Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) have voiced their strong disapproval of the arrest and transfer of former President Rodrigo Duterte to The Hague, the Netherlands, as well as the Philippine government’s cooperation with Interpol.

As a result, OFWs, particularly the Maisug Croatia group, have organized a protest by calling for a “zero remittance week” from 28 March to 4 April to coincide with Duterte’s 80th birthday.

Erwin, an OFW based in Croatia, confirmed the protest and explained the dates were chosen to mark the birthday of Duterte, whom many OFWs hold in high regard.

“I confirm that OFWs will begin a zero remittance week on the 80th birthday of our beloved former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, from 28 March until 4 April,” said Erwin, who did not give his last name, in a statement.

Erwin also appealed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., urging him to bring Duterte back to the Philippines.

“I hope our present respected President, His Excellency President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., will hear us OFWs. Please send our beloved President Duterte back home,” he said.

This isn’t the first time OFWs have used their financial power to stage a protest.

In 2013, OFWs organized a “Zero Remittance Day” to protest government corruption and the pork barrel system. The coordinated action saw OFWs in Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Macau, New Zealand, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Libya, the UAE, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland, the UK, Canada and the United States withholding their remittances to express their dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of public funds.

The World Bank has reported that the Philippines ranks fourth among the top remittance-receiving countries, with over US$30 million transmitted through formal banking channels in 2024.

Remittances from OFWs have long been one of the top contributors to the Philippine economy and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), making the protest impactful.

Keep calm, Palace urges

In a press briefing, Malacañang spokesperson Undersecretary Claire Castro responded to the protest, urging OFWs and Filipinos worldwide to remain level-headed and understanding.

“Of course, we would prefer that every Filipino be calm in this issue. I hope they also know that the government is only following our laws,” Castro said.

She emphasized that the Philippine government’s actions were legal and within the bounds of law, as Duterte’s arrest was based on a warrant of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Castro called for fairness in the ongoing debate, urging those critical of Duterte’s transfer to The Hague to remain open to the legal processes at hand.

On the other hand, “I also ask those who have filed complaints against former President Duterte to be fair with their beliefs and be open to any possible outcomes,” she said.

Castro pointed out that stopping remittances would affect not only the government but also the OFWs’ families, who rely heavily on their support.

“If they don’t remit what they send to their families, not only the government will be affected, but also their families,” she said.

Duterte remains popular with OFWs due to his administration’s policies, which they said improved their welfare.

Some notable policies included the extension of the validity of passports, the removal of the overseas employment certificate (OEC) requirement for returning workers to the same employer and job site, and the creation of the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), which consolidated the agencies addressing OFW concerns.

Duterte is currently detained in The Hague, facing charges of crimes against humanity for his role in the controversial war on drugs.

The Philippines, which is no longer a member of the ICC, adhered to the warrant of arrest based on its obligation to Interpol.

ICC thanks Phl

Malacañang continues to defend the arrest, stating that it was in compliance with international law.

The government has consistently asserted that Duterte’s arrest was legal, despite criticism from opponents who claim it was a violation of Philippine sovereignty and an overreach by a foreign body.

In response, ICC spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah expressed gratitude for the cooperation of the Philippine authorities, acknowledging that even though the Philippines is no longer a member, the crimes allegedly committed during the country’s membership still fall under ICC jurisdiction.

Talk has resurfaced about the Philippines rejoining the ICC, but Castro noted President Marcos has not discussed the matter publicly.

When asked about the issue, Castro said the President only smiled and indicated that there have been no formal discussions about rejoining the ICC.

Freezing Duterte’s assets

Regarding a potential freeze of Duterte’s assets, Castro said the Philippine government would not be bound by an order, as the ICC has no jurisdiction over the Philippines’ domestic affairs.

“If there is a freeze order on Duterte’s assets, it would still be up to the Philippine courts to decide what will happen to his benefits as a former president,” Castro said.

Duterte is entitled to a pension of P96,000 annually as a former president under Republic Act 5059, which was amended by Executive Order No. 145 in 1986.

Castro also said that if the ICC were to issue an asset freeze order, it would be evaluated by the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC).

AMLC Executive Director Matthew David confirmed the council would evaluate any requests in accordance with the law.

“We assure the public the AMLC will continue to discharge its duties in accordance with the law and established procedures,” David said.