The Philippine House of Representatives convened a joint committee hearing to assess the government’s preparedness to safeguard around 2.5 million overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) amid escalating conflicts in parts of the Middle East.
The session, led by the House Committees on Foreign Affairs and Overseas Workers Affairs, included key government agencies and diplomatic representatives reporting virtually from Philippine embassies and consulates in the region.
Lawmakers discussed potential use of a ₱2-billion action fund, evacuation plans by land or sea, and support measures for OFWs who remain in host countries. Pangasinan Rep. Maria Rachel Arenas emphasized that the safety of Filipinos in conflict zones remains a top priority under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration.
Agimat Party-list Rep. Bryan Revilla called for immediate and concrete government action, stressing that promises alone are insufficient to protect Filipinos working abroad.
