Senate Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano is pushing for the creation of a National Contingency Framework, warning that global conflicts and economic disruptions could put millions of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) at risk.

Cayetano raised the concern in Senate Resolution No. 343, which urges the Executive Branch to establish a national framework and develop a comprehensive National Contingencies Plan to strengthen the country’s preparedness for major domestic and international crises.

“Instabilities, armed conflict, and war directly affect the welfare and employment of millions of OFWs across the Middle East and other regions, potentially affecting the livelihoods of millions of Filipino families dependent on remittances,” he said.

Under the measure, the government is urged to craft within fifteen (15) days a contingency plan that would allow the Philippines to anticipate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from large-scale crises through a whole-of-government and whole-of-nation approach.

The senator noted that millions of OFWs are deployed in various parts of the world, many of them in regions vulnerable to political and economic disruptions, making their safety and livelihood a national concern during times of crisis.

An establishment of an efficient framework, he explained, would help ensure that government agencies can coordinate quickly and effectively during crises affecting Filipinos abroad.

Citing data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), Cayetano emphasized that total cash remittances from OFWs reached a record $35.63 billion in 2025, emphasizing their significant contribution to the national economy.

Because of this, the senator said the government must ensure that Filipinos working overseas are protected and supported during emergencies, including situations that may require evacuation, repatriation, or economic assistance.

“It highlights not just the gravity of the economic benefits that they selflessly bring to our nation, but also underscores the need for the State to reciprocate their sacrifices now more than ever, and protect them in times of crisis or uncertainty abroad,” he said.

Cayetano’s measure has drawn support from 22 other senators who signed on as co-authors and is expected to be formally sponsored on the Senate floor in the next session. ###