The Philippine Embassy in Qatar has issued an advisory urging Filipino nationals to respect local laws and customs concerning mass demonstrations and expressions of political grievances. The advisory, released shortly after the news of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest by the International Criminal Court (ICC), appears to be a preemptive measure to prevent overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from engaging in political protests in Qatar.
The embassy’s statement comes amid reports of strong support from OFWs for Duterte, who was detained on March 11, 2025, at Ninoy Aquino International Airport before being transferred to The Hague. The former president faces charges of crimes against humanity related to his controversial war on drugs.
Duterte remains a widely popular figure among OFWs, who credit his administration with implementing significant reforms that benefited Filipino workers abroad. His initiatives included eradicating the ‘tanim-bala’ (bullet-planting) scam, simplifying labor processing through a one-stop shop for OFWs, and facilitating repatriation efforts for distressed workers.
In Hong Kong, just days before his arrest, Duterte addressed a gathering of OFWs, acknowledging the ICC’s legal actions against him. His statement, “If I’m arrested, if I’m detained, so be it,” was met with loud cheers and applause from supporters.
Social media platforms have also seen an outpouring of support from OFWs, with many expressing solidarity with Duterte and sharing messages demanding his release. Some OFW communities have reportedly discussed organizing events to show their support, prompting Philippine diplomatic missions in the Middle East to remind Filipinos about local laws restricting political activities.
Qatar’s strict stance on protests
Unlike in democratic countries, Qatar has strict regulations prohibiting unauthorized demonstrations and public gatherings, especially those with political motives. The advisory from the Philippine Embassy serves as a warning to Filipinos in the Gulf state to avoid engaging in any activities that could violate these laws.
Filipino embassies in other regions may follow suit with similar advisories as Duterte’s legal battle at the ICC unfolds. Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte has criticized her father’s arrest, calling it an affront to national sovereignty, while human rights groups have hailed it as a long-overdue step toward justice.
