KABAYAN PARTYLIST REP. RON SALO SUPPORTS PBBM's STANCE ON POSSIBLE MANDATORY REPATRIATION OF OFW's FROM LEBANON

KABAYAN PARTYLIST REP. RON SALO SUPPORTS PBBM's STANCE ON POSSIBLE MANDATORY REPATRIATION OF OFW's FROM LEBANON

KABAYAN Partylist Rep. Ron Salo expressed his support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s approach in addressing the possible mandatory repatriation of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) from Lebanon. 

The President clarified that the Philippine government has not yet ordered such a measure and emphasized that the decision will rely on assessments from Philippine officials in the Middle East, particularly the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

“We fully trust the expertise and judgment of our embassy and DFA officials on the ground. They are in the best position to evaluate the safety of our kababayans and to determine the appropriate timing of mandatory repatriation,” Salo said.

President Marcos underscored that any decision on repatriation will be based on the evolving situation in Lebanon, and he has entrusted the DFA and the Philippine embassy to make this critical decision.

Salo thanked the President for his unwavering concern for Filipino workers abroad. “We are deeply grateful to President Marcos for his steadfast compassion for our OFWs. His leadership ensures that the protection and welfare of our kababayans remain a top priority,” Salo said.

The congressman also called for an all-hands-on-deck approach, highlighting the importance of a coordinated government effort to prepare for any eventualities. “All of the government’s resources and efforts must be mobilized to protect our OFWs, and should mandatory repatriation become a must, we need act swiftly to bring them home safely,” he added.

Moreover, Salo urged that we also allow the repatriation of the Lebanese spouses and children of Filipinos, ensuring that families can stay together amid any crisis. “We must ensure that the repatriation of our kababayans includes their Lebanese spouses and children. It is crucial to protect the unity of their families during such challenging times,” Salo stressed.