Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre on Sunday appealed to Senate President Vicente Sotto III to swiftly pass the Bagong Balikbayan Act, a priority reintegration measure principally authored by former Speaker Martin Romualdez and recently approved and transmitted by the House of Representatives.
The measure was approved and transmitted by Congress, Acidre said, adding that the timing underscored the urgency of institutionalizing programs that help overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) transition back into local employment, entrepreneurship, and community life after years of working abroad.
House Bill No. 6643, or the Bagong Balikbayan Act, seeks to consolidate reintegration services, expand access to livelihood assistance, and provide a more predictable support system for returning migrant workers and their families.
Acidre said early Senate action on the measure would send a strong signal that the 20th Congress is ready to match the sacrifices of OFWs with concrete and lasting reforms.
As the principal author in both the 19th and 20th Congresses, Acidre said the measure forms part of Romualdez’s legislative push as former Speaker to institutionalize long-term protection and reintegration support for OFWs.
The bill was approved by the House of Representatives on December 16, 2025, and transmitted to the Senate the following day.
The Bagong Balikbayan Act aims to address long-standing weaknesses in existing reintegration programs.
“Every first quarter of the year, we see OFWs come home with plans to rebuild their lives. This bill ensures they are not left to navigate that transition alone, but are met with clear pathways to work, livelihood, and family stability,” Acidre said.
Under the proposed law, reintegration assistance would begin as early as six months before an OFW’s return through migrant workers offices abroad, allowing workers and their families to plan ahead for employment, entrepreneurship, education or skills upgrading, and psychosocial support.
“For many OFWs, the hardest part is not leaving—it’s coming home. They bring back valuable skills, but without recognition and support, those skills often go to waste,” Acidre said.
The Bagong Balikbayan bill also seeks to strengthen protection for undocumented and distressed OFWs by institutionalizing confidential assistance mechanisms, livelihood training, and access to affordable credit for small enterprises and livelihood projects.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “Acidre urges Senate action on ‘Bagong Balikbayan’ bill”
