Scheduled for Wednesday, a joint congressional hearing will bring together top government officials to assess the state of Filipinos living and working in the Middle East amid the escalating regional conflict.
Speaker Faustino “Bojie” G. Dy III directed the House Committees on Foreign Affairs and on Overseas Workers Affairs to convene the joint briefing on March 11, 2026, with House Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” Marcos of Ilocos Norte confirming that the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Migrant Workers, and other relevant agencies have been tapped to appear.
Agencies are expected to present figures on the number of Filipinos in affected areas, prevailing security conditions on the ground, and contingency plans covering assistance, evacuation, or repatriation should circumstances deteriorate.
“The House wants to receive a full briefing on the situation on the ground and on the readiness of our agencies to assist our nationals should conditions require government intervention,” Marcos said.
Marcos framed the hearing as a matter of both welfare and economic consequence, noting the broader stakes for Filipino families dependent on remittances from the region.
“Our overseas Filipino workers play a vital role in supporting millions of Filipino families and contributing to the country’s economic stability,” he said. “At a time of uncertainty in the region, it is important that government remains fully prepared to protect their welfare and provide assistance when needed.”
The majority leader underscored that the legislature’s intent is to get ahead of any worsening situation rather than react to one.
“With a significant number of Filipinos working across the Middle East, it is important that we stay ahead of developments and ensure that the necessary support mechanisms are in place,” Marcos said.
