PLDT/Smart Chairman Manny V. Pangilinan on Monday, March 2, ordered the two telecommunications companies to provide free calls for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in countries affected by the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The free calls cover Filipinos in Iran, Israel, Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, UAE, and Saudi Arabia.
“The marching order is to make it as easy as possible for our countrymen to reach their loved ones, and vice versa,” Pangilinan said in a social media post.
Through the TinBo app using a Smart Virtual Number, OFWs in the listed countries can call the Philippines free of charge. Meanwhile, PLDT, Smart, and TNT subscribers in the Philippines can also make free calls to their loved ones abroad.
The offer is available until March 7, with the companies reviewing whether an extension is needed.
OFWs may also contact the Smart crisis hotline (+63288457799), which is free and open 24/7, to connect with their families in the Philippines. Additionally, they can reach the DMW-OWWA 1348 hotline via the TinBo app for immediate assistance.
“Our team will post more details on their official socmed accounts,” Pangilinan added.