Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano has filed Senate Resolution No. 343, pressing the government to establish a comprehensive National Contingencies Plan to protect millions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) amid rising geopolitical tensions and global economic uncertainty.
Cayetano warned that conflicts, instability, and economic disruptions abroad could directly endanger the welfare and employment of Filipino workers, particularly in the Middle East and other critical regions.
“Instabilities, armed conflict, and war directly affect the welfare and employment of millions of OFWs across the Middle East and other regions, potentially affecting the livelihoods of millions of Filipino families dependent on remittances,” Cayetano said in a statement on Monday.
The proposed framework seeks to strengthen coordination among government agencies in preparing for crises that may require mass evacuation, repatriation, or financial assistance.
Cayetano stressed that a structured contingency plan would enable faster and more effective responses to threats faced by Filipinos overseas.
He cited Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas data showing OFW cash remittances reached a record $35.63 billion in 2025, underscoring their vital role in sustaining the Philippine economy.
“It highlights not just the gravity of the economic benefits that they selflessly bring to our nation, but also underscores the need for the State to reciprocate their sacrifices now more than ever, and protect them in times of crisis or uncertainty abroad,” he added.