Sen. Bong Go has expressed his concern for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in East Asia amid mounting tensions in Taiwan, prompting him to ask the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to prepare a contingency plan in case the situation deteriorates.
“I am deeply concerned for the safety and welfare of our OFWs working in various parts of East Asia because of increasing tension among stakeholders over Taiwan,” said Go in a statement on Tuesday, 9 August.
He then called on the government, particularly the newly formed DMW, to immediately put in place contingency measures in case the situation deteriorates.
The senator also urged the DMW to ensure that the government readies “potential assistance and reintegration programs” should the concerned OFWs be required to return home to the Philippines.
“Proteksyunan natin ang buhay ng bawat Pilipino nasaan man sila sa mundo lalo na ang mga itinuturing nating modern-day heroes na OFWs na nagtatrabaho para mayroong maitustos sa pamilya nilang naiwan,” stressed the senator.
Meanwhile, Go has stressed his hopes that the countries involved will exercise restraint and use diplomatic channels to ease the tension and find peaceful solutions.
“Our world, still reeling from the adverse effects of the current health crisis, cannot afford another catastrophe with potentially unspeakable consequences,” said Go.
Tensions over Taiwan escalated after United States House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited the island on August 2. China, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province, condemned the visit resulting in it conducting military drills encircling the island.