The OWWA Board of Trustees.
SEC. 20. The OWWA Board of Trustees. – To carry out the purposes of this Act, the OWWA shall be directed and controlled by a Board of Trustees which shall act as its policy-making body. It shall be composed of the following members:
(a) Secretary of Labor and Employment, as Chairperson;
(b) OWWA Administrator, as Vice Chairperson;
(c) Secretary of Foreign Affairs;
(d) Secretary of Finance;
(e) Secretary of Budget and Management;
(f) POEA Administrator;
(g) Two (2) representatives from the land-based OFWs who are nominated and appointed in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 8042, as amended by Republic Act No. 10022;
(h) Two (2) representatives from the sea-based. OFWs who are nominated and appointed in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 8042, as amended by Republic Act No. 10022;
(i) One (1) representative from the women sector who is nominated and appointed in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act No. 8042, as amended by Republic Act No. 10022;
(j) One (1) representative from the land-based recruitment sector who is selected from among the various associations of registered overseas placement and recruitment agencies based in the Philippines, who shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines to serve a single term of three (3) years; and
(k) One (1) representative from the sea-based manning sector, who is selected from among the various associations of registered overseas placement and manning agencies based in the Philippines, who shall be appointed by the President of the Philippines to serve a single term of three (3) years.
The Trustees holding office as members of the OWWA Board at the time of the effectivity of this Act shall continue to serve until the expiration of their term of appointments.
In case of vacancy in any of the appointive positions in the OWWA Board, the vacancy shall be filled by the subsequent nomination of the respective sector concerned, in the same manner as the selection of the predecessor. Such successor shall hold office for the unexpired term.
Per Diem.
SEC. 21. Per Diem. – The members of the OWWA Board shall not receive any compensation but shall be provided with per diem at rates allowed under existing rules and regulations.
Responsibilities and Powers of the Board of Trustees.
SEC. 22. Responsibilities and Powers of the Board of Trustees. – The Board shall exercise the following specific powers and duties:
(a) To define the thrusts of the OWWA and adopt policy guidelines to ensure their implementation;
(b) To preserve the integrity of the OWWA Fund;
(c) To approve programs, projects, and the organizational structure of the OWWA Secretariat;
(d) To modify or adjust the membership contribution and other necessary charges based on periodic reviews and actuarial studies, subject to due consultation with OFWs or nongovernment organizations (NGOs) advocating the protection of the rights and welfare of OFWs and their families;
(e) To formulate rules and regulations governing financial transactions and prepare the annual and supplemental budget of the Secretariat for submission to the DBM;
(f) To formulate rules and regulations governing the conduct and discipline of OWWA officials and employees in accordance with civil service rules;
(g) To ensure the efficiency of collection and the viability and sustainability of the fund through sound and judicious investment and fund management policies;
(h) To receive and appropriate all sums to carry out the purposes and functions of the OWWA;
(i) To authorize the construction or repair of its buildings, machinery, equipment and other facilities, and the purchase and acquisition of real and personal properties, including the necessary supplies, materials and equipment;
(j) To receive in trust legacies, gifts and donations of real and personal property of all kinds, and to administer and dispose the same when necessary for the benefit of the OWWA general membership and subject to the instructions of the donor, if any;
(k) To delegate any of its powers to the Chairperson of the Board or to the Administrator of the OWWA Secretariat in case of any national emergency that affects the rights and welfare of its member-OFWs and their families;
(l) To prescribe such general policies, rules and regulations, not contrary to law, consistent with the purposes of the OWWA subject to due consultation with OFWs or NGOs advocating the protection of the rights and welfare of OFWs and their families; and
(m) To exercise such, powers as may be proper and necessary to carry out the objectives of this Act.
