Press Release - Sen. Robin Eyes Bigger 2025 Budget for PH Embassy in Czech Republic

With 10,000 Filipino workers to be allowed to enter the Czech Republic yearly, the Philippine embassy there may need a bigger budget for 2025 to ensure their welfare - and Sen. Robinhood "Robin" C. Padilla vowed Saturday evening to push for this.

Padilla gave the promise during a Post-Arrival Orientation Seminar and Consular Outreach for overseas Filipino workers at the Imperial Hotel Ostrava, where he also cited the "equal pay" policy of the Czech government.

"Pagdating sa budget, hindi ko kayo kokontrahin... baka hingin pa natin na tumaas (When it comes to your budget for 2025, I will not air any objection. I may even ask for a bigger budget for you)," he said.

Following the state visit of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos Jr. to the Czech Republic last March, an agreement was forged to allow the entry of some 10,000 Filipino workers to the Czech Republic every year.

At present, there are at least 7,000 skilled Filipino workers who may avail of "equal pay" in the Czech Republic.

"Siyempre makakausap natin ang embassy natin, kung pupunta dito 10,000 (na manggagawa), mas marami dapat sa embassy. Dapat magdagdag ang DFA ng tao dito (We will talk to our embassy - if 10,000 Filipinos can enter the Czech Republic every year, the embassy will need more personnel. The Department of Foreign Affairs should have more people)," Padilla said.

During the meeting, Padilla sang songs to the delight of the OFWs at the meeting. He sang "Kumusta Ka" by Freddie Aguilar; "Wonderful Tonight" by Eric Clapton; and "Can't Help Falling In Love" by Elvis Presley.

Meanwhile, Padilla hailed the strong and deep ties between the Philippines and Czech Republic, even as he voiced optimism the bond will continue to grow.

Padilla, who visited the Czech Republic to observe how it regulates the use of medical cannabis, noted that while diplomatic ties between the two countries started on Oct. 5, 1973, their relationship dates back to the 19th century.

"The Philippines commits to further deepening its relationship by fostering economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and strategic partnerships with the Czech Republic," he said in a resolution expressing the sense of the Senate in