16 Filipino caregivers and hotel workers successfully crossed the Taba Border Crossing leaving Israel, facilitated by the DMW-OWWA Team from the Embassy. Courtesy: DMW
THE House of Representatives is ready to support a supplemental budget should the government require additional resources to bring home Filipinos affected by tensions in the Middle East, even as a House leader warned against fake AI-generated videos spreading fear among overseas Filipino workers and their families.
Pangasinan Rep. Rachael Arenas, chairperson of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, said Congress is prepared to back additional funding for repatriation if the situation worsens.
“Actually, napag-usapan din po namin ‘yan kahapon, and if kinakailangan po ‘yung supplemental budget, this institution will support that,” Arenas said in a press interview Thursday.
She said lawmakers had already discussed the possibility during a House hearing assessing the government’s response and the needs of agencies assisting Filipinos abroad.
“So nag-ano naman po kami kahapon together with my co-chair, Chairperson Bryan Revilla, that we will support and assist. So hindi lang po sa pulisiya, if they need additional funds, ay susuporta po ‘yung House of Representatives,” Arenas added.
Arenas said the government’s response continues to follow the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr. prioritize the safety of Filipinos overseas.
“We will go by the guiding principle of the President na safety first,” she said, noting that government departments are now fully mobilized as developments in the Middle East remain “very fluid.”
“And hindi ho kami mag-aantubili na sumuporta sa mga pangangailangan ho ng ating departments to make sure that every Filipino is safe and protected,” Arenas added.
She said Congress will also continue monitoring the situation as part of its oversight functions.
“We will continue to exercise our oversight powers here in Congress,” she said.
According to Arenas, Philippine embassies in the region even joined the congressional hearing online to provide updates despite security risks.
“Kahapon din gusto kong ipaalam na meron tayong mga embahada na nag-join sa atin online kahit po na ‘yung iba minsan ‘yung iba nating embahada ay kailangan pumunta sa mga safe shelters pero nandyan pa rin sila para po ipaalam sa atin kung anong sitwasyon nila,” she said.
Arenas also assured Filipinos in the region that the government is closely monitoring developments.
“Gusto ko rin pong iparating dun sa ating mga kababayan sa Gitnang Silangan na nandito ho kami, hindi ho kayo nag-iisa. Alam ho namin ‘yung mga pangamba ninyo,” she said.
She noted that an estimated 2.4 million to 2.5 million Filipinos are working overseas, underscoring the stakes for the country amid the ongoing crisis.
“Makikita po natin yung vulnerability ng ating OFWs,” Arenas said.
The lawmaker also confirmed that government agencies are assisting the family of Mary Ann Velasquez de Vera, an overseas Filipino worker from Pangasinan who was struck by debris during an attack.
“And nakikiramay po kaming lahat sa pamilya niya,” she said.
Arenas also expressed concern over AI-generated videos circulating online that have been causing panic among Filipinos monitoring the situation.
“Actually kaya nga po kahapon na take-up din po ‘yan kahapon kasi ayaw po natin na mag-panic ‘yung ating mga kababayan, pati ‘yung mga pamilya nila dito,” she said.
To counter misinformation, the government has set up communication channels allowing families in the Philippines to directly reach relatives working in affected areas.
“Kaya nga rin po nagset-up po ‘yung libreng tawag para po ‘yung mga pamilya nila dito at ‘yung mga OFWs natin malaman nila first-hand ng mga pamilya nila na ganito ang sitwasyon nila,” Arenas said.
She added that embassies are closely monitoring requests for assistance and responding quickly when Filipinos seek help.
“In fact, sabi naman po nung ating mga embahado dun na lahat po halos nung mga humihingi ng tulong sa kanila, alam nila kung san nakatira at kung humingi po ng tulong agad agad din hong pinupuntahan o tinatawagan nila tong mga OFW’s natin doon,” she said.
Arenas acknowledged that immigration issues have also delayed the repatriation of some Filipinos.
“Actually nagkakaroon lamang po ng problema kunyari meron silang mga previous cases so hindi sila basta basta makakauwi dahil hindi pa sila na clear,” she said.
She added that some workers who overstayed or lack proper documents may need additional time before they can return home, although the government is assisting them through the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Migrant Workers.
Arenas also said the government is preparing reintegration assistance for workers who may be forced to return home if the crisis persists.
“So, the government is also focused on reintegration,” she said
