DMW warns OFWs against joining political rallies in countries that ban foreign participation

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) on Saturday urged overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to refrain from participating in political rallies in countries that strictly prohibit foreigners from engaging in such activities.

Speaking at the Saturday News Forum, DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said Filipino workers are sought after by foreign employers because they are law-abiding and easily adapt to their host countries.

“Tayo’y nandun lamang para magtrabaho, paunlarin ang pamilya natin, pamayanan natin, isang bayanan, at hindi para makilahok sa anumang aspetong politikal o larangang lalo na kung mainit…ang political situation sa host country,” Cacdac said.

(We are only there to work, to uplift our families, our citizenry, our nation and not to participate in any political activities especially now that the political situation is heated in the host country.)

Cacdac declined to identify the countries he was referring to but said migrant workers are already aware of which host nations strictly prohibit foreigners from engaging in political activities.

“Do not participate in a rally, do not express your political views or opinions, especially in social media because let’s face it, some host countries, if not many of them, are very strict about these matters on foreigners taking parts in political exercises or rallies or other endeavors in the host country,” Cacdac said in a mix of English and Filipino.

The DMW chief also reminded OFWs that they remain subject to Philippine laws while abroad. He said Filipinos who commit offenses such as violations of the country's anti-cybercrime law may still face prosecution.

He also cautioned OFWs against spreading misinformation or disinformation, noting that such acts may also be punishable under the laws of their host countries.

In 2025, 20 OFWs were arrested in Qatar for holding a political demonstration without a permit.

The group had reportedly gathered to mark the birthday of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who is currently detained at the International Criminal Court over allegations of crimes against humanity. The case against the OFWs was later dismissed, and they were released from police custody. — VBL, GMA News