Question & AnswerQ&A (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 154)
The main purpose is to direct the establishment of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) Hospital to cater primarily to the health care needs of OFWs and their qualified dependents, and to create the Inter-Agency Committee on the OFW Hospital (ICOH) for its administration.
The OFW Hospital shall be located in San Fernando City, Pampanga.
The primary beneficiaries are Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their qualified dependents.
The Secretary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) serves as the Chairperson of the ICOH.
The ICOH is tasked to undertake the formal establishment/incorporation of the OFW Hospital, formulate and implement policies, appoint the hospital administrator, determine organizational structure, and perform other functions necessary to attain the objectives of the hospital.
The President appoints the representatives of land-based and sea-based OFWs from a list of nominees submitted by the Chairperson of the ICOH.
Nominees must be at least 40 years old and have at least three years of work experience abroad as an OFW at the time of nomination.
The Chairperson is responsible for establishing an office in the OFW Hospital through OWWA, establishing a referral system for medical services, ensuring strengthening of existing health benefits for OFWs, and performing other duties as directed by the ICOH or Board of Trustees.
Initial funding for the establishment and operation will be charged against DOLE's available appropriations. Subsequent funding shall be coordinated with the Department of Budget and Management and included in the General Appropriations Act subject to the budget process.
Referenced laws include the 1987 Constitution (labor and health provisions), RA No. 8042 (Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act), RA No. 10801 (OWWA Act), RA No. 11223 (Universal Health Care Act), and RA No. 10149 (GOCC Governance Act).
The Co-Chairperson, the Secretary of Health, ensures the necessary permits and licenses to operate the hospital are obtained and encourages medical specialists from other government hospitals to provide services at the OFW Hospital.
OWWA is directed to improve access of OFWs and dependents to healthcare services and medical assistance programs and to assist in implementing the OFW Hospital's objectives.
Section 10 provides a separability clause stating that if any provision is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions shall continue to be in full force and effect.
It will promote scientific research on prevention, care, and treatment of occupational diseases common to OFWs, including biological, demographic, social, economic, and physiological aspects of occupational disorders.
They must submit an annual report to the President through the Executive Secretary.