Iza Aldana
Mar 4, 2026
Cayetano calls for government preparedness to protect OFWs as Middle East tensions escalate.
Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano has called for a careful yet firm approach by the Philippine government to ensure the protection of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Cayetano emphasized that government decisions must prioritize the safety, livelihood, and dignity of Filipino workers abroad while avoiding measures that could cause unnecessary alarm or disrupt their employment.
The senator expressed support for Senate Resolution No. 41, which calls for concrete steps to safeguard the welfare of Filipinos working overseas, including the possible repatriation of OFWs should the security situation require it.
However, Cayetano clarified that repatriation should be undertaken only under clear and necessary circumstances to prevent undue disruption to the livelihoods of Filipino workers and to avoid confusion within Filipino communities abroad.
He also underscored the importance of the alert level system of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), which guides the government’s response during crises affecting Filipinos overseas. According to Cayetano, the DFA should take the lead in closely coordinating with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to continuously monitor developments and provide timely assistance to affected OFWs.
Beyond immediate security concerns, Cayetano noted that the government must also prepare for the broader economic implications of the crisis, particularly its potential impact on remittances, which remain a vital pillar of the Philippine economy.
“The government must act with compassion, clear coordination, and swift response to ensure the safety of Filipinos abroad while safeguarding their means of livelihood,” Cayetano said.
