Escudero: We’ll ask DFA more details on PH housing Afghan refugees

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero (Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Francis Escudero said the upper chamber will seek additional details about the country’s temporary hosting of Afghans who are seeking to accomplish their Special Immigrant Visa applications for future resettlement to the United States.

In a press conference on Wednesday, Escudero said they will surely ask the Department of Foreign Affairs to (DFA) provide additional information on the matter.

“We will probably use the budget hearings to get the details on these matters from the DFA. The budget is an opportunity not only to charge but also to clarify the issues we face. And we will use that opportunity,” Escudero told reporters.

The senate chief said he did not see a proposed allocation under the National Expenditure Program targeted to fund this initiative.

READ: Philippines, US agree on ‘transit’ of Afghan nationals to Manila

To recall, the DFA said the agreement reached by the Philippines and US in terms of hosting Afghans in Manila will not push through unless it gains the approval of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Needs to be ratified

“The Agreement will need to be ratified by the President before it becomes effective,” DFA Spokesperson Teresita Daza simply told reporters in a text message on Tuesday.

While she did not disclose the exact number of Afghans to be hosted, Daza said it only covers a “limited number of applicants” for a “limited period.”

“Each applicant shall be authorized to stay in [the] Philippines for no more than 59 days,” she said.

“All applicants will be subject to full security vetting by Philippine authorities and should secure [an] appropriate entry visa prior to arrival, in accordance with Philippine laws and regulations. Notwithstanding the possession of a Philippine visa, the Bureau of Immigration retains full authority to exclude any applicant from entry into the Philippines as a result of the standard immigration examination upon arrival in the country,” she added.

According to Daza, all costs for the sustainment of the Afghans while in the Philippines will be shouldered by the US government.

This includes expenses for food, housing, security, medical, and transportation, among others.

Meanwhile, Daza detailed that all Afghans will be confined to “billet facility” for the duration of the processing of their Special Immigrant Visa applications by the US embassy in Manila.

Upholding humanitarian principles and laws

In a short manifestation delivered during Wednesday’s plenary session, Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino said the country’s actions not only show our kindness but also reflect its commitment to upholding humanitarian principles and laws.

“The Philippines recognizes the importance of providing protections to individuals fleeing persecution, conflict, and violence. These international instruments established the rights of refugees and the responsibilities of nations to protect them. I hope our decision aligns with these obligations ensuring that refugees are treated with dignity and respect while their claims are being processed,” said Tolentino.

For his part, Sen. Robin Padilla likewise manifested that there’s no need to fear the entry of Afghans in the country, pointing out that refugees are allies and not enemies.

“Terrorists and extremists like the Talibans are our enemy. The refugees we are accepting are the same ones who fought against terrorists and extremists in Afghanistan. And they are the other civilians stuck in the war. We are together in that war,” said Padilla.

In the same breath, Padilla appealed to the Philippine government to ease its policy and allow Palestinians with Filipino wives who have been expelled due to the war in Gaza to settle down in the country.

“May we remain compassionate and humane. And we should not judge. While there may be a war going on in that part of the world, it doesn’t mean those coming here are terrorist. Let’s remember, they are fellow Muslims, just like the ones here living peacefully,” he emphasized.