AKO-OFW Partylist strongly condemned the threat made by Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile to reduce benefits for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) after he stated that benefits would be reduced. This comes after the planned “zero remittance week” by OFWs in support of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte.
According to AKO-OFW nominee Joseph Rivera, it’s unacceptable and an abuse of power if the government were to do so to the so-called “new heroes” of the country. Rivera emphasized that the suspension of remittances is a legal and non-violent expression of the OFWs’ political beliefs, similar to a nationwide strike.
He added that the government should not use Congress as a weapon for political revenge against migrant workers and their rights. Rivera acknowledged that a significant part of the Philippines’ economic growth is due to the remittances sent by OFWs. In 2022, OFW remittances reached $32.54 billion, accounting for around 9-10% of the Philippines’ Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Rivera’s statement highlighted the importance of protecting the rights and welfare of OFWs, who play a crucial role in the country’s economic growth and development.