Malacañang defended the absence of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. during the arrival of repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) at Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Several OFWs recently returned to the Philippines after being repatriated from the Middle East amid the ongoing crisis in the region.
Questions were raised after the president did not personally appear at NAIA to welcome the returning Filipino workers.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro explained that Marcos was occupied with other important responsibilities at the time.
According to Castro, the president was working on additional government programs and assistance intended to help ease the impact of the Middle East crisis on Filipino workers and their families.
She said the government continues to focus on preparing further support measures for OFWs affected by the situation abroad.
Castro also confirmed that Marcos had already directed key government agencies to handle the arrival and assistance of repatriated workers.
Specifically, officials from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) were tasked to oversee the reception and provide support services to the OFWs returning to the country.
The agencies were instructed to ensure that assistance is immediately available to Filipino workers who continue to arrive in the Philippines.
These services include coordination and support for returning workers as they undergo the repatriation process.
Malacañang emphasized that government agencies remain active in assisting OFWs affected by developments in the Middle East.
Authorities said coordination between relevant agencies continues to ensure proper assistance for returning Filipino workers.
The Palace maintained that preparations for additional government support programs remain a priority as the country continues to respond to the situation affecting Filipino workers abroad.
Officials said efforts are ongoing to address the needs of OFWs returning from the region.
