As uncertainty deepens across several Middle Eastern countries, one of the Philippines’ largest telecommunications groups is opening its lines to Filipinos who may be struggling to connect with family members.
PLDT Inc. and its mobile unit Smart Communications announced that international calls to and from selected countries in the region will be temporarily waived, following growing concern over the condition of overseas Filipino workers stationed there.
The initiative came after PLDT chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan publicly expressed alarm over developments abroad.
“Worrying about our overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). I’ve asked PLDT and Smart to offer free calls for Filipinos in countries affected by the conflict in the Middle East. Details to follow, but the marching order is to make it as easy as possible for our countrymen to reach their loved ones, and vice versa,” Pangilinan posted on his twitter account on March 2, 2026.
Millions of migrant laborers, including Filipinos employed in healthcare, construction, energy, and household services, are based across the Middle East. Escalating hostilities in certain areas have prompted fears for their safety and disrupted daily life for many communities.
Through its digital platform, PLDT is enabling cost-free outbound calls to the Philippines from several countries in the region.
“PLDT is offering free calls to the PH for Pinoys in Iran, Israel, Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the UAE and Saudi Arabia through our TinBo app (via Smart Virtual Number).”
The measure is intended to reduce the burden on workers who need immediate access to relatives back home during a period of instability.
The assistance also applies domestically. Subscribers of PLDT, Smart, and TNT within the Philippines will likewise be allowed to place free calls to contacts in the same Middle Eastern destinations for a limited period.
“PLDT, Smart, and TNT subscribers in the PH will also be able to call their loved ones in those same countries for free. We’re offering this until March 7, and will monitor the need for an extension.”
Overseas remittances remain a major source of foreign exchange for the Philippines, with migrant earnings sustaining household spending and supporting local businesses. Any interruption in the welfare of Filipino workers abroad carries both social and economic consequences.
Beyond call waivers, the telecommunications group has activated additional assistance channels for those seeking help or updates.
“Filipinos can also call our Smart crisis hotline to be connected with their loved ones at home. It’s free, and open 24/7 at +63288457799. You can also call the DMW-OWWA 1348 hotline through the TinBo app. Our team will post more details on their official socmed accounts.”
