad. Bong Revilla has filed SBN 1512 or the “Bagong Bayani Ward Act” which, once legislated, will ensure that government hospitals will always have a dedicated ward for OFWs. Highlighting the importance of OFW remittances not only for their families but for the country’s economy as well, he also authored SBN 985 which will give security up to the last centavo so that OFWs will not fall prey to abuses that threaten their hard-earned money. With SBN 265 or the “Overseas Filipino Workers Credit Assistance”, Senator Bong Revilla pushes to alleviate the financial strain on OFWs who have to shell out huge amounts even prior to leaving the country to work in order to comply with the requirements of their contract by offering credit assistance at a preferred rate of not more tha 6% per annum which shall be payable within 12 to 24 months. And with SBN 1280 likewise authored by him, diagnostic, laboratory and other examination services which are required for their employment shall be covered free of charge by PhilHealth.

The following day, the re-electionist senator held an impromptu meet-and-greet session with Filipinos at the Lucky Plaza Mall on Orchard Road. Crowds of Filipinos eagerly gathered to see and warmly welcome him and express their appreciation for his work.

The “Aksyon sa Tunay na Buhay” public servant took the opportunity to listen to their stories, respond to their concerns, and share his message of unity and hope.

"Napakasarap sa pakiramdam na madama ang pagmamahal at suporta ng ating mga kababayan dito sa Singapore. Lalo nitong pinatatatag ang aking paninindigan na patuloy na pagsilbihan at ipaglaban ang kapakanan ng ating mga kababayan, saan mang panig ng mundo," Bong Revilla said.

The visit was a heartwarming display of camaraderie and inspiration, as the senator was met with thunderous applause, heartfelt greetings, and a strong show of support from the Filipino community in Singapore.

As he bid his kababayans goodbye, Bong Revilla expressed his deep gratitude for the warm welcome and assured OFWs that their struggles and triumphs will always be at the forefront of his legislative priorities.

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