The House of Representatives has signaled its readiness to approve a supplemental budget to support Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
During a press conference, Agimat Partylist Representative Bryan Revilla, Chair of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs (OWA), emphasized the need to ensure that government agencies have sufficient funding to provide repatriation, welfare, and emergency assistance to distressed Filipinos abroad.
“We need to make sure that our House is updated on the information in case there’s a need for help or action, especially on the increase of pondo kung na kakailanganin po ng ating mga ahensya para makatugon po sa mga problema ng ating mga OFWs doon,” he said.
Revilla highlighted that thousands of OFWs have already sought help, citing 4,357 requests for assistance in Kuwait alone, including 2,690 for repatriation. With daily changes in the security situation, he stressed the importance of continuous monitoring and coordination between the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and MWOs in the region to ensure timely and effective responses.
The lawmaker also addressed manpower shortages, noting that MWOs are currently undermanned despite handling thousands of cases. He said Congress may allocate additional funds to hire more staff and strengthen the emergency repatriation and action funds, which currently hold ₱1.4 billion and ₱2 billion, respectively, to cover immediate assistance. Government-chartered flights are reportedly being arranged to evacuate OFWs, with coordination ongoing with host countries for safe travel.
Revilla further underscored the potential impact of the Bagong Balikbayan Act, a pending law that seeks to streamline whole-of-government support for returning OFWs.
“Once enacted, malaki tulong po ito sa ating mga OFWs na gustong bumalik-bayan dito sa ating bansa,” he said.
He also reminded OFWs and their families to use official hotlines and other channels for immediate assistance.
Looking ahead, lawmakers said that provisions for additional funding to support OFWs will be included in the General Appropriations Act (GAA), ensuring that agencies such as TESDA, DSWD, and the Overseas Workers Welfare Association (OWWA) have sufficient resources for repatriation, livelihood programs, and long-term support.
“The Congress is prepared to ensure that every necessary assistance—from repatriation to work‑reintegration support—is properly funded,” Revilla said, reaffirming the government’s commitment to protect Filipinos overseas.
