Malacañang has called on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to remain calm following reports of a planned “zero remittance week” protest organized by a group seeking the return of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The group, identified as Maisug Croatia in Europe, is reportedly encouraging OFWs to stop sending money to the Philippines from March 28 to April 4 as a form of protest. The move, if widely followed, could significantly affect the country’s economy, given that remittances from OFWs are a key driver of national growth.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro responded to the campaign on Tuesday, acknowledging the concerns but reminding the public that due legal processes are in place.
“We urge everyone to remain calm and respect the legal system. The government is simply following the rule of law,” Castro said.
She also reminded the public that complaints against Duterte have been formally filed, and that it’s important to view the issue objectively.
“There are fellow Filipinos who have also filed complaints against former President Duterte. We hope people consider both sides before acting,” she added.
Castro warned that withholding remittances could hurt not just the government, but also the OFWs’ families who depend on their financial support.
“It’s not just the government that would be affected. Their own families will feel the impact,” she said.
Remittances from OFWs remain a major pillar of the Philippine economy, helping sustain millions of households and injecting billions of dollars annually into the country.
