President Ferdinand Marcos has instructed the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to prioritize the safety and welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), including those in Taiwan, amidst the ongoing tension between China and Taiwan.
"He (Marcos) has given the general order na always watch out for the safety and welfare of all OFWs, including in Taiwan," DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers' Affairs Jose de Vega said.
He reiterated the President's directive during a recent briefing, emphasizing that the Philippines is a peaceful country and has no intention of engaging in offensive military actions.
De Vega also stated that the government has not received any reports of OFWs expressing distress or wanting to return home due to the tension between China and Taiwan.
However, a contingency plan has been put in place in case hostilities arise.
The Manila Economic and Culture Office (MECO) in Taipei and Kaohsiung, which serves as the Philippines' de facto embassy in Taiwan in the absence of diplomatic ties, is in contact with Filipino community leaders.
Employers are also required to have plans in place for their workers in the event of hostilities.
MECO's functions are non-political and non-security in nature, following the One-China policy that recognizes the People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate government of China.
Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian earlier advised the country to oppose Taiwan's independence and avoid stoking the fire by offering the United States access to military bases near the Taiwan Strait if it had a concern about the 150,000 Filipino workers employed in Taiwan.
However, he immediately clarified that his statement has been misquoted and misinterpreted.
