Manny Pangilinan offers free calls via PLDT, Smart to OFWs in Middle East

Business tycoon Manny Pangilinan has directed PLDT Inc. and Smart Communications to provide free calls to allow Filipinos to get in touch with their relatives in the conflict-ridden Middle East.

"Worrying about our OFWs. I’ve asked PLDT and Smart to offer free calls for Filipinos in countries affected by the conflict in the Middle East," said the PLDT Inc. chairman and CEO in a post on X.

"The marching order is to make it as easy as possible for our countrymen to reach their loved ones, and vice versa," he added.

Pangilinan said the details of his directives will follow.

Worrying about our OFWs. I’ve asked PLDT and Smart to offer free calls for Filipinos in countries affected by the conflict in the Middle East. Details to follow, but the marching order is to make it as easy as possible for our countrymen to reach their loved ones, and vice versa.

— Manny V. Pangilinan (@iamMVP) March 2, 2026

Tensions in the Middle East region escalated over the weekend following joint military operations launched by the United States and Israel against Iran.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) reported that about 2.5 million Filipinos are in the Middle East, mostly in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, with around 800 in Iran.

The Department of Migrant Workers said that there is no mass repatriation in the Middle East yet, but said the government is ready to assist affected Filipinos in returning home if necessary. —LDF, GMA Integrated News