Definition of “Filipinos Overseas”
- Section 2 defines “Filipinos Overseas” as Filipinos who are permanent residents abroad.
- Section 2 includes Filipino emigrants who are either already citizens of foreign countries or are still Filipino citizens awaiting naturalization, recognition, or admission.
- Section 2 includes the descendants of Filipinos Overseas.
Powers and functions of the Commission
- Section 3 requires the Commission to provide advice and assistance to the President (Prime Minister) and the Batasang Pambansa on policies and measures affecting Filipinos overseas.
- Section 3 directs the Commission to formulate, in coordination with concerned agencies, an integrated program for the promotion of the welfare of Filipinos overseas for implementation by existing agencies.
- Section 3 requires the Commission to coordinate and monitor implementation of the integrated program.
- Section 3 authorizes the Commission to initiate and directly undertake special projects and programs, when necessary, to promote the welfare of Filipinos overseas regarding their interests and activities in the Philippines.
- Section 3 provides that the Commission must serve as a forum for preserving and enhancing the social, economic and cultural ties of Filipinos overseas with the motherland.
- Section 3 requires the Commission to provide liaison services to Filipinos overseas with appropriate government and private agencies for business and similar ventures in the Philippines.
- Section 3 empowers the Commission to promulgate rules and regulations to carry out the objectives of the Act.
- Section 3 authorizes the Commission to call upon any Government agency, including government-owned or controlled corporations, to render assistance needed for the Act’s objectives.
- Section 3 directs the Commission to perform other related functions as directed by the President (Prime Minister) or assigned by law.
Organization and overseas presence
- Section 4 provides that the Commission is assisted by a Secretariat.
- Section 4 requires the Secretariat’s organization and staffing to follow the provisions of Presidential Decree Numbered Eleven hundred and seventy-seven.
- Section 4 authorizes the Commission, with approval of the President (Prime Minister), to establish offices abroad in suitable places.
- Section 4 authorizes the Commission, with approval of the President (Prime Minister), to appoint service attaches in the Philippine Embassy or consulate in those locations.
- Section 4 authorizes the Commission, with approval of the President (Prime Minister), to designate representatives from among resident Filipinos staying in those places.
Compensation and per diem limits
- Section 5 provides that ex-officio members are entitled to per diems for meetings attended.
- Section 5 limits per diems to not exceeding two hundred fifty pesos per meeting.
- Section 5 limits total per diems for ex-officio members to not exceeding one thousand pesos a month.
- Section 5 requires that the other Commission members, and the Commission’s officials and employees, be compensated under Presidential Decree Numbered Nine hundred eighty-five and Presidential Decree Numbered Twelve hundred and eighty-five, as applicable.
Transfer of Emigrant Affairs functions
- Section 6 abolishes the Office of Emigrant Affairs in the Ministry of Labor and Employment.
- Section 6 transfers to the Commission the Office of Emigrant Affairs’ pertinent functions.
- Section 6 transfers to the Commission applicable funds, records, property and equipment, and the necessary personnel allotted and assigned to the Office of Emigrant Affairs from the Ministry of Labor and Employment and/or other entities.
Appropriations and budget treatment
- Section 7 provides that appropriations authorized under Batas Pambansa Blg. 40 for the Office of Emigrant Affairs are used for the Commission’s operational expenses for the current calendar year.
- Section 7 allows augmentation of these expenses as necessary from the fund for organizational changes under Batas Pambansa Blg. 40.
- Section 7 requires that subsequently, the Commission’s appropriation be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.
Repeal, modification, and effectivity
- Section 8 repeals or modifies any laws, orders, proclamations, rules, regulations, or parts thereof that are inconsistent with any provision of the Act.
- Section 9 provides that the Act takes effect upon its approval.
- The Act is approved on June 16, 1980.