Senate reso urges immediate protection of OFWs in Middle East

Twenty-two senators have signed a proposed resolution urging the government to immediately implement measures to ensure the protection of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) amid the rising tensions in the Middle East, and to adopt interventions to mitigate its economic impacts on the Philippine economy. 

Under proposed Senate Resolution No. 325, the senators stressed that the heightened tensions and air-travel disruptions in the Middle East directly affect the safety, mobility, and welfare of the OFWs in the region.

They also pointed out that the conflict risks global oil supply disruptions, leading to domestic fuel-price volatility, and affecting exporters, supply chains, transport costs, food inflation, and overall economic activity. 

“There is an urgent need to activate and expand existing targeted fuel assistance programs for vulnerable sectors, including public transport drivers and agriculture/ fisheries beneficiaries, using available appropriations in accordance with existing budget rules,” the resolution read. 

The resolution thus seeks to express the sense of the Senate to urge the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and other relevant foreign service posts to intensify travel advisories and crisis communications for OFWs; as well as the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and other relevant agencies and recruitment agencies to implement and expand monitoring and welfare measures. 

It also called for the consideration of temporary suspension or reduction of fuel excise taxes under clearly defined parameters, and to urge targeted assistance measures for Philippine exporters adversely affected by trade and logistics disruptions.  

All senators signed the resolution except Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano and Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa. 

Senate hearing

Senator Erwin Tulfo, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations committee, said that a hearing will be held on Friday, March 6, to discuss the matter.

He said concerned government agencies such as the DFA, DMW, Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Transportation (DOTr), and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) will be invited. 

“It's legislation, in aid of legislation, how to resolve these issues and be prepared. We have to prepare for this, for any eventualities. Kung tumagal pa po itong crisis na ito (if this crisis continues further), what do we have to do? We will ask these various agencies…what's in store? Are we ready for this?” Tulfo said at a press conference. 

“Hindi po tayo mga OFW (we’re not OFWs), let's not forget, ladies and gentlemen, pero (but) we will be affected within the next few days,” he added.  — RSJ, GMA Integrated News