Legal Assistance Available for OFWs Facing Criminal Charges through AKSYON Fund

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) reaffirmed its commitment to provide legal and welfare assistance to overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) facing criminal charges or arrests abroad, under the Assistance to Nationals (AKSYON) Fund. 

In line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to uphold the safety and welfare of OFWs, DMW Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac emphasized that protocols are in place to support distressed Filipinos overseas. These include legal representation, jail visits, and financial aid under the AKSYON Fund.

“Sa mahal naming mga OFWs at OFW families, makakasiguro po kayo ng tapat na serbisyo at mga programa para po sa inyong kapakanan sa ilalim ng Marcos Administration. Kabilang na po dito ang legal, medical, at financial assistance sa pamamagitan ng AKSYON Fund,” Cacdac said. 

Cacdac cited the recent case of 17 Filipinos in Qatar, whose charges of illegal assembly were dropped following coordinated legal support. He also addressed questions raised by Senator Imee Marcos during a Senate hearing on April 10, 2025, about the availability of due process and support mechanisms for OFWs under arrest, citing government lawyers and legal retainers ready to act immediately.

The AKSYON Fund complements the Legal Assistance Fund (LAF) under the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act, and currently supports over 1,198 active legal cases. Cacdac added that repatriation agreements are in place for those serving sentences abroad, depending on treaties with host countries. 

“Palagi pong pakatandaan na nandito ang ating gobyerno, ang ating Pangulo na patuloy na nagpapaalala sa amin na pangalagaan ang ating mga OFWs, lalo na sa panahon ng matindi nilang pangangailangan,” Cacdac concluded.

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