From abs-cbnnews.com
MANILA, Philippines - A lawmaker, who was earlier criticized as anti-OFW, is now proposing to give a 20% discount for former overseas Filipino workers.

Manila Rep. Ma. Theresa Bonoan-David filed House Bill 6323, which would give a 20% discount to all Filipinos who have worked in a foreign country under employment contracts for a period not less than ten years. These include professionals, seamen, entertainers, domestic helpers.

Bonoan-David was earlier criticized for being anti-OFW when she filed a bill requiring departing OFWs to pay $50 as contribution to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration fund. After much criticism, she withdrew the bill.*

In HB 6323, Bonoan-David described OFWs as "modern heroes" who have helped prop up the Philippine economy.

"It is but timely to express our debt of gratitude to our former OFWs in the form of discounts, medical assistance, enjoyment of benefits granted by the respective social service systems and even housing programs," she said.

Bonoan-David's new bill will only cover OFWs who are at least 50 years old, previously certified by the Department of Labor and Employment, Philippine Overseas Employment Agency for overseas employment purposes and has an income of not more than P60,000 a year.

HB 6323 would give former OFWs a 20 percent discount from all establishments relative to utilization of transportation services, hotels and similar lodging establishments, restaurants and recreation centers and for the purchase of medicines.

These ex-OFWs will also receive free medical and dental consultations in private or public hospitals and medical insurance from the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.*