MANILA – The overseas Filipino workers’ (OFWs) plan to have a “zero remittance week” to protest the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte would have repercussions beyond the government, Malacañang warned.
According to Presidential Communications Office’s Undersecretary Claire Castro, the remittance halt will hurt especially families dependent on financial support from their loved ones abroad.
“Kung hindi po sila magre-remit ng kanilang mga maaaring ipadala sa mga pamilya nila, hindi lamang po gobyerno ang maaapektuhan, pati ang kanilang mga pamilya,” Castro said in a media briefing at the Malacañang Palace.
Castro also appealed for calm and understanding from OFWs, saying that the government is just enforcing the law.
“Of course, mas gugustuhin po natin na maging mahinahon ang bawat Pilipino sa ganitong klaseng isyu. Sana po ay malaman din po nila na ang pamahalaan at ang gobyerno ay tumutupad lamang sa ating batas,” Castro said.
She added: “Sana ay maging patas din po sila sa kanilang pananaw para po maibsan ‘no ang anumang puwedeng kahinatnan ng kanilang gagawin.”
Duterte was taken into custody on March 11 upon his return from a trip to Hong Kong, amid speculation regarding the issuance of an ICC warrant for his arrest.
The warrant issued by the ICC alleges that during his presidency, Duterte established, financed, and equipped death squads responsible for the killings of alleged drug users and dealers.
On the same day, the former President was transported to The Hague in the Netherlands to confront accusations of crimes against humanity related to his controversial anti-drug campaign.
On March 14, Duterte participated in a hearing via video link before ICC judges, which the Palace described as a “fair trial”. He is scheduled to appear at a hearing on September 23 to address the charges brought against him./PN
