MALACAÑANG has dismissed as “fake news” Vice President Sara Duterte’s allegation that the government is failing to assist overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in distress.
Duterte earlier criticized President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., urging him to prioritize checking on “detained, distressed, abandoned, or neglected” Filipinos abroad who she claimed had not received any welfare support from the government.
In a Palace briefing on Wednesday, Sept. 24, Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro refuted Duterte’s accusations, stressing that government agencies are fully addressing OFW concerns.
She noted that Migrant Workers Offices are present in countries with large Filipino communities to provide immediate assistance.
“All the needs of our fellow citizens abroad, especially the OFWs, are being attended to by our government, and that is also the directive of our President—that their concerns must be resolved immediately,” Castro said.
Citing records from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Castro said the agency has responded to “100 percent” of requests for help from Filipinos overseas.
She also highlighted that the DMW has a quick response team that coordinates with local police authorities in host countries if urgent rescue operations are needed.
“This statement by the Vice President that nothing is being done to help OFWs is another fake news,” Castro added.
Duterte’s remarks came after she objected to the reported “welfare check” conducted by Philippine Embassy officials in The Hague on her father, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
She alleged that President Marcos ordered the visit. The Palace declined to comment on the matter, saying the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will respond to queries regarding the incident.