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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Whole-of-government response needed for Middle East crisis, says Revilla ahead of key House hearing

Whole-of-government response needed for Middle East crisis, says Revilla ahead of key House hearing

Published Mar 10, 2026 04:33 pm

At A Glance

  • AGIMAT Party-list Rep. Bryan Revilla is calling for a whole-of-government response to the Middle East crisis in a bid to protect the safety and welfare of the estimated 2.4 million overseas Filipino workers in the region.
AGIMAT Party-list Rep. Bryan Revilla (Facebook)
AGIMAT Party-list Rep. Bryan Revilla (Facebook)


AGIMAT Party-list Rep. Bryan Revilla is calling for a whole-of-government response to the Middle East crisis in a bid to protect the safety and welfare of the estimated 2.4 million overseas Filipino workers in the region.
Revilla, chairman of the House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs, is set to convene a joint briefing with the Committee on Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, March 11, to assess the situation on the ground and ensure that contingency and repatriation plans are ready should the conflict intensify.
No less than Majority Leader Ilocos Norte 1st district Rep. Sandro Marcos announced the conduct of the crucial public hearing.
Revilla said the meeting aims to secure updated information from key government agencies on the condition of Filipinos in the region as well as the government’s readiness to respond to potential emergencies.
The Cavite solon emphasized that during periods of regional instability, the Philippine government must remain vigilant and ready to act swiftly to protect its citizens abroad, particularly migrant workers who may be exposed to heightened security risks.
“Naririnig natin ang mga panawagan ng ating mga kababayan at nakikita rin natin ang mga video na kumakalat ngayon, mga larawan ng takot at pangamba ng ating mga OFW sa Gitnang Silangan. Hindi ito malayong kuwento; ito ay tunay at nangyayari ngayon. Kaya kailangang kumilos agad ang pamahalaan upang matiyak ang kanilang kaligtasan,” Revilla said.
(We hear the calls of our fellow citizens and we also see the videos now spreading, images of fear and anxiety among our OFWs in the Middle East. This is not a distant story; it is real and happening now. That is why the government must act immediately to ensure their safety.)
Revilla stressed that safeguarding the welfare of OFWs must remain a national priority, particularly during times of geopolitical uncertainty.
“Our government has always placed great importance on the protection of Filipinos abroad, and in moments like this, it is vital that we continue working together to ensure the safety and well-being of our kababayan in the region,” he said.
The actor-turned-congressman also underscored the need for long-term support systems for returning migrant workers, as he poointed to House Bill (HB) No. 6643, or the Bagong Balikbayan Act, which he principally authored.
“The Bagong Balikbayan Act was designed precisely for moments like this—to ensure that when crises force our OFWs to return home, the government has a clear roadmap not only for their safe repatriation but also for their full reintegration into the Philippine economy,” Revilla explained.
“In moments of uncertainty like this, they must know that their country stands with them, ready to act and committed to ensuring their safety and well-being wherever they are in the world.” ###
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