THE House of Representatives on Wednesday assured the public that it is closely coordinating with government agencies to ensure the safety and repatriation of Filipinos caught in the escalating conflict in Israel, regardless of social status or political position.
In a press conference, House spokesperson Atty. Princess Abante said the legislative chamber is actively monitoring the situation and is ready to support all humanitarian and diplomatic efforts led by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
“Tututukan ng Kamara ‘yung sitwasyon ngayon sa Israel, at inaasahan naman natin na ang [DFA] will do its job to protect our citizens. Makikipag-ugnayan din tayo sa ahensya to ensure na lahat ng ating mga kababayan—may posisyon ka man o wala—ay mapuprotektahan sa sitwasyon ngayon na nangyayari sa Israel,” Abante said.
She also clarified that no member of the outgoing 19th Congress is currently in Israel, following earlier reports suggesting lawmakers may have been stranded or en route.
“Sa pagkakaalala ko, hindi mga miyembro ng Kamara ang mahilig mag-abroad. Pero ganoon pa man, sa pagkakaalam ko, walang members ng 19th Congress ang nasa Israel ngayon. Following the statement of the Secretary General, I think may mga nagplano pero hindi natuloy,” Abante said.
“What I can confirm now is walang members ng 19th Congress ang nasa Israel ngayon. I have no personal knowledge if merong in transit or changed their itineraries, but according to the information that I have now, walang members ng 19th Congress ang nasa Israel ngayon,” she added.
House Secretary General Reginald “ReggieVelasco earlier confirmed that two lawmakers had requested travel clearances for Israel but eventually canceled due to rising tensions.
The DFA also noted that some itineraries may have included Israel as a transit point en route to or from Europe. (END)
