Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile has called on Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) to thoroughly consider the implications of their planned "zero remittance week" in protest of the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, Enrile warned that as a consequence of the movement, OFW tax privileges could be suspended if Congress decides to take such action.
"As I said before. for every action there is always a possible counter action. If such an advice is followed by some OFWs, what will happen should Congress, for instance, retaliates and cancel or also suspend the tax privileges of the OFWs that follow the advice?" said Enrile.
Enrile further explained that OFWs benefit from various exemptions, such as being income tax-free on earnings abroad, exempt from travel taxes and airport fees, and free from documentary stamp taxes on remittances.
They are also not required to file income tax returns. He then emphasized that such privileges were granted by laws passed by Congress.
"I earnestly suggest to our OFWs to study carefully that advice to them before they get burned by it," he added.
Enrile's response came after the announcement of the zero remittance week by the OFW group Maisug Croatia, which is set to run from March 28, Duterte’s birthday, to April 4.
Meanwhile, during a press briefing at Malacañang, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro urged Duterte's supporters to remain calm and consider the potential consequences of their actions.
"Mas gugustuhin po natin na maging mahinahon ang bawat Pilipino sa ganitong klaseng isyu. Sana po ay malaman din po nila na ang pamahalaan, ang gobyerno ay tumutupad lamang sa ating batas," Catro explained.
"May mga Pilipino rin naman po na nagreklamo, nag-file ng complaint laban sa dating Pangulong Duterte. Sana’y maging patas rin sila sa kanilang pananaw para maibsan ang anumang pwedeng kahinatnan ng kanilang gagawin," she added.
She further noted that the non-remittance of OFWs would affect not only the government, but also the families they support in the Philippines.
Remittances from OFWs are one of the key contributors to the country's economy, particularly in terms of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
This is not the first time overseas workers have carried out a non-remittance protest. In 2013, several OFW organizations also observed a "zero remittance day" to protest the improper use of pork barrel funds.
