Sen. Francis Tolentino
Hosting Afghan refugees shows PH respect for humanity, and for international obligations
SENATE Majority Leader Francis ‘Tol’ Tolentino have manifested before the plenary his support to the temporary relocation of a limited number of Afgan refugees in the Philippines while awaiting resettlement to the United States.
Tolentino pointed out the Philippines has historically welcomed refugees, including Jews and Russians during World War II and South Vietnamese during the Vietnam War, demonstrating its commitment to international humanitarian principles and laws.
“As a state party to the 1951 UN Convention relating to the status of refugees and its 1967 protocol, as well as the 1954 UN Convention relating to the status of stateless persons, and the 1961 Convention on the Reduction of Statelessness, the Philippines recognizes the importance of providing protections to individuals fleeing persecution, conflict, and violence. These international instruments establish the rights of refugees and responsibilities of nations to protect them,” Tolentino said during the plenary.
“I trust that this decision is in line with our nation’s values of compassion, solidarity, and international cooperation. This representation is in full support of the hosting of the refugees in the Philippines as a compassionate and solidarity-driven initiative.”
Under the agreement, the US government will be providing essential services like food, housing, security, medical care, and transportation to Afghan evacuees temporarily residing in the Philippines.
An initial 300 Afghans are expected to come to the Philippines and stay in the country for the processing of their Special Immigrant Visas and final resettlement in the US.
Tolentino also told his colleagues shortly before the Senate adjourned its plenary session on Wednesday night that these Afghans will be housed in a secluded facility.
“Ang pupunta po dito ay Afghan refugees. Sila po ay persecuted sa kanilang lugar. It is crucial to note that we are…in full support of the hosting of the refugees in the Philippines,” he said.
Tolentino said the move shows the Philippines’ respect for humanity and for international obligations.
He also reminded his colleagues that just as the Philippines wants overseas Filipinos to be treated with well in other countries, he hopes the country carries on its tradition of helping refugees.
“Ang atin pong mga OFWs ay nakatira sa iba’t ibang bansa at sila po ay ginagalang ng mga host countries. Sana po ipagpatuloy natin ang tradisyon na, na pagkalinga sa mga refugees na kinakawawa, inaapi sa kanilang lugar,” Tolentino concluded.
