Amid the threats by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to withhold their remittances in protest of the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte, Malacañang said the government was not their enemy.

“It’s better for all OFWs that we are not enemies. We are on the same side, we are all Filipinos,” Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a briefing on Wednesday.

Castro urged OFWs to remain calm and level-headed before making decisions that could impact their families.

“They should stay vigilant and avoid believing fake news because if they are swayed by such calls and activities against the government, not only will the government be affected but also their families,” she said.

Based on the comments on social media, Castro said the majority of OFWs were unlikely to heed the call, prioritizing their families instead.

No info on movement’s origins

Malacañang said it had not received any official communication or details regarding the boycott movement.

“If someone is instigating it, we probably don’t have personal knowledge of it, nor has there been any official communication regarding it reaching the Palace,” Castro said.

She speculated the movement was simply a form of protest by former President Duterte’s supporters.

No legal action vs OFWs

Castro said the government will not pursue legal action, such as charges of inciting to sedition, against OFWs even if their protest could potentially harm the economy.

“This could harm the economy, but as of now we don’t see any cases we would file. We’re not in that situation yet,” she said.

Meanwhile, Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile warned OFWs their actions could provoke countermeasures.

“Whoever advised OFWs to suspend the remittance of their earnings should think very carefully about the adverse consequences of that advice,” Enrile said.

He suggested that Congress might reconsider the OFWs’ privileges in retaliation, including removing the tax benefits of those who refuse to send remittances to their families.

Enrile explained that OFWs currently enjoy tax perks, including exemptions from travel taxes, airport fees and documentary stamp taxes on remittances. They also do not need to file income tax returns.

Additionally, passports, which OFWs require to work and travel abroad, are granted under laws enacted by Congress.

“Congress granted these privileges through laws, and I earnestly suggest our OFWs carefully consider this advice before they get burned by it,” he added.

Support for OFWs’ choices

Castro emphasized that Enrile’s statements were reminders of the benefits OFWs receive from the government and were not intended as a threat.

“It is the OFWs’ choice whether to send remittances or not. We will not hinder them in whatever they decide. But once again, we call on OFWs to remember that the government is not your enemy, we are your allies. Be vigilant and differentiate fake news from the truth,” she said.

Marcos aware of situation

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has been briefed on the situation, Castro said, adding that Malacañang will allow OFWs to analyze the situation before they reconsider their decision.

“We don’t think they will be swayed by such calls, as their own families will be directly affected,” she said.

Earlier, OFWs in Croatia called for a “zero remittance week” from 28 March to 4 April, coinciding with Duterte’s 80th birthday. They appealed to Marcos to bring Duterte home from The Hague where he is facing charges related to his administration’s war on drugs.

Chiz defends OFWs

Meanwhile, Senate President Francis Escudero opposed any retaliation against OFWs who will support the “zero remittance week” protest.

He acknowledged that it is OFWs’ legal right to protest but warned it could harm the economy and affect their families who rely on the remittances for their sustenance.

Escudero said Enrile’s warning that Congress could retaliate by revoking OFWs’ privileges would require full congressional involvement and could not happen during their recess.

He emphasized the government should focus on understanding the situation and engaging with the OFWs calmly, rather than resorting to retaliation.

“The proper response is to broaden our understanding, accept the situation, and encourage them to find other ways to express their views,” he said.