SEN. Bong Go called on Philippine foreign and labor officers abroad to be ready “24/7” to assist distressed overseas Filipinos (OFs) amid the war in the Middle East. The senator on Wednesday urged government representatives to be accessible to Filipinos seeking help, including those requesting repatriation to escape the United States-Israel war with Iran.
Your offices abroad must remain open 24/7 and you should be ready anytime to assist our migrant workers, our OFWs (overseas Filipino workers),” Go said in Filipino.
He made the appeal during the Commission Appointments deliberation on the nomination of former Energy secretary Raphael Lotilla as the Philippine ambassador to the Holy See as well as the ad interim appointments of three foreign service officials.
Go said that Philippine embassies and consular offices should ensure readiness to respond to the needs of OFWs, who often face difficult circumstances far from home.
He reminded them of the responsibility carried by Philippine representatives abroad, particularly in safeguarding the interests and welfare of Filipinos working and living outside the country.
“To the new appointees, as you take on these vital roles in representing the Philippines on the international stage, I encourage you to remain steadfast in prioritizing the interests, protection, and welfare of our overseas Filipinos,” Go said.
The Middle East hosts over 2.2 million Filipino workers, many of whom are based in Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, and Bahrain.
