Senate Committee on Migrant Workers Chairperson Senator Raffy Tulfo expressed concern over the situation of Filipinos in Taiwan amid the escalating tensions between Taiwan and China due to Beijing’s military drills.
As such, Tulfo immediately contacted Cheloy Garafil, the Chairperson and Resident Representative of the Manila Economic & Cultural Office (MECO) in Taiwan, to inquire about their contingency plan in case of an attack there.
Garafil mentioned that there are 80,000 “shelters” in Taiwan that Filipinos could seek refuge in if needed. These shelters can accommodate up to 40 million people.
She further stated that the number of shelters is more than enough, as Taiwan’s total population is only about 23 million, with over 200,000 Filipinos, including OFWs, professionals, and students.
Garafil assured that these shelters are available in various parts of Taiwan and that people there have access to an online application where they can find the nearest shelter to stay in.
The legislator also asked Garafil if they are prepared for the possible repatriation of Filipinos in Taiwan.
Garafil said they have already identified exit points in case of chaos in the country, and all means of transportation are ready to bring Filipinos back home. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), she said, have also assured them that they are prepared to arrange aircraft and ships to dock at the ports there.
Likewise, the lawmaker also contacted Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac, who confirmed that they have been preparing for this scenario for two years, in coordination with the AFP and various government agencies.
Cacdac added that they already have a contingency manual with a whole-of-government approach, and they have allies who are ready to assist in times of need.
The senator’s office also continues to coordinate with the AFP for their preparations for potential events.
Because of this situation, he believes that the Philippines should strengthen its defense by allocating 5% of the country’s GDP towards military modernization.
“Sa Singapore nalang halimbawa, na malayong mas maliit ang land area kumpara sa Pilipinas, naglalaan sila ng hanggang 6% ng kanilang GDP para sa kanilang military spending. Kaya sana ay huwag magpadalos-dalos ang China sa nangyayari ngayon sa pagitan nila at ng Taiwan, at huwag din sanang madamay ang Pilipinas sa anuman ang kanilang pinaplano,” Tulfo said.
“Tulad ng sinabi ng Malacañang, karapatan ng Pilipinas na dumepensa kapag kinailangan, at mas lalong lalaki ang problema ng Tsina kapag napilitan ang US na panindigan ang kanilang Mutual Defense Treaty sa pagitan nila at ng ating bansa kung sakali mang dinamay nila ang Pilipinas,” he added.
“Sana ay maging mahinahon ang lahat,” Tulfo concluded.
