CHR supports bill protecting OFW minor children

THE Commission on Human Rights (CHR) strongly supports the passage of House Bill (HB) 08560 or the Overseas Filipino Workers' Left Behind-Children Protection Act, which seeks to institutionalize mechanisms under the Parens Patriae doctrine for the protection of minor children whose parents are overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) employed abroad, the agency said in a statement.

"According to the proposed bill, it provides for a system of temporary guardianship through which absentee OFW parents can ensure their children's safety by designating a trusted 'temporary guardian,' setting up regular communication with the children, and continuing to provide the necessary emotional and financial support. The engagement will be subject to monitoring by barangay officials and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to ensure the parties' responsibilities are faithfully complied with, with appropriate sanctions in cases of dereliction," it said.