Duterte orders use of COVID funds for stranded OFWs

President Duterte ordered all-out efforts to bring home stranded Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) using COVID-19 funds and available government transportation.

As of May 28, more than 19,000 OFWs have been sent home, with about 5,000 still waiting to be transported to their home provinces.

The government anticipates the arrival of an additional 40,000 OFWs by the end of June.

To manage the influx and prevent a repeat of the perceived disorderly process, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has organized a 24/7 operational command center to centralize data and information on repatriated OFWs.

All returning OFWs are required to undergo a 14-day quarantine and COVID-19 testing before being allowed to return home, though some have complained about delays in test results and clearances.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III apologized for any inconvenience caused by prolonged quarantine and delayed results, stating that while they have no control over testing and clearances, they will strive to do better.