Senatorial candidate Francis ‘Kiko’ Pangilinan vowed on Monday to improve the health and social benefits of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) as he seeks a fresh mandate to serve again in the Senate.
In a news release, Pangilinan noted that OFWs deserve proper healthcare benefits after spending many years away from their country to support their families.
“Many are still not receiving enough benefits when it comes to their healthcare and social protection,” he said in Tagalog.
Pangilingan said he aims to expand the PhilHealth insurance coverage for OFWs, as well as improving the government’s assistance for their urgent medical concerns. He plans to do this by working on strategic partnerships with various host countries.
The former senator said he will also push for a comprehensive reintegration program that would benefit retired OFWs.
He also called on the government to prioritize these concerns, adding that OFWs are more than just delivering remittances to their families.