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BILANG pagkilala malaking kontribusyon ng mga overseas Filipino sa ekonomiya ng bansa, isinusulong ni KABAYAN partylist Rep. Ron Salo pagpapalawak sa Overseas Filipino Bank (OFBank) para makatugon sa pangangailangan ng mga Pinoy na nasa ibang bansa.
Sa inihaing House Bill No. 11424 (Overseas Filipino Bank Act), target ni Salo rebisahin ang OFBank Charter.
Partikular na isinusulong ng kongresista ang pagtatag ng OF Bank bilang primary digital bank ng bansa para sa mga migranteng manggagawa, gayundin sa kani-kanilang pamilya.
“This bill is important at a time when millions of Filipinos rely on remittances and financial services that are not always easily accessible or affordable,” diin ng KABAYAN partylist solon.
“It’s crucial that we harness the power of digital banking to provide Overseas Filipinos with seamless, secure financial services while promoting greater financial inclusion. We should ensure that their hard-earned money and support will reach their families back home, no matter where they are in the world,” dagdag ng mambabatas.
Ayon kay Salo, noong 2020 nang ilunsad ng Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) ang OFBank bilang isang digital-only, branchless bank para sa Overseas Filipinos.
“While it has made progress, further improvements are needed to fully meet the financial needs of OFWs, Returning Overseas Filipinos (ROFs), dual citizens, and other Filipino expats,” sabi ng ranking House official.
Sa sandaling ganap na maisabatas ang HB 11424, ang naturang bangko ay maka pagkakaloob ng affordable remittance options, accessible credit, at iba pang banking offers para sa Overseas Filipinos.
Mungkahi pa ng mambabatas, magtakda ng capital stocks na aabot sa halagang P10 bilyon ang OFBank, na ang kalahati niya ay para lamang sa Overseas Filipinos at kanilang pamilya.
“The economic contribution of Overseas Filipinos is immense, and it is high time we provide them with the banking solutions they deserve. This measure will not only secure a stable financial future for OFWs and their families but also pave the way for a more inclusive and sustainable digital banking landscape,” aniya pa.
Upang mapabuti ang serbisyo ng OFBanks, ipapaloob sa revised charter na ang magiging kita nito ay ilalaan lamang sa welfare at reintegration programs para sa Overseas Filipinos, bilang pagpapalakas na rin sa hangarin ng pamahalaan na magkaroon ng financial stability at maayos na katayuan ang mga Pinoy na nasa labas ng bansa.
“By passing the Overseas Filipino Bank Act, we are not just improving banking services; we are empowering the lives of millions of Overseas Filipinos. This is our way of giving back to those who have sacrificed so much, ensuring they have the tools to build a brighter, more secure future—for themselves and for their families,” pagtatapos ni Salo. (ROMEO ALLAN BUTUYAN II)
