Ouch! PH to lose P7.4-B remittances if Pinoy caregivers, nurses flee amid Israel-Hamas war, says solon

(Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)

The raging conflict between Israeli forces and Hamas rebel fighters could end up being costly for the Philippines.

According to Surigao del Sur 2nd district Rep. Johnny Pimentel, the country risks losing some P7.4 billion in cash remittances from thousands of migrant Filipino workers, mostly caregivers and private duty nurses, in the event of an escalation in the war.

“Our best estimate is that Filipino workers in Israel send to their families here in the Philippines around $131 million (or P7.4 billion) in cash transfers on an annual basis,” Pimentel said on Monday, Oct. 16.

“The ballpark figure covers dollars coursed through bank as well as non-bank remittance channels,” Pimentel said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) earlier reported that three Filipinos workers – a 33-year-old female nurse from Pangasinan, a 42-year-old male caregiver from Pampanga, and a 49-year-old female caregiver from Negros Occidental – have been killed in Hamas attacks against Israel.

Pimentel offered condolences to the families of the three Filipinos. “Our hearts go out to their loved ones,”

The compulsory repatriation of Filipinos in Israel “is still not being recommended” despite the three deaths, according to the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv. — Ellson Quismorio