Imee Marcos seeks stronger help for undocumented Filipinos in US

Imee Marcos seeks stronger support for undocumented Filipinos in US

By: - Reporter / @zacariansINQ
/ 10:30 AM November 11, 2024

Imee Marcos seeks stronger support for undocumented Filipinos in US

Sen. Imee Marcos | FILE PHOTO/Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau

MANILA, Philippines — Senator Imee Marcos on Monday called on the national government to strengthen protection of undocumented Filipinos in the US, as well as boost defense capabilities and relations with neighboring countries.

Marcos, who chairs the Senate committee on foreign relations, made the call in response to Donald Trump’s win in the 2024 US presidential elections.

Article continues after this advertisement

“The Philippines must act now to secure our people, strengthen our defenses, and ensure we’re prepared for any shifts in global dynamics,” said Marcos in a statement.

FEATURED STORIES

READ: How Trump’s mass deportation plan will impact undocumented Filipinos

Marcos pointed out that with Trump’s win, over 200,000 undocumented Filipinos now face the threat of mass deportation.

Article continues after this advertisement

She emphasized the need for expanded reintegration programs, which includes skills training, livelihood support and direct assistance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Department of Labor and Employment and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Article continues after this advertisement

However, the senator pointed out that under the 2025 National Expenditure Program, the DSWD only has sufficient funding for 4,152 distressed and undocumented overseas Filipinos next year.

Article continues after this advertisement

Meanwhile, the DFA was only able to assist 72,206 overseas Filipinos last year.

READ: Better for undocumented Filipinos in US to leave than be deported – envoy

Article continues after this advertisement

“We need a plan for these families who may be forced to come home,” Marcos said.

Marcos also stressed the need for the country to fast-track the Self-Reliant Defense Posture initiative, a program aimed at manufacturing defense equipment locally and lessening dependence on foreign suppliers.

This, she said, would allow the Philippines to be more independent in terms of national defense.

“In the end, no matter how many and how strong our allies are, we can only depend on ourselves, the Filipinos, to defend the Philippines,” Marcos said.

Meanwhile, she also noted how the country would now have to further collaborate with its neighbors in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) to address the potential shifts in US foreign policy.

“Now is the time to step up in Asean, to strengthen our relations with our neighbors and engage regional powers, so that our interests are safeguarded,” she said.

According to Marcos, the Asean should follow the example of Europe’s reassessment of its stance on various policies influenced by changes in the US administration.

Meanwhile, to alleviate tensions in the West Philippine Sea, Marcos also urged the national government to initiate bilateral discussions with each claimant in the disputed area.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

“There is no other way to maintain peace and stability in the West Philippine Sea but to talk to each claimant,” Marcos said.

TAGS: Imee Marcos, US

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.