THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) asked the more than 100,000 Filipino migrant workers in Greece to prepare for any eventuality, while extending the Philippine government’s hand to assist those who might need help.
The offer was made through Spokesman Charles Jose, addressed to the 61,500 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and 50,000 seafarers who are caught amid Greece’s tumultuous referendum.
“With regard to Greece, the DFA and the embassy in Athens are continuously monitoring the situation in Greece for any eventuality, the embassy is prepared to extend any assistance to any OFW,” Jose said at a news briefing.
In a referendum conducted on Sunday, Greek voters rejected a bailout package by the country’s international creditors, which requires the struggling Mediterranean country to adopt new austerity measures in return for emergency funds.
Over 61 percent of Greeks voted against the deal, while less than 39 percent voted in favor. The result of the referendum is considered a major victory for Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tspiras, who had campaigned heavily against the deal put forward by the European Central Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the European Commission.
But it also raises uncertainty about the country’s financial future and its place in the euro zone. Greek is indebted to many European countries, and particularly to Germany and France.
“We still have to see the full implications of the referendum,” Jose added.
Ask what would happen if many of the migrant workers would opt to return to the country, Jose said that would be the concern of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.