Senator Christopher “Bong” Go urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) to ensure that their offices are open 24/7 to provide immediate assistance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), especially amid the ongoing unrest in Indonesia where protests and violence have placed many Filipinos at risk.
Go, who is Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Migrant Workers, emphasized that Filipinos abroad must be able to rely on their government during emergencies.
“Dapat tutukan po ng DFA at DMW ang mga pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayan sa ibang bansa. Siguraduhin na 24/7 bukas ang kanilang mga tanggapan para makapagbigay ng agarang tulong sa ating mga OFWs at sa kanilang pamilya,” he stressed.
Indonesia is experiencing one of the most significant waves of unrest in years, initially sparked by intense public outrage over lawmakers’ lavish 50‑million‑rupiah monthly housing allowances, which amount to nearly 10 times Jakarta’s minimum wage. The anger surged when a young motorcycle taxi driver, Affan Kurniawan, was tragically run over by a police vehicle, igniting mass protests across major cities.
Go has consistently reaffirmed his commitment to OFWs, highlighting his role as one of the authors and co-sponsors of Republic Act No. 11641, which created the DMW to provide better protection and streamlined services for migrant workers. This law consolidated government efforts to deliver more efficient and responsive assistance to Filipinos working abroad.
In support of migrant workers’ health needs, Go also filed Senate Bill No. 414, which seeks to institutionalize the OFW Hospital in San Fernando City, Pampanga, ensuring its long-term operations as a dedicated medical facility serving OFWs and their dependents.
The senator reminded that many OFWs endure hardships and risks to support their loved ones, and the least the government can do is to guarantee swift and compassionate service.
“Maraming sakripisyo ang ating mga OFWs. Sila ang tinatawag na mga modernong bayani. Kaya naman responsibilidad ng gobyerno na maging handa at maagap sa pagbibigay ng tulong lalo na sa oras ng pangangailangan,” Go added.
He then urged both agencies to strengthen coordination, especially during crises such as conflicts, natural disasters, or sudden changes in host country policies affecting Filipino workers.
“Asahan n’yo po na patuloy kong ipaglalaban ang kapakanan ng ating mga OFWs. Kailangan talaga nakaantabay ang DFA at DMW para hindi mapabayaan ang ating mga kababayan,” he assured.