Senate Finance Committee Chair Sherwin Gatchalian said the government may need an additional ₱7 billion to support the possible repatriation of Overseas Filipino Workers if tensions in the Middle East worsen.
According to the senator, the total funding required could reach ₱13 billion to bring home Filipino workers, including undocumented ones. Currently, ₱6 billion has already been allocated for repatriation efforts under the 2026 national budget.
The call came after the Department of Migrant Workers earlier told the Senate that sufficient funds are necessary should the situation in the Middle East escalate.
Gatchalian also urged caution on proposals to suspend oil excise taxes, saying it should only be considered as a last resort because it could reduce government revenues and affect public services. He also called on the Department of Energy to closely monitor oil companies and retailers to prevent possible price manipulation amid expected fuel price increases.
