Reelectionist Senator Francis Tolentino believes that the ‘Balikatan’ exercises conducted by the joint military forces of the United States and the Philippines could help ensure the protection of Filipino workers amid rising tensions between Taiwan and China.
In an exclusive interview on DZRH's Special on Saturday, Tolentino emphasized the need to prepare for potential conflict scenarios in Taiwan, highlighting the safety and welfare of the estimated 250,000 Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) residing there.
Amid discussions on the ongoing Balikatan military exercises, Tolentino urged the government to ensure that protection mechanisms are in place for Filipino nationals.
"Kung meron ngayon na magmumuong sigalot dapat protektahan ng gobyerno yung mga kababayan nating OFW sa Taiwan dahil malaking tulong sa ekonomiya," he claimed.
Tolentino lauded the significance of the Balikatan exercises, stating that even table-top simulations are a vital step toward preparedness.
He noted that, for the first time, not only the United States but also Japan and Australia will participate in the joint military drills.
“At sinasabi ko kahit ito po ay table-top exercises ay malaking tulong po ito,” he explained.
He also proposed the involvement of private civilian vessels—such as those operated by commercial shipping lines—to support evacuation and relief efforts in times of crisis.
“May karapatan ang National government ro requester vessels during crisis, emergencies situations, kagaya ng sigalot sa Taiwan,” Tolentino said, citing a potential conflict in Taiwan and China where the country's Navy and Coast Guard have insufficient ships to use. “ Itong mga ginagamit na papunta sa Visayas, sa MIndanao pag nangyari po yan malaking tulong dahil kumpleto naman yan may tulugan, may pagkain,” Tolentino added.
Additionally, he stressed the importance of planning and conducting dry-run repatriations in the event of a China-Taiwan conflict, which includes coordination with the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) and OFW organizations in Taiwan.
Meanwhile, Tolentino assured Filipino citizens that Taiwan is prepared for possible situations amid growing tensions, and emphasized that the Philippines continues to strengthen its defense partnerships and readiness for potential crises.
“Maging kalmado para mag-isip, prepared naman ang mga organizations doon,” he concluded.
