Duterte urges Congress to hold special sessions to tackle OFWs’ welfare in Middle East

The House of Representatives PHOTO/INQUIRER.net 

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday called on Congress to hold special sessions to discuss the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East amid rising tensions between the US and Iran.

“I suggest that Congress even for about, bahala kung one or two days, discuss the problems, the ramifications,” Duterte said during the signing ceremony of the 2020 national budget.

The President said this after he expressed concern for the OFWs in the Middle East who might be affected by the possible escalation of hostilities in the region.

Duterte said Finance Secretary Carlos “Sonny” Dominguez III told him the government has “unlimited funds” if it is meant to save the life of Filipinos.

“I was tinkering the idea of calling special session sa Congress. Sonny Dominguez says we have unlimited funds for that. He says we have the money if it spells the difference between the life and death of Filipinos,” Duterte said.

“We will buy, borrow, steal, nakawan natin yang Central Bank mismo natin, if we have to do it, we will do it,” he added.

The President on Sunday had an emergency meeting with top military and police officials and tasked them to evacuate OFWs should hostilities in the Middle East erupt and endanger their lives.