DBM assures fund for repatriation of Filipinos in Middle East

January 8, 2020

The Philippine government has P1.8 billion available budget which could be used in the repatriation of Filipinos amid the growing tensions in the Middle East, the Department of Budget and Management said on Wednesday.

This is on top of the P13 billion contingent fund, which could also be tapped for emergency situations, said Budget Assistant Secretary Rolando Toledo in a press briefing in Malacanang.

"Yes, we have the money, a standby fund ready - the government is ready if there is a need, a call for the repatriation of our overseas Filipino workers," he said.

The Department of Labor and Employment has estimated that there are over two million Filipinos in the Middle East and the number could be doubled if to include the undocumented workers.

Of the P1.8 billion budget, Toledo said P1.29 billion is with the Department of Foreign Affairs; P100 million with the Overseas Workers' Welfare Administration; and P500 million "free fund," also with OWWA.

"So, even without the pronouncement of the President, we already have the budget for the repatriation," the official said.

Duterte has earlier raised concern about the plight of the Filipinos in the Middle East due to the tensions between the United States and Iran following the death of top Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in Iraq last week due to America's airstrike.

He has urged Congress to call for a special session to discuss the situation in the Middle East and the allocation of standby funds for the possible repatriation of the Filipinos in the troubled region.

"We have 13 billion (pesos) allocation for that contingent fund," Toledo said, adding that this could also be tapped if needed.

For the contingent fund to be released, the President has to approve it, he said.

The DFA has raised the alert level in Iraq to Level 4, which entails the mandatory evacuation of all Filipinos.

Iran launched Wednesday morning missile strikes at Iraqi military bases hosting American troops in retaliation for the killing of Soleimani. Celerina Monte/DMS