Acidre urges Roque to aid arrested OFWs with legal expertise

Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre urged former presidential spokesman Harry Roque to provide legal assistance to Filipino workers arrested in Qatar rather than making appeals to authorities.

Acidre noted that while the government is assisting detained OFWs and Vice President Sara Duterte has offered help, Roque's expertise as an international lawyer could be more effective if used for direct legal aid or crowdfunding due to his current inability to travel.

Qatari authorities arrested 20 Filipinos in March for participating in unauthorized political demonstrations supporting former president Rodrigo Duterte; three minors were released and 16 remain in custody.

The Philippine government has deployed embassy officials to coordinate with Qatari authorities and arrange legal counsel for those facing potential charges, as unauthorized gatherings can lead to imprisonment of up to three years.

Acidre emphasized that Roque's network could be instrumental in raising funds to help OFWs cover expensive legal fees abroad, stressing the need for collaboration rather than individual efforts.