Malacañang assured overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) on Wednesday that the government has no plans to revoke their tax privileges.
Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile earlier warned those planning to mount a “zero remittance week” to protest ex-president Rodrigo Duterte’s arrest and said the move could cost overseas Filipino workers their tax perks.
The pro-Duterte group Maisug Croatia in Europe announced a zero-remittance campaign from March 28 to April 4 to demand the return of Duterte to the Philippines.
Enrile said such activities could trigger government countermeasures, raising concerns about the possible suspension of OFW tax exemptions.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro however said the government remains committed to supporting OFWs, not burdening them.
“The government helps OFWs. We are not against them,” Castro said.
“Chief Legal Counsel Enrile was simply reminding them of the assistance they receive from the government. We will not suppress their rights or decisions regarding their remittances, as long as they follow the law,” she added.
When asked whether President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had been briefed on the matter, Castro confirmed his awareness but clarified that no legal action was being considered.
“The President knows about this issue, especially after Chief Legal Counsel Enrile’s remarks. However, there are no legal moves at the moment because we trust that OFWs will assess the situation on their own,” Castro said.
OFWs contribute significantly to the Philippine economy through their remittances, which amounted to $38.34 billion in 2024, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
Their tax privileges are part of the government’s long-standing support for overseas workers, recognizing their economic contributions.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “PCO assures OFWs: No plans to revoke tax privileges amid Enrile’s remarks.”