Compiled from an official source version. Later amendments or repeals may not be reflected; the official text prevails.・Read the official text ↗
Registration of Membership.
SEC. 8. Registration of Membership. – Membership in the OWWA may be obtained in two (2) ways: (a) By compulsory registration upon processing of employment contracts of OFWs at the POEA; and (b) By voluntary registration of OFWs at job sites, or through electronic registration.
Amount of Contribution and Effectivity of Membership.
SEC. 9. Amount of Contribution and Effectivity of Membership. – Membership in the OWWA, either through the compulsory or voluntary coverage, shall be effective upon payment of membership contribution in the amount of twenty-five US dollars (US$ 25.00) or its equivalent in the prevailing foreign exchange rates. Such membership shall be considered active until the expiration of the OFWs existing employment contract or after two (2) years from contract effectivity, whichever comes first. In case of voluntary registration, membership shall be considered active until the expiration of the OFWs existing employment contract or after two (2) years from the date of voluntary registration, whichever comes first. The OWWA shall be allowed to collect a subsequent membership contribution from the member-OFW only after every two (2) years from the last membership contribution made.
Power of the Board to Adjust the Membership Contribution.
SEC. 10. Power of the Board to Adjust the Membership Contribution. – Based on actuarial studies and taking into consideration the welfare and interest of the member-OFWs, the OWWA Board may adjust or modify the amount of membership contribution.
Proof of Membership.
SEC. 11. Proof of Membership. – Upon payment of the required contribution, an OWWA member shall be issued an official receipt, an OWWA E-Card, identification card, or other proof of membership. No additional or extra charges shall be levied on the member-OFW. The OWWA shall maintain a comprehensive database of member-OFWs, which shall be updated regularly.
Separate Accounting of Land-Based and Sea-Based Members’ Contributions.
SEC. 12. Separate Accounting of Land-Based and Sea-Based Members’ Contributions. – For a more effective financial management, the membership contributions of land-based and sea-based members shall be accounted for in two (2) separate books of accounts.
Authorized Collecting Officers.
SEC. 13. Authorized Collecting Officers. – (a) Membership contributions shall be collected by duly authorized OWWA collecting officers, deputized collecting officers, or accredited collecting agents. The collection of membership contributions shall be made at the POEA contract processing hub, OWWA regional and overseas offices, and other accredited collection centers. (b) In case of voluntary members who register at the job site, membership contributions shall be made directly to the OWWA Overseas Offices located in the respective foreign service posts of the Philippines.
Reportorial Requirements.
SEC. 14. Reportorial Requirements. – The collecting officer, deputized collecting officer, or the accredited collecting agent shall prepare and submit the required monthly reports to the OWWA Central Office in the Philippines.
Handling, Deposit and Remittance of Collection.
SEC. 15. Handling, Deposit and Remittance of Collection. – The OWWA shall ensure that the handling, deposit and remittance of collections shall be in accordance with the existing rules and regulations of the Commission on Audit (COA), Department of Budget and Management (DBM), and other concerned agencies.
Sanctions for Erring Officers.
SEC. 16. Sanctions for Erring Officers. – Corresponding administrative sanctions and other disciplinary measures, including recall from post, suspension, or separation from service, shall be imposed upon any officer who violates Sections 14 and 15 of this Act.
Prohibition Against Discrimination on Membership.
SEC. 17. Prohibition Against Discrimination on Membership. – No OFW shall be denied membership to the OWWA by reason of age, gender, religious belief, or political affiliation. The OWWA shall take affirmative steps to enhance the access of OFWs to its programs and services.
Payment of Contribution or OWWA Fee by Employer.
SEC. 18. Payment of Contribution or OWWA Fee by Employer. – Contributions to the OWWA Fund must be paid by the employers or principals, or in their default, by the recruitment/manning agency in the case of new hires. The POEA shall ensure that this stipulation is made an integral part of the overseas employment contract.
Penalty for Violation by Recruitment/Manning Agency.
SEC. 19. Penalty for Violation by Recruitment/Manning Agency. – Violation by a recruitment/manning agency of the preceding section shall constitute an offense punishable by revocation of its license and all its officers and directors shall be perpetually disqualified from engaging in the business of recruitment/placement of overseas workers. Such penalty is without prejudice to any other liability which the officers and directors may have incurred under existing laws, rules and regulations.
Provisions on this page are reproduced verbatim from official open data. See the attribution line.
Source: Supreme Court E-Library, Republic of the Philippines. Philippine laws are public documents (works of the government).