During a recent briefing at the office of the President of the Philippines on Tuesday, March 12, Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo De Vega highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting all Filipinos overseas, irrespective of their gender identity. He addressed a recent incident involving Filipino transgender women in Bangkok, Thailand, emphasizing the government’s responsibility to ensure the well-being of its citizens abroad.
Reflecting on the resolution of the situation, De Vega remarked, “So, all’s well that ends well,” underscoring the importance of amicable resolutions in such matters. He reiterated the government’s stance on inclusivity, stating, “That was of course an interesting topic but we are friends and the Filipino government takes care of all our nationals abroad whatever their gender identity is.”
In the course of the briefing, De Vega also announced the renaming of his office from the Office of the Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs to the Office of the Undersecretary for Migration Affairs. This adjustment, he clarified, aligns with the broader scope of his office’s mandate, which extends beyond migrant workers to encompass all Filipinos living abroad.
Explaining the expanded role of his office, De Vega emphasized its responsibility to assist all Filipinos overseas, not limited solely to migrant workers. He highlighted the recent case of three Filipino transgender women who faced legal issues in Bangkok, noting that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Philippine Embassy in Bangkok had facilitated their return to Manila, including the settlement of fines imposed by the Thai court.
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