House Committee on Overseas Workers Affairs Chairperson and AGIMAT Party-list Representative Bryan Revilla has called on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to allow Philippine embassies and consular offices to open on weekends and holidays to better serve overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Revilla proposed a rotational day-off system among embassy and consulate staff to ensure that Filipino workers—many of whom only have a single day off during weekends or holidays—can still access government services.
“Most OFWs, especially in the Middle East, only get one day off, usually on weekends or holidays. If the embassy or consulate is closed, they lose the chance to get the help or documents they need,” Revilla explained.
He added that extending embassy operations on these days could help reduce long queues and improve the delivery of services such as passport renewals, notarial assistance, and aid to distressed Filipinos abroad.
“Our point is simple: if OFWs work tirelessly for their families every day, the government should also be available for them,” he said.
Revilla also recognized the DFA and Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) for expanding digital services but stressed that some concerns still require in-person assistance.
“Online systems help a lot, but not everything can be done virtually. Those with issues involving employers, passports, or documents need someone they can actually talk to—not just a link,” he added.
The lawmaker assured that he would continue collaborating with relevant agencies to enhance the delivery of government services for Filipinos working overseas.
